A SEMANTIC AND DEICTIC ANALYSIS OF THE ENGLISH CHORUS OF “BRIGHT AS THE SUN”: A STUDY OF MEANING IN CONTEXT

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the types and functions of deictic expressions found in the English chorus of the song “Bright as the Sun”, the official song of the 2018 Asian Games. The study employs a qualitative descriptive method to examine how meaning is constructed through the use of deictic expressions in the lyrics. The analysis focuses on identifying, classifying, and interpreting deictic elements by considering both their lexical meaning and their contextual use. The data were taken from the English chorus and analyzed through several steps, including close reading, identification of relevant expressions, and classification into types of deixis. The findings show that the lyrics contain five types of deixis: person, spatial, temporal, discourse, and social deixis, although they appear with varying frequency and function. Person deixis is the most dominant type, mainly through the use of pronouns such as you, your, and we. These expressions function to directly address the listeners and create a sense of personal involvement. Spatial deixis is reflected in expressions that refer to a broader or global context, while temporal meaning is conveyed implicitly through phrases that suggest urgency and present action. Discourse and social deixis are also present, although they appear less explicitly in the lyrics. Overall, the findings indicate that deictic expressions play an important role in shaping meaning and strengthening the motivational message of the song. The use of deixis helps create a closer connection between the lyrics and the listeners, reinforcing themes of unity, encouragement, and collective identity.