Relationship Closure in the Song Lyrics: A Study of Illocutionary Acts

Alfatih Chandra Kencana, Yugeta (2025) Relationship Closure in the Song Lyrics: A Study of Illocutionary Acts. S1 thesis, Universitas Andalas.

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Abstract

This study investigates the illocutionary acts in the lyrics of three songs: Anaheim by NIKI, You're Losing Me by Taylor Swift, and Someone Like You by Adele, with the theme of relationship closure. By using a qualitative method, this study uses Searle's (1979) and Lecch's (1983) theories to identify and analyze the types and functions of illocutionary acts in the selected song lyrics. Data were collected by using purposive sampling, focusing on utterances that reflect emotional decisions, acceptance, and healing after a breakup. The analysis showed that the songwriters used various illocutionary acts, such as directive (24%), expressive (38%), assertive (33%), and commissive (5%) to convey their feelings and intentions about the end of a relationship. These acts have different functions, including expressing sadness, acceptance, and finding closure. The functions of illocutionary acts found in this study are competitive (31%), convivial (16%), collaborative (16%), and conflictive (37%). This finding suggests that the use of illocutionary acts in song lyrics not only communicates the songwriter's emotions but also allows listeners to relate to and process their own experiences of loss and closure.

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