Figurativeness - As The Principle Of The Imagery Of Pop Music

Abstract

This article explores the role of figurativeness as a fundamental principle shaping the imagery and language of pop music. Figurative devices like metaphor, simile, hyperbole, and personification are examined as tools pop artists employ to convey meanings beyond literal interpretations of lyrics. Theoretical analysis reveals how figurativeness allows more profound expression of themes in pop music related to love, heartbreak, identity, empowerment, protest, and more. Perspectives from linguistics, literary theory, aesthetics, and musicology are synthesized to assess the functions and effects of figurative language in pop music poetics and songwriting. Ways figurative language converges with musical elements like melody, rhythm, and vocals to create an immersive aesthetic experience are also investigated. Findings support figurativeness as a defining property of pop music poetics that enables the genre’s affective impact and cultural resonance.