Language in songs serves as a powerful medium for singers to express emotions, tell stories and deliver messages to listeners.
Composers and lyricists hold creative rights over the content produced including musical compositions and lyrics. The production of songs by composers and lyricists is a process that depends heavily on the choice of words and the use of appropriate language according to the theme.
Parallel to the competition in song evaluation, the jury will take into account the combination of melody, lyrics, appropriateness of language, theme and the performance of the singer to be chosen as the winner.
The composer plays an important role in creating the melody, harmony and overall musical structure of the song. They use a combination of instruments, rhythms and arrangements to evoke a certain atmosphere and enhance the quality of the lyrics.
The lyricist, on the other hand, is responsible for using the words that accompany the music. They use creativity, life experiences and observations of the world to create songs.
Lyrics can be poetic, narrative driven or symbolic. Through wordplay and compelling storytelling, lyricists have the ability to stir empathy, provoke thought, and inspire.
Despite these challenges, the use of language in songs cannot be overlooked, because language serves as a medium of self-expression.
At its core, songwriting is a delicate balance between artistry and communication, where each word chosen carries significant meaning and contributes to the overall effect of the piece.
Although the language in the song is seen as breaking the law of grammar, in the production of the song, this matter is given an exception because the song is an element that is more important to emotions, music and theme.
One of the main considerations for composers and lyricists is the theme of the song. They must choose words that are in line with the main message or story they want to tell.
The choice of language can set the tone by creating the emotional landscape of the song. This can be seen when the Ballad song is calmer and a little slower than the Pop Rock song which is more lively and fast, while the Traditional Rhythm song emphasizes folk and archipelago songs.
Furthermore, rhythm and lyrics play an important role in the overall flow of songs and music. Composers and lyricists need to carefully choose words that are not only melodically appropriate but also enhance the rhythm and dynamism of the song.
This involves considering syllable count, stress and phrasing to create a seamless fit between music and lyrics.
In addition to coherence and rhythm, the use of images and metaphors add depth and richness to song lyrics.
By using appropriate words, composers and lyricists manage to evoke strong emotions by capturing the listener's imagination.
Metaphors that provide layers of meaning, allow the listener to interpret the lyrics as well as give the listener a glimpse of the songwriter's thoughts and feelings.
In addition, the choice of language can also reflect the nuances of culture in the social context.
Composers and lyricists often draw on their own experiences and cultural backgrounds to infuse authenticity and relevance into the work. Whether incorporating dialect, slang or cultural references, the use of language can foster a sense of connection with a diverse audience.
Another aspect to consider is the accessibility and universality of the lyrics. While poetic language and symbolism can add creativity to a work, language that is too vague can alienate and hinder the listener's understanding.
Effective songwriting needs to reach a balance between intelligibility to ensure that the message reaches the listener.
The use of stanza repetition is another method of composers and lyricists to reinforce the main theme. Through strategic repetition of words or phrases, songwriters emphasize important concepts by creating a sense of structural coherence in the song.
The interplay between lyrics and melody is a defining characteristic of songwriting. Composers and lyricists work closely together to ensure that the musical and lyrical elements complement each other harmoniously.
This synergy between words and music heightens the emotional impact of the song and increases its overall effectiveness as a form of artistic expression.
The production of songs by composers and lyricists is a unique and complex process that revolves around the choice of words and the appropriate use of language. From soft rhythms to clear and understandable metaphors, every aspect of the songwriting contributes to the emotion and artistic merit of the piece.
By utilizing the power of language, composers and lyricists create music that transcends borders, lingers in listeners' whispers and endures the test of time.
AUTHORS DR NORFAIZAL JAMAIN and AHMAD SABRI ABDUL SAMAD are Language Teachers at the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, University of Malaya and can be contacted at
This article is translated from the original Malay article. It is the author's personal view and does not necessarily represent the view or official position of RTM.