ELITERATE : Journal of English Linguistics and Literature Studies

Vol 3 (1) 2023

ANALYSIS OF FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE IN SONG LYRICS

"MAKE IT RIGHT" AND "PERMISSION TO DANCE" BY BTS
Adilia Eka Agustina1, Yunitari Mustikawati2
123
Universitas Negeri Makassar
*Corresponding Email: yunitari@unm.ac.id

Abstract
This study's purpose is to examine the kinds of figurative language and the meaning contained in the
figurative language contained in the lyrics of the songs "Make It Right" and "Permission to Dance",
with reference to Griffiths (2006) on semantics for meaning and Knickerbocker and Renninger's (1963)
theoretical framework for figurative language. The researcher used a descriptive qualitative method in
conducting this research. The researcher found five types of figurative language and their meanings
contained in the lyrics of the songs "Make It Right" and "Permission To Dance," namely: metaphor,
simile, personification, hyperbole, and alliteration. The two types of figurative language most
commonly used by researchers are metaphor and simile. Based on the data obtained, 4 metaphors, 4
similes, 3 personifications, 2 hyperboles, and 1 alliteration were found. The most dominant figurative
languages are metaphor and simile. The meanings of these two songs are very different; it can also be
seen that these two songs have a different atmosphere even though the type of music is almost the same,
namely R&B remixes. In the song "Make It Right," they (BTS) are telling the beginning of their career
journey, which previously was that of ordinary singers that not many people knew about. While the
song Permission to Dance encourages fans to remain optimistic in the midst of a worldwide pandemic.

Keywords: Figurative Language, Meanings, Song Lyrics, BTS

INTRODUCTION
Figurative language itself is usually used to analyze the deeper meaning of words. In songs for
example, it is also used to make the lyrics sound more beautiful. The author uses figurative
language in this research to identify the problems contained in the lyrics of BTS songs.
The author is interested in analyzing a song's figurative language. Usually, individuals
listen to music without recognizing it, particularly if the lyrics include metaphorical language.
As a result, this research analyzes K-Pop (Korean Pop) music. The author has listened to a
variety of songs, including Indonesian and Western music, but finds that K-Pop songs are more
engaging to listen to. Additionally, K-pop songs are now popular globally and are enjoyed by
a large number of people. Readers or listeners may decipher the meaning of K-Pop song lyrics
by evaluating the song's metaphorical language. As a result, the author is highly interested in
undertaking this study since it will enable many people to become aware of the author's use of
figurative language in many works.
Bangtan Sonyeondan (BTS) is a South Korean boy band that has dominated the k-pop
scene since its debut in 2013. BTS is made up of seven men who work for the Big Hit
Entertainment agency: Kim Namjoon (known as RM), Kim Seokjin (known as Jin, and
nicknamed "World Wide Handsome"), Min Yoongi (known as Suga), Jung Hoseok (known as
J-Hope), Park Jimin (known as Jimin), Kim Taehyung (known as V), and Jeon Jungkook
(called Jungkook and nicknamed Golden Maknae). According to the official website of Big
Hit Entertainment, ibighit.com, BTS has a beneficial effect via every piece of work they
generate. BTS's works also express or transmit a variety of good sentiments. BTS has admirers
from all around the world who have dubbed themselves the "Army." This South Korean
company also delivers excellent results, one of which is by maintaining a continuous
connection and involvement with the ARMY. A song is a vocal composition that is performed
by an instrument or performer. Songs are an integral part of one's life, both personally and
professionally, because of music. It has an influence on individuals in a variety of ways,
including physical, emotional, behavioral, educational, and imaginative.

23
 ELITERATE : Journal of English Linguistics and Literature Studies
Vol 3 (1) 2023

In the modern era, many types of music are preferred among the public, especially among
teenagers who enjoy songs from other countries, such as BTS. They are very famous in terms
of the songs they make with figurative language that is very good to learn and analyze. The
study is focused on the analysis of the song lyrics “Make it Right” and "Permission to Dance"
by Korean singer-song writer BTS and was released on 19 April 2019 and 9 July 2021.
Although they are from Korea, they make full English songs without Korean lyrics.
In addition, elements of music, tone, theme, lyrics become an important element of the
beauty of a song. Not infrequently, lyrics can also affect the feelings of those who hear them.
The song also has a language used to communicate with others, conveying something using its
own meaning or with figurative language to embellish in the lyrics of the song. There are many
ways to express our feelings through language such as writing a song. In a song, we can also
gain knowledge by interpreting the language in the lyrics when we listen and explore the
deepest meaning of these lyrics. A lyric is an integral part of a song.
This study also investigates previously unstudied BTS songs, which is why it was
conducted. The goal of the research was to categorize the many forms of figurative language
used in the song by the well-known singer BTS and their individual meanings. The research
problem and object are a few of some of the differences between this study and others. Through
the use of figurative language, the songs "Make it Right" and "Permission to Dance"
communicate profound meaning, which is of great assistance to our research.
Petti John & Sacco Jr (2009) Talk about how songs convey information and communicate
with listeners in ways that are similar to how people talk to each other. According to the
definition above, a song is a poetry that incorporates music and lyrics. Its words are
metaphorical, and they are an intrinsic aspect of the music, which acts similarly to a tale or
interpersonal communication.
Based on the research background, the statements of the problems are formed into:
1.What types of figurative language are discovered in song lyrics "Make it Right"and "
Permission to Dance" by BTS?
2.What are the meanings of figurative languages discovered in song lyrics "Make it Right" and
" Permission to Dance" by BTS?
Review of related literature
Figurative Language
Figurative language is a mode of expression that does not depend on the literal or practical
meaning of a word. It is often used in comparison and exaggeration to give creative flair to
written or spoken language or to convey difficult concepts. Basically, figurative language
occurs whenever you expand the literal meaning of words for impact, whether to appear
creative, make jokes, or communicate more clearly and interestingly. Figurative language is an
approach often used in narrative writing, where the writer aims to inspire an emotional response
from the reader.
The concepts the author developed while conducting this study are discussed in this
chapter. Figurative language is any term or phrase that has an additional, hidden meaning.
Figurative language is employed in the majority of literary genres, including theater, poetry,
and song lyrics. Some songwriters want to obscure the meaning of their work in order to elicit
further thinking since the lyrics may occasionally mirror the writer's emotions. For instance,
inventiveness and metaphorical language are necessary while writing music lyrics. Figurative
languages come in many different varieties. Figurative language, which includes idioms,
metaphors, similes, euphemisms, synecdoche, and metonymy, is an important component
required to create literature. Figurative language includes the use of words that differ from the
original word meaning and phrases with a unique meaning not based on the actual meaning of
the words.

24
 ELITERATE : Journal of English Linguistics and Literature Studies
Vol 3 (1) 2023

Types of figurative language

Knickerbocker and Renninger (1963) According to their book, there are various different
categories of figurative language, including simile, metaphor, personification, symbolism,
irony, hyperbole, synecdoche, and metonymy.
Metaphor
A metaphor is a figure of speech in which the words "like" or "as" are omitted in order to make
an implied comparison between two items that are not the same.
Example : Him smile is the sunrise.
Hyperbole
A figure of speech called hyperbole is an exaggeration employed for dramatic effect.
Example : The person next to me spoke very loudly, as if they were talking through
loudspeaker.
Alliteration
Alliteration is a literary method in which a sequence of words has the same consonant sound.
It is used to highlight the point that the writer or speaker wants to convey.
Example : Claire, close your cluttered closet.
Irony
Irony is when a statement's implied meaning is totally different from its stated or apparent
meaning.
Example : A pilot has a fear of heights. ( This situation is ironic because airplane pilots spend
most of their time at work high in the air.)
Personification
Personification is a form of metaphor in which an inanimate object, animal, or abstract notion
is given human attributes in order to make it behave like a person. This gives life, vividness,
and immediacy to objects that are generally thought of as impersonal and distanced from
human matters.
Example : This city never sleeps.
Simile
The words "like" or "as" are used to initiate a simile, which is a comparison.
Example : My love for you is as deep as the ocean.
Symbolism
Symbolism in literature happens when a word has its own meaning yet stands in for something
completely different.
Example : A wedding ring represents the union and commitment of two individuals.
Metonymy
The phrase for anything that is closely related to something else is used to describe the first
using a metonymy.
Example : Heart (to refer to love or emotion )
Synecdoche
A piece of something is used to allude to something else entirely in a figure of speech known
as a synecdoche.
Example : Wheels (signifies a vehicle)
Semantics
According to Griffiths (2006) in Rusli (2010), the term "semantics" originates in the Greek
language, specifically "sema" or "semainen," which means to inform about meaning. Semantics
is concerned with how individuals perceive the meaning of words. People inform us about such
issues on a regular basis. What they see, hear, and feel is transmitted in various ways, so that
the hearers may become cognitions, actions, or events.

25
 ELITERATE : Journal of English Linguistics and Literature Studies
Vol 3 (1) 2023

Palmer (1988) offers another perspective, in which it is said that "semantics is the analysis
of meaning, and semantics also investigates symbols or signs that convey meaning, the
relationship of meaning to one another, and their influence on persons and society." Palmer
continues by stating that semantics is the study of word meanings and the meanings that are
derived from them in society. Additionally, semantics encompasses related fields like
anthropology and sociology. Anthropology examines how language exposes practical
information regarding the existence of the wearer's culture, while sociology examines how the
word conveys idiomatic information about the wearer's identity in society. Semantics not only
investigates subjective meaning, but also objective meaning and metaphorical language.
According to the statement above, semantics is the study of language's meaning, and
semantics is also a component of language's function in terms of comprehending the meaning
of words and phrases.
Song lyrics
According to Suharto (2004) Musical works are divided into two categories based on their
appearance, namely: instrumental music and music accompanied by lyrics or sometimes called
songs. A piece of music is called a song if only a series of existing melodies is complemented
by song texts (lyrics). The form is in the form of musical notation which is equipped with song
text. Song texts are arranged into a song. Instrumental music, on the other hand, is a song with
no subtitles.
The song text is an important factor of the music. A decent song lyric should be in sync
with the music of the song so that the listener is in a joyful and happy mood. On the contrary,
song words that are not exquisite and do not blend well with the melody flow or the song topic
will result in an undesirable song to listen to, with the potential to bore, upset, or even anger
the listener.
Song lyrics are the most significant component of a song. According to the Oxford
Dictionary (2014), song lyrics are the words of a song. A song might be lovely and beautiful
with simple music, but words are crucial to express the message the writer or composer wishes
to convey to the audience.
Song lyrics are often divided into verses and choruses. Certain songs even have a pre-
chorus and a bridge. Everything is meticulously planned out to elicit the song's emotions and
message. Essentially, listening to a song is one of the simplest methods to learn English, as it
contains a variety of vocabulary, phrases, and phrases. Additionally, you may learn the
pronunciation of a term.
Listening to music is a relaxing hobby. When individuals are upset, joyful, or in a foul
mood, music may serve as an outlet for their emotions. As we all know, music is incomplete
without a song. In music, a song is a composition for voice that is performed either alone or in
conjunction with a musical instrument. Songs are produced and sung for a variety of purposes
in every culture.

METHOD
This research is conducted using a descriptive qualitative approach, with the writer examining
and reporting the data of figurative language contained in the songs. According to Fraenkel and
Wallen (2012), the purpose of the descriptive approach is to provide an explanation, an
analysis, and a classification of an object or phenomenon by the use of numerous procedures,
such as a survey, interview, questionnaire, or test. On top of that, Fraenkel and Wallen's (2012)
definition of qualitative research is helpful. A qualitative study is "an investigation into the
quality of relationships, activities, circumstances, or materials," according to their definition of
qualitative research. Examples of qualitative methods include in-depth interviews, observing
real-world settings, and analyzing documents to draw conclusions.

26
 ELITERATE : Journal of English Linguistics and Literature Studies
Vol 3 (1) 2023

The focus of qualitative study is the phenomena in natural settings (Croker, 2009).
Additionally, this research was descriptive-analytical in nature. The descriptive research is
utilized to characterize the now occurring events. The researcher had no influence over the
variable, but yet reported on things that had happened or are happening. In addition, analytical
research necessitates that "the researcher must utilize accessible facts or information and
critically evaluate them".
Important details about the characteristics of the database are contained in the data source.
The song lyrics "Make it Right" and "Permission to Dance" by BTS were used as the source of
the data in this study. The two song lyrics used in this study, https://genius.com/Bts-
permission-to-dance-lyrics and https://genius.com/Genius-english-translations-bts-make-it-
right-english-translation-lyrics, are all from genius.com. Sentences, words, and phrases from
the music are used as written text coverage for the data. The South Korean boy band BTS is
the author of the song "Make It Right". On October 18, 2019, the second single from the EP
including the Lauv collaboration was made available in the expanded album Map of the Soul:
Persona. The song was written by Fred Gibson, Ed Sheeran, Benjy Gibson, Jo Hill, RM, Suga,
and J-Hope. While the South Korean boy band BTS performed the song "Permission to Dance."
On July 9, 2021, "Permission to Dance" was made available through Sony Music and Big Hit
Music. The song was written by Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid, Steve Mac, and Jenna Andrews;
Mac and Andrews oversaw production alongside Stephen Kirk.

FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION

Findings and discussion are the two sections that make up this chapter. The researcher gave all
the information she had gleaned from BTS's "Make it Right" and "Permission to Dance" songs
in the finding section. With support from the figurative language and semantic theories of
Knickerbocker and Renninger (1963) and Griffiths (2006), the researcher discussed the sort of
figurative language that was discovered in the songs and the meanings of figurative language
discovered in the songs.
The findings of the data analysis based on the study questions to locate the BTS songs
"Make it Right" and "Permission to Dance" were covered in this section. The researcher
provided explanations for the various types of figurative language found in the songs as well
as their intended meanings. In understanding the data, the researcher presented an explanation
and the finding data as follows:
Metaphor
Extract 1: “Cause we fall, we know how to land”
Minutes (00:51-00:52) Permission to Dance Song
This extract contains a metaphor. The songwriters employ a metaphor to compare fall with
land. This song is an upbeat song made to encourage the people to be hopeful during a global
epidemic. The lyrics are trying to reassure the public that everything will be fine even though
the road is not always smooth.
Extract 2: “This eternal night with no end in sight it’s you who gifted me the morning”
Minutes (02:17-02:18) Make it Right Song
This extract contains a metaphor in which the lyrics say, "the night of eternity did not end
so he gave a gift that is morning". which means that this person really needs other people to be
entertained, so that this person can be entertained from other people. this is known by the next
lyrics Now can I hold that hand.
Extract 3: “A little taller than I was before with a voice a little more solid”
Minutes (01:40-01:43) Make it Right Song
This extract contains a metaphor in which the lyrics say, "now they are taller than they
used to be, and with a stronger voice" which means that they show the development of

27
 ELITERATE : Journal of English Linguistics and Literature Studies
Vol 3 (1) 2023

themselves from having nothing to having everything and people like it through the voice they
sing.
Extract 4: “Everything was useless anything other than you”
Minutes (03:24-03:25) Make it Right Song
This extract contains a metaphor that in these lyrics "everything that happens out there is
useless, except those who are by their side" which means that they really love the people who
are around them or support them from behind, without those people they are nothing.
Simile
Extract 5: “Without you is the same as a desert”
Minutes (03:09-03:10) Make it Right Song
This extract contains a simile in which it is said in the lyrics of this song that "they are
without him or others like a desert," which means that without these people, their lives seem to
be described as dry, empty, and desperate.
Extract 6: “When your hearts just like a drum beating louder with no way to guard it.”
Minutes (00:05-00:08) Permission to Dance Song
This extract contains a simile, which is said in the lyrics of this song "when your heart beats
like an extremely loud drum, so that no one can stop it," which means that when someone is
happy, no one can hold him to release the person's joy.
Extract 7: “Let’s break our plans and live just like we’re golden”
Minutes (00:40-00:42) Permission to Dance Song
This extract contains a simile, which is said in the lyrics of this song, "Cancel all our plans
and live like gold," which means to forget all our problems or plans that can hinder our precious
life. because this life is very beautiful to live.
Extract 8: “And roll in like we’re dancing fools”
Minutes (00:43-00:45) Permission to Dance Song
This extract contains a simile that continues from the previous extract, which is said in the
lyrics of this song, "rolling or moving freely like they dance stupid," meaning that it does not
mean stupid in thought, but doing anything freely without thinking about things that make them
restless, like the conditions of the last pandemic.
Personification
Extract 9: “Your fragrance still penetrates and breaks me down”
Minutes (01:53-01:55) Make it Right Song
This extract contains personification, which is said in the lyrics of this song "your scent can
still penetrate and destroy me" which means that the scent seems to be made alive by the author
like a human being who can destroy. the meaning is also as if someone cannot stay away, or
only around them.
Extract 10: “The rhythms got you falling behind”
Minutes (00:22-00:24) Permission to Dance Song
This extract contains personification, the songwriter gives the rhythm as a human by
giving living beings the ability to make the listener lag behind, in the sense that we will not be
left behind in terms of the rhythm of the song.
Extract 11: “Oh you’re the light”
Minutes (00:33-00:34) Make it Right Song
This piece of lyrics contains personification that aims the songwriter to give light to humans,
which seems to be very radiant for everyone. where the sentence explains that the person he
meets is very valuable to him. because the person is so valuable that it is said in the lyrics that
he shines like a bright morning sun.
Hyperbole
Extract 12: “The reason I survived in hell it’s for you”

28
 ELITERATE : Journal of English Linguistics and Literature Studies
Vol 3 (1) 2023

Minutes (02:57-02:58) Make it Right Song

This extract contains hyperbole where the word "hell" which is used to be the reason he
tries for others is very exaggerated. The meaning in this case is not to forget that a person can
be willing to do anything for his loved ones.
Extract 13: “The loud screams that seek me out”
Minutes (01:27-01:28) Make it Right Song
This extract contains hyperbole in the words "screams that seek me out," as if the screams
can chase or seek him anywhere, so it is considered excessive. The meaning of this lyric is that
someone can be chased by something like someone's ambition towards them, like fans.
Alliteration
Extract 14: “Don’t need to talk the talk, just walk the walk tonight”
Minutes (00:54-00:55) Permission to Dance Song
This extract contains alliteration, which is where, in this lyric, the word that sounds repeated
is "T." The meaning of the lyrics of this song is that we only need to focus on the future, not
just talk, but to keep going. We must not let problems or other people prevent ourselves from
being happy.

After explaining the extract in findings section, the researcher can finally answer the research
questions. The first question is What types of figurative language are discovered in song lyrics
"Make it Right" and " Permission to Dance" by BTS. There are five varieties of figurative
language according to Knickerbockers and Renninger (1963), namely metaphor, simile,
hyperbole, alliteration, and personification. The author found 14 extracts based on the analysis
used in the lyrics of the songs "Make It Right" and "Permission to Dance."
MEANINGS
The meanings of these two songs are very different; it can also be seen that these two songs
have a different atmosphere even though the type of music is almost the same, namely R&B
remixes. In the song "Make It Right," they (BTS) are telling the beginning of their career
journey, which previously was that of ordinary singers that not many people knew about. But
the fans (the Army) faithfully accompany them wherever they go. BTS also conveyed a
message of gratitude and deep expressions to the army through this song.
While the song Permission to Dance encourages fans to remain optimistic in the midst of
a worldwide pandemic. "No need to worry, because when we fall, we know how to land."
These lyrics are trying to convince the public that everything will be fine even though the road
is not always smooth. In the article I found parapuan.co, (Langit, 2021) said that the release of
the song permission to dance was released during the pandemic on July 9, 2021. in the music
video they take place during the Covid-19 pandemic era which is still ongoing today.

Figurative Make it Right Permission to

Language Dance
Metaphor 3 1
Simile 1 3
Personafication 2 1

Hyperbole 2 -
Alliteration 1 -
Tabel Data 1

29
 ELITERATE : Journal of English Linguistics and Literature Studies
Vol 3 (1) 2023

As you can see from the data displayed above, in this study researchers found several types of
figurative language and some discussion of the meaning contained in the BTS songs
"Permission to Dance" and "Make it Right".

CONCLUSION
The researcher noticed five types of figurative language in the lyrics of the songs "Make it
Right" and "Permission to Dance" after looking at their lyrics. They include alliteration,
personification, hyperbole, simile, and metaphor. Metaphor and simile are the two figurative
languages that are most common. For each declaration and discussion, these five varieties of
figurative language have a different meaning. The most prevalent or often used forms of
figurative language in the excerpt are metaphors and similes. Based on the research results,
both song lyrics song lyrics are dominated by metaphors and similes to give effects that cannot
be expressed literally to listeners and readers. Then, in both song lyrics,
found that the song lyrics conveyed a message to fans about the struggle of BTS members to
fight for their glorious future with their fans (Army) and the second song encourages people to
keep their spirit to continue living happily in the midst of this Covid-19 pandemic situation.

REFERENCES
Daniswara, R., Winaya, I. M., & Parthama, I. G. N. (2016). Meanings Of Figurative Language
With Reference To Four Iron Maiden Songs. Jurnal Humanis, Fakultas Ilmu Budaya
Unud, 17, 241–247.
Dewi, E. N. F., Hidayat, D. N., & Alek. (2020). Investigating Figurative Language in “Lose
You to Love Me” Song Lyric. Loquen: English Studies Journal.
https://doi.org/10.32678/loquen.v13i01
Yuningsih, G. C., & Maryadi, M. (2019). Figurative language used in Jessica Jung’s first mini
album (semantic perspective).
Knickerbocker, K. L and Reninger, H. W. (1963). Interpreting literature. Holt,Rineheart
and Winston, New York.
Ardhyanti, S. V., & Supriyatiningsih, S. (2020). Figurative Language analysis in Celine Dion's
song lyrics falling into you album. Project (Professional Journal Of English Education).
Darmayasa, I. K. (2015). Analysis of Figurative Language Used In the Song Lyrics of Lady
Gaga's Album. Journal Of Arts And Humanities, 2-7.
Halima Rusli. (2010). Analysis of figurative language in the lyrics of maroon five's song. 15-
62.
Pettijohn, T. F., & Sacco Jr, D. F. (2009). The language of lyrics: An analysis of popular
Billboard songs across conditions of social and economic threat. journal of language and
social psychology.
Suharto, S. (2004). Music and Language: A Stress Analysis of English Song Lyrics. Harmonia:
Journal of Arts Research and Education, 5(3).
Padillah, E. N., Firmawan, H., & Purwaningsih, E. (2017). Simile, Hyperbole, Personification
and Metaphor used in Gayle Forman’s If I Stay. Journal of Language and Literature, 4(1).

30
 ELITERATE : Journal of English Linguistics and Literature Studies
Vol 3 (1) 2023

Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldaña, J. (2014). Qualitative Data Analysis (Third Edit).
California: SAGE Publications, In
Heigham, J., & Croker, R. (Eds.). (2009). Qualitative research in applied linguistics: A
practical introduction. Springer.
Langit, A. (2021, july 9). Parapuan. Retrieved from Parapuan.co:
https://www.parapuan.co/read/532780007/rilis-video-musik-permission-to-dance-bts-
sampaikan-pesan-positif-di-tengah-pandemi-covid-19

31