DENOTATIVE AND CONNOTATIVE MEANINGS IN “ALL TOO WELL” BY TAYLOR SWIFT

Abstract

his study aims to analyze the denotative and connotative meanings found in the song All Too Well by Taylor Swift. The research employs a qualitative descriptive method and is based on the semantic theory proposed by Geoffrey Leech, focusing specifically on denotative and connotative meanings. The data of this study are taken from selected lyrics of the song, which are analyzed to identify both literal and implied meanings. The findings reveal that denotative meanings present the surface or dictionary definitions of the words, while connotative meanings convey deeper emotional nuances related to love, memory, and heartbreak. Furthermore, the study shows that the use of figurative language enhances the emotional impact of the song, allowing listeners to connect more deeply with its themes. It can be concluded that connotative meaning plays a dominant role in expressing the songwriter’s personal experiences and emotions. This study contributes to the field of semantics by demonstrating how meaning is constructed and interpreted in song lyrics.