ELITERATE : Journal of English Linguistics and Literature Studies

Vol. 3 (2) 2023, August 2023

E-ISSN: 2830-0185

THE MEANING OF ONE DIRECTION’S SONG’S IN “MIDNIGHT

MEMORIES ALBUM”
Qhusnul Amalia1, Abdullah2, Mardiyana Nasta3
Universitas Negeri Makassar
*Corresponding Email: mardiyanah.Nasta@unm.ac.id

Abstract

This research discusses Meaning in the song of “One Direction” in Midnight Memories album. It aims
to analyze the meaning of the song use based on the theory of Leech (1981) and Yule (1960) to analyze
the types also to know how the implied meaning are presented in each song. This study used a
qualitative descriptive research methodology. The results of this research show that there are 52
extracts describing the types of meaning found of the One Direction song's in "Midnight Memories"
album. There were 7 types of meaning's found based on theory of Leech. They were Conceptual (2),
connotative (10), affective (8), social (4), Reflected (2), Collocative (1), and thematic (3). There were
6 types of presupposition found also based on Yule (1960) theory, there were existential (5), factive
(7), lexical (6), non-factive (4), structural (2) and counterfactual (3). It means that each song is contain
meanings that the singers want to convey. Based on 52 data observed, the research concluded that the
true meaning can be found using the theory of Leech (1981) and the implied meaning also concerned
based on Yule's (1960) theory of presuppositions

Keywords: Meanings, Semantic Perspective, One Direction.

INTRODUCTION
Literature was indeed regarded as a work of punctuation that conveys stories, dramatic,
events, emotions, or feelings through written or oral compositions. In addition to the primary
literary such as drama, poetry and Song lyrics, as well as lesser subgenres including fable,
parable, and short stories. According to Jacobs & Roberts (1989), literature can be widely
defined to include almost anything written, from a shopping list to a Shakespearean Sonnet.
So, literature here was refers to creative and inventive work that aims to intellectually and
emotionally engage readers. According to Krystal (2016), literature encompasses all forms of
expression, not simply writing, and is not limited to written words. So, maps, sermons, comic
strips, cartoons, speeches, photos, films, war memorials, and music are all included in literary
tools that anyone free to created and enjoy. It is supported by Gibson (2007), literature is a new
creative counter-intuitive identity which is the original ways to surprise readers in various
particular functions. Everyone is free to express their feelings when creating literary works,
and there also some things to consider when creating literary works, one of is choosing the
appropriate use of language.
Language and literature are two interrelated concepts. The existence of literature is
solely based on language. In line with Robert Frost's poems Barnet, Berman, & Burto (1961)
stated that the phrase performance in words refers to the role language plays in how a literary
work is presented, there won't be any literature or literary works if there is no language.
Language can be expressed in a variety of ways, such as through melody, performance, acting,
and poems, including song lyric.
Nowadays songs are become literary works that are easily in demand and appreciated
by the wider community, because it has the tune and the lyrics that are accompanied by a
beautiful melody so that people will enjoy, it may serve as a tool to enhance their mood. Those
who appreciate art will gain emotional state and have their moods shift (Piragasam, majid, &
jelas, 2013). According to Griffe (1992), songs are produced vocally, have linguistic meaning,
and have melody, it was perhaps arrangement of music with semantically significant lyrics
rendered by a performer. A song's main components are the music and lyrics, such as poetry,
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which use words with multiple meanings. According to Hollaway & Cheney (2001), songs are
message contained that convey the lyrics points of view to their audience.
Lyrics are words constitute of the song's components. As shown by Pettijohn & Sacco
(2009), verse conveys narrative and engages audiences’ interaction analogous to how
individuals converse with one another. Besides than singing, there are several different ways
to perform lyrics, other typical methods of expressing lyrics in the punk and heavy metal genres
include screaming and shouting, as well as rapping in the rap and hip-hop genres. Less often
than singing, spoken word is used to deliver lyrics (Ebberts & Robb, 2003). For example, the
use of lyrics in pop and hip-hop songs. Most hip hop songs include raps, scratches, free verses,
and beatboxing, whereas pop is simpler and focuses on love themes, targeting a much younger
audience. One of famous boybands in pop genre is One Direction.
One Direction is one of the success boybands that ever existed in the world, they were
very successful in singing songs, The group was formed in 2010 on the British singing
competition show The X Factor. Initially, each of the five members auditioned and competed
as a single artist, but they were advised early in the season to combine their talents. Apart from
all the songs is being easy listening, also because the songs contain unusual lyrics that attract
the attention of almost everyone, they are very unique in making songs, by taking part together,
pouring out feelings and thoughts then becomes beautiful lyric.
This research is conducted to explore more about the meaning of massage that contain
in One Direction songs on the third album called "Midnight Memories". The researches were
interested to the album because of this album contained the favorite songs of the researches
also seems like this album has received a little attention comparing to other album that they
had, because only a few of the songs were widely recognized, but the song which recognize
are so popular even now, also the album was rarely used as an object in any research. In addition
to understanding more about meanings, this research will be different, because it is concerned
not only with determining the types of meaning based on Leech theory (1981), but also with
delving deeper into the implied meanings of the songs. According to Yule's (1996) theory, the
researcher was interested in knowing what the song talked about and the implied significance
of the utterance in the song lyrics; it can be found using pragmatics, especially in using
presupposition.
There are several studies on meaning of the lyric song. Studies on meaning to convey
have also been carried out in various social, educational and etc. There are 4 examples of
previous research related to the current research. The previous research was conducted by
Masriyah, Zulfadli A, Aziz Iskandar & Abdul Samad (2019) “An Analysis of Associative
meaning in two song’s Album of Lorde”. It relates to types of meaning used in songs. In
addition, the second research was conducted by Fanny C.V (2015 “The Associative Meaning
in Maher zain’s Song Lyric”. The researcher discovers statement to understanding the meaning
from the song based on the types of meaning used in the songs. A Rahayu (2007) led the third
study “An Analysis Of t.AT.u Song Lyrics Through Leech Seven Types Of Meaning". In order
to supervises the case of t.A.Tu in the song "All the things she said" which was studied based
on the type of meaning used according to Leech's theory to know the true meaning of the song.
The final study was carried out by Christhy Febbriantika Cisilia Beth & Gurendi Wiwoho
(2022), “An Analysis of Presupposition in the Selected Song Lyrics in the Sour Album by
Olivia Rodrigo”. This research is about the meaning that is occurred on the song from Olivia
Rodrigo based on presupposition study in pragmatics.
This research is concerned with meaning in One Direction songs of Midnight Memories
album. Based on the study's background, the researcher develops following two issues for
inquiry:
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E-ISSN: 2830-0185

1. What are types of meanings of One Direction’s songs in Midnight Memories album?
2. How are the implied meanings presented of One Direction’s songs in Midnight Memories
album?
Review of related literature
The Study of Meanings
Pragmatics
A subfield of linguistics known as pragmatics studies the specifics of how people
construct their messages within the framework of conversation. It is concerned with the
intentions behind people's communication as well as their assumptions, aims, and objectives
(Yule, 1996). The study of pragmatics focuses on the implied meaning that the speaker and
listener deduce from the way, where, and when they communicate. According to Merriam
(1964), a useful instrument for emotional expression, conflict resolution, and social interaction
is song. In fact, one of the few methods for facilitating collective emotional state is through
song lyric. (Eyerman & Jamison, 1998). As a result, language serves as a yardstick against
which theories of song meaning are measured evaluated (Monelle, 1995). Song are impact
theories, which will referred as the concepts that clarify the emotional effects of song are a
direct result of its composition are characterized as hypotheses that clarify music's intrinsic
human qualities. A language is used in song lyric as interaction, to using well-known acoustic
instruments in useful ways to correspond to the desired message's substance.
Semantics.
Semantics is branch of the structure and expression of meanings in language (Shih,
2018). When applied to literary works like melodies, poetry, and narrative, semantics is
intriguing, according to Kreidler (1998), the area of linguistics known as semantics is focused
on meaning, contains phrases, combinations of words, homophones, reduplication, lexicon
uncertainty, citation and presentation, implication, meaning relations, and both grammatical
and lexical significance. Everyone has a different perspective on semantics. What a meaning
achieves in order to describe what it is, then look for something that accomplishes that. A step
on the path to meanings is intentions. According to Papafragou (2021), a division in linguistics
was focuses on meanings known as Semantics. The definition of a word's lexical meaning is
significance in the sentences appears. (Kriz, Harviainen, & Clapper, 2018). The link between
words and meanings is an issue that pertains to word meaning. It also covers rhetorical devices,
denotation, connotation, synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms.
Types of Meanings
The researchers will used Geoffrey Neil Leech's theory in this study, a recognized
as expert in English linguistics and language usage. According to Leech (1981) there are seven
types of meanings: conceptual meaning (dictionary meaning), connotative meaning (mind-
suggestive meaning), social meaning (social context), affective or emotive meaning (express
about personal feelings), reflected meaning (several conceptual meaning), collocative meaning
(word association), and thematic meaning (message of meaning). In addition to explore more
about the implied meanings. The researcher will also apply Yule's theories on different types
of presuppositions. According to Yule (1996), there are Existentiall, Facttive, Lexiccal, Non
Facctive, Structural, also Conterfactual.
In theoretical approaches, meanings have indeed been assigned a variety of purposes.
Recognizing, legitimacy perseverance, purposeful states, and a variety of definitional
manifestations Davis & Gillon (2004), Leech divides "meanings" into seven various forms on
a wide sense in his definitional book, with rational or theoretical significance taking priority.

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Leech (1981) stated that meaning can be learned as a lexical item rather than as a result of
anthropogenic activities from language. The types of meanings according to Leech (1981) are:
1) Conceptual Meaning
Conceptual meaning is the true or real meaning based on the context, So there no other
meaning behind it. According to Leech (1981), what other academics refer to as denotative,
designative, cognitive, or descriptive meaning corresponds to metaphorical expressions also
regarded as an important aspect of linguistic communication.
2) Connotative Meaning
Considering in Leech's work on semantics to define this type of meaning precisely.
Connotative meanings eventually intersect with these aspects of metaphysical layers of
meaning, as the approach involves. As a result, "reference" elements frequently overlap with
conceptual meaning elements, as when contradictory definitional meaning features become
"real world" references. However, as Leech claims, the additional attributes expected from
the reference are influenced by a number of other factors such as age or civilization, and
they can also be influenced by the participant. (Leech 1981).
3) Affective Meaning
According to Leech, there exists another form of meaning that is closely associated with the
social meaning. This type of meaning pertains to how a speaker's language can convey their
personal feelings, including their attitude towards a listener or the topic of discussion.
Affective meaning is used to expressed or convey feeling through the word. Additionally,
depending on the context, affective meaning can be expressed both directly and indirectly.
4) Collocative Meanings
According to Leech (2003), Collocative meaning is the association that words make with
one another as a result of the context in which those words frequently appear. Consider the
terms "beautiful" and "handsome," for instance. The terms "handsome woman" and
"beautiful woman" may be used synonymously.
5) Reflected Meaning
According to Leech (1981), reflected meaning are a six-pattern combination of language
use that alludes to specific mental links. More than linguistic context, these linkages are
dependent on how similar the real-world experiences are. Connotatively meaning, socially
meaning, affectively meaning, and collectively meaning are only a few examples of the four
categories of associative meanings that will be covered in the discussion that follows. These
classifications were created based on several distinctive communicative characteristics.
6) Social Meanings
social languages related languages Leech (1981), David Crystal and Derek Davy create
group of Social stylished variants which are related in the following because of how closely
this relates to the many social groups involved in the situation such as Accent (Language
from geography state or social Class), Period (e.g. 18th languaged), Region (Legally
terminology, scientific concepts, marketing, etc, Statused (Polite, colloquial, slang, etc.),
Forms of treatment (e) (Language memoranda, lectures, talks, Etc.), Clarity (in the vein of
Hemingway, Dickens, etc.
7) Thematic Meanings
What is conveyed by the method in which the writer structures and arranges messages is
clarified by this kind of thematically meanings where's Respected as a composition for a
semantic statement (Leech, 1981). There are many instances of these things happening,
including instances when the use of active and passive sentence form is contrasted, (Active)
contributed first prize (Passive) (Leech, 1981). Leech contends that selecting between
potential syntactic formulations determines thematic meaning.
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Implied Meanings
An implied meaning is defined as the main point of a text that is stated indirectly
through textual details. The author will provide hints, and the reader must use those hints to
determine the main idea. In other words, implied meaning refers to what the writer/speaker
unravels according to the reader/listener and the way they perceive it depending on factors like
cultural backgrounds, knowledge, linguistic knowledge, contextual clues, and the reader's
relevancy. It has been linked to the study of pragmatics, which focuses on individuals'
assumptions, goals, and objectives, as well as the motivations behind their communication
(Yule, 1996). The study of pragmatics focuses on implied meaning, which is what both the
speaker and the listener deduce from the style, context, and timing of communication.
Presupposition is defined by Yule (1996) as the presumption that an idea exists before making
a statement. According to Huang (2007), a presupposition is a deduction or argument whose
validity is presumed when an expression is uttered. Furthermore, Grundy (2008) determines as
the background information needed for a speech to be appropriate to say and accommodated
by the addressee. Furthermore, in (Werth, 1993) elaborates on basic presuppositional properties
like being included in referring expressions and historical clauses, staying constant even in
their negative counterparts, and assessing the accuracy of a sentence's assumption. Likewise,
Grundy (2008) highlights that semantic presuppositions are accommodated beliefs that have to
be present for a word to make sense. Meanwhile, pragmatic assumption seeks to make the
utterance appropriate or suitable. There are the types of pressupposition (Yule,1996).
1) Existential
Existential are those in which the speaker's assumption to describe something alludes to the
things that are mentioned. An existential presupposition is the belief that the entities the
speaker has named exist.
2) Factive
Factive are those that can be treated as information that has already occurred and is assumed
to be true. These can follow verbs such as "know," as well as verbs such as "realize,"
"regret," "want," and "explain," as well as infinitives such as "be," "aware," "odd," and
"glad." They are factive presuppositions and thus are treated as facts. The presumption that
something is accurate.
3) Lexical
Lexical have a general meaning that is determined with another (unstated) but
understandable meaning. In lexical presupposition, phrases like "managed," "tried," "stop,"
"start," "succeeded," and "again" are presented. When an individual uses a single term but
behaves as if another meaning is understood.
4) Non-factive
Non-factive are the inverse of factive presuppositions. It is assumed that this is not the case.
Certain verbs utilized in this context include "dream," "imagine," "think," "hope," "assume,"
and "pretend," are false presuppositions. A non-factive is a prediction that is not true.
5) Structural
The wh-question is a type of presupposition which is an example of assumption that
information is contained in a specific sentence structure. It is assumed that the sentence is
true because it is analysed conventionally and regularly. Structural refers to the expectation
related to the use of specific structures.
6) Counterfactual
A counterfactual presupposition is one that is diametrically opposed to reality or is the polar
opposite of what is true. The counterfactual conditional is another name for it. A

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counterfactual presupposition is the assumption that what is assumed is not just false,
additionally the opposite of what is true, or contrary to facts.
METHOD
As stated on the research questions in this research, the meaning of One Direction in “Midnight
Memories” album, the research method used is qualitative descriptive approaches. According
to (Punch, 1998), qualitative research does not use numerical data. Additionally, the research
question and methodology are broader at the outset and narrow down as the study goes on.
The researcher will gather information from websites such as Spotify and Google. to find
the lyrics also YouTube to observe the music video. The researcher will choose an album song
from One Direction called Midnight Memories which contains fourteen tracks on the standard
edition. The same version with the same track listing was released internationally. researchers
also used journals, books, and other written sources. Informants are not required because the
data is related to the text or script.
In order to carry out this research, the researcher used data collection techniques by carrying
out various procedures as follows:

verifying
data
categorizing
Listening to the song and
of One Direction in Reading the identifying
lyrics data
"Midnight Memories
"Album's

Figure 1. Procedure of Data Collection

FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION

The researcher would be explaining the use of meanings contain of One Direction songs in
“Midnight Memories” album. So, each of songs will answer the two of research question. The
researcher will find out the extract from each of song contained. The songs have choosen in
this album required "Best Songs Ever", "You & I", "Don't Forget You Belong”, "Little Black
Dress”, "Through the Dark", and "Something Great".

" N
Types of Meaning
Number Types of Number of
o of Data Pressuppositions Data
1. Conceptual 2 Existential 3
2. Connotative 8 Factive 4
3. Affective 3 Lexical 1
4. Reflected 3 Non Factive 5
5. Collocative 1 Structural 1
6. Social 1 Counterfactual 1
7. Thematic 2

Figure 2. Types of Meanings

Best Song Ever
Extract 1
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“{Verse 1: Harry}
Maybe it's the way she walked (Ow!)
Straight into my heart and stole it
Through the doors and past the guards (Ow!)
Just like she already owned it”
The line above indicates the use both of connotative meaning and effective meaning,
it is shows from the lyric first line that refers the girl was flirting to him and make him
mesmerized. The lyric through the door and past the guards’ is actually refers to the girl was
already taking his heart and make him fall in love, its mean she already had a place in his heart.
Also, the use of affective meaning, it is showing the way it describing the boy that convey his
feeling through the lyric, that girl has stolen his heart. It is shows that he was already fall in
love.There also indicate the use of factive, it is shows from the lyric “Maybe it's the way she
walked” that assumed not to be true from the word ‘maybe’ as a sign that it had another
meaning, in this case it was explain that the boy fallin love with the girl that make him
mesmerized but it does not mean the way she walks as the lyric said.
Extract 2
“{Pre-Chorus: Zayn}
I said, "Can you give it back to me?"
She said, "Never in your wildest dreams"”
This extract was categorized as connotative meaning, is related to the lyric before, and
describe the way he fall in love with her that he just meet, so it shows from the lyric ‘I said can
you give it back to me’ this refers the way he ask her to be his girlfriend but then she said ‘never
in your wildest dream, It appears that she is complaining about the time when she rejects him
by saying you don't even know me or I don't even know you.
It is also indicating the use of Existential, that means I was exist and said or talk to her
and she also exist and speak to him.
Extract 3
“{Chorus: All}
And we danced all night to the best song ever
We knew every line, now I can't remember
How it goes, but I know that I won't forget her
'Cause we danced all night to the best song ever”
The extract above indicates the use of both conceptual meaning and Affective
meaning, it shows in the first line. It describes the situation that happen and assumed to be true
that they met, and dancing together in a happy moment. While the affective meaning is
showing the singer is express the feeling through the second line. It is explaining the way he
was so happy at the time so he could make sure that he will never forget the moment with her.
Extract 4
“{Post-Chorus: All}
I think it went, "Oh, oh, oh"
I think it went, "Yeah, yeah, yeah"
I think it goes (Woo!)”
This line was categorized as non-factive that are means not to be true, from the word
‘think’ as a sign, in this case that means he feel that he might lose her or she don’t have feeling
at all, it relates with the previous line that he conveys his feeling that he falls in love.
Extract 5

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“{Verse 2: Liam, Harry}

Said her name was Georgia Rose (Ow!)
And her daddy was a dentist”
The extract above telling the truth about the situation between two people, that are
interact each other. It is showing from the first line, that means she was telling her name to
introducing herself and it is proof by the second line. It is explained about the interaction
between two people and the girl was introducing herself and there no other meanings. So, it
falls into conceptual meanings.
Besides that, the extract also uses the types of existential, as the lyric shows the girl
was exist and introduce herself to the boy by pronouncing her name Georgia Rose and
informing her father was a dentist.
Extract 6
“{Verse 2: Liam, Harry}
Said I had a dirty mouth (I got a dirty mouth)
but she kissed me like she meant it”
The extract above indicated the use of connotative meanings, it shows from the first
line, though it was a real meaning from the situation that happen but the next lyric is answered
everything from the second line. So, it is clearly proof that it was not the real meaning, because
why would she kissed him if that was true, it is probably just a joke and literally has another
meaning. That’s why it was categorized as connotative meaning.
There is also the use of factive, it is shows from the lyric “but she kissed me” it is
clearly proof the information is assumed to be true and that really happen.
Extract 7
{Bridge: Louis, Zayn, All, Harry}
“You know, I know, you know I'll remember you
And I know, you know, I know you'll remember me
And you know, I know, you know I'll remember you
(Oh, oh, oh, yeah, yeah, yeah)”
The extract was categorized as factive types because it was describing the information
that already happen and assumed to be true, it is proof from the word ‘know’ as a sign it was
happen to them, even if they don’t see each other again he knows that they won’t forget each
other.
In “Best Song ever is literally talk about the boy who fall in love with the stranger girl
he saw at the party. Based on the extract found through the lyric is mostly convey about the
feeling and tell the story when he was meet with her for the first time and he already Fallin
love. The speaker is express the feeling through the lyric that was more refers about happiness,
the word ‘best song ever’ here refers to the ‘good moment’ that he seems like cannot explain
more how happy he was, he seems got surprise about how it happens because they just meet
and he did not expect will fall in love in that way. So, the implied meaning here is fallin in
love at first sight.

Through the dark

Extract 8
“[Verse 1: Liam]
You tell me that you're sad and lost your way
You tell me that your tears are here to stay
But I know you were only hidin'

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And I just wanna see ya

You tell me that you're hurt and you're in pain
And I can see your head is held in shame
But I just wanna see you smile again
See you smile again”
The extract using the types of existential, it is shows from the word you, that describe
exist and she told him about her feelings.
Extract 9
“[Chorus: All, Harry]
Oh, I will carry you over
Fire and water for your love
And I will hold you closer
Hope your heart is strong enough
When the night is coming down on ya
We will find a way
Through the dark”
The extract above indicates the use of connotative meaning, it is shows from the
word “dark” that refers as a ‘problem’ or something hard, as the lyric say that they will find a
way through the darkness, which means they will be able to solve the problem no matter how
hard they try, they will find a way and everything will be okay.
Also, the use of reflected meaning, the phrase "fire and water" reflects the meaning of
hope and struggle in life. The singers attempt to describe it by using 'fire and water' to depict
hope and struggle for life. He wants to be there whatever happen. Fire is identical with
dangerous while water here refers to safe. That’s how the meaning that want to convey by this
lyric, so when she was in danger, He will always be there to help you find your way through
the darkness.
The extract above was contain non-factive, describe the hope to stay through the
darkness, also the word “hope” is a sign to explain this situation is assumed not to be true or
not happen that’s why it is categorizing as the use of non-factive types. In this case it is about
the singers who was trying to make sure that everything will be okay, and assured her that there
would be a way out of all the problems.
Extract 10
“[Verse 2: Zayn, Louis]
I wish that I could take you to the start
I'd never let you fall and break your heart
And if you wanna cry or fall apart
I'll be there to hold ya
You tell me that you're hurt, it's all in vain
But I can see your heart can love again
And I remember you laughin'
So let's just laugh again”
The extract above indicates the use of non-factive as the sign from the word “wish”
that refers to dreaming, in this case it is explain that the boy was hope can turn back the time
and changes or fix it all before, where he will never make her sad or let her crying and promise
to be always be there in her side.
The extract also using the types of counterfactuals as the sign from the word “if”, it is
clearly explaining the situation that she does not want to cry, so it is assumed not to be true.

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Based on the extract found the implied meaning in this song are ‘there is a way’ the
song talks about a close friend that is going through a rough time, that are depressed and have
a negative attitude toward any 'light at the end of the tunnel'. The person is in a really bad place,
but the boys can tell that the once happy, chirpy, bubbly person is still there, just hiding.
Something great
Extract 11
“[Verse 1: Liam, Zayn]
One day, you'll come into my world and say it all
You'll say we'll be together even when you're lost
One day, you'll say these words I've thought, but never said
You'll say we're better off together in our bed”

the extract was containing the use of non-factive, it describes the way his hoping about
something that not happen yet, the way he hopes one day she will come to him stay in his side.
Extract 12
“[Chorus: Harry, All]
I want you here with me
Like how I pictured it
So I don't have to keep imaginin' (Oh)
Come on, jump out at me (Oh-oh)
Come on, bring everything (Oh)
Is it too much to ask for something great? (Oh)”
This is also indicating the use of non-factive the way he waiting her, to building
relationship as he imagines beside that it is using the affective meaning, that he conveys his
feeling about the girl that the wish come to him one day and stay with him.
Extract 13
“[Verse 2: Niall, Harry]
The script was written and I could not change a thing
I want to rip it all to shreds and start again
One day, I'll come into your world and get it right
I'll say we're better off together here tonight”
The extract above indicates the use of connotative meaning, it is shows from the word
‘the script was written’ is totally refers to the destiny, he will follow his destiny, nothing has to
be changed about the future and it is referring to the girl.
Based on the extract found the implied meaning from the song is ‘waiting someone’ Lyrically,
the song depicts a someone yearning for someone and wanting to create an idyllic life with
them. It's asking about wanting the perfect person to find him, because he was searching for
them.

You and I
Extract 14
“[Verse 1: Niall, Liam]
I figured it out
I figured it out from black and white
Seconds and hours
Maybe they had to take some time
I know how it goes
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I know how it goes from wrong and right

Silence and sound
Did they ever hold each other tight like us?
Did they ever fight like us?”
The song starts off with the lines “I figured it out’, was high and low and everything in
between”. These lines suggest that the couple has been through a lot of ups and downs. Despite
all the challenges, the narrator of the song realizes that he can do anything as long as he has his
partner by his side. It is belonging to connotative meaning.
Besides that, it is also indicating the use of reflection meaning. The phrase "wrong and
right" is reflected in the words black and white. The singers attempt to describe by illustrating
wrong and right in a love relationship with black and white. He already finds the truth and
make sure that their relationship is pure and no one can separate them.
Extract 15
“[Chorus: Harry]
You and I
We don't wanna be like them
We can make it till the end
Nothing can come between you and I
Not even the gods above
Can separate the two of us
No, nothing can come between you and I”
The extract is categorized as thematic meaning, another prominent theme in the song
is the idea of belonging. The chorus of the song goes emphasizes the idea that the couple feels
like outsiders in the world but they have each other, and nothing can tear them apart. The
singers try to focus on the message of the song which is talk about expressing deep emotions
of love, companionship, and trust. It is a tribute to the power of love and the unstoppable force
that it can be when two people are committed to each other.
Extract 16
“[Verse 2: Zayn & Liam, Louis & Liam]
I figured it out
Saw the mistakes of up and down
Meet in the middle
There's always room for common ground
I see what it's like
I see what it's like for day and night
Never together
'Cause they see things in a different light like us
But they never tried like us”
The word up and down is reflected meaning from “happy and sad” It was describing
the couple that had been through a lot of happiness even the hard times together, also day and
night was refers to the darkness and light was define as hard times and happiness. It is
interrelated and show the couple in the song share an unbreakable bond. They feel like outsiders
in the world, but as long as they have each other, they can overcome any challenge.
The extract is indicating the type of lexical, because it was interpreted with another
meaning (unstated). In that case it means that people around there arguing they’re relationship
and he was about to ignored them because they might never feel what they feel, they have never
been in their position so they don't know what is happening even act as they do to keep their
relationship.
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Based on the extract found, the implied meaning from the song was about a strong love, it
is showing the way he confesses to did not pay attention to everyone who arguing their
relationship, even the singers mention about the God can’t separate them, it is clearly proof
that he did not scare of everything to maintain his relationship.
Don’t forget where you belong
Extract 17
[Verse 1: Liam, Niall]
“Been a lot of places, I've been all around the world
Seen a lot of faces, never knowing where I was
On the horizon, hmm, but I know, I know, I know, I know
The sun will be rising back home
Living out of cases, and packing up and taking off
Made a lot of changes, but not forgetting who I was
On the horizon, ooh, well, I know, I know, I know, I know
The moon will be rising back home”
The extract was containing social meanings. The word ‘living out of cases’ consider
as idioms that derived from popular culture that means that they have all of their belongings,
and everything important to them is contained within that case. The phrase "to live out of a
(suit)case" is used in both UK and US English, but the use of "case" to mean "suitcase" is
unique to UK English. In those lines, the singer describes their situation of living away from
home with only the belongings they carry in their case. And the following lines explain that
they have not forgotten who they are.
Extract 18
“[Chorus: All, Harry]
Don't forget where you belong, home
Don't forget where you belong, home
If you ever feel alone, don't
You were never on your own
And the proof is in this song”
The lyric was using the thematic meaning, because it was related to the massage that
the singer was emphasize trying to focus on which is talk about home, is not just about building,
sometimes it is about person and it was refers to the family, so it literally tells that you’re not
going to be alone, just remember your roots.
Extract 19
“[Verse 2: Harry, Harry & Liam]
I've been away for ages, but I got everything I need
I'm flicking through the pages I've written in my memory
I feel like I'm dreaming, oh, so I know, I know, I know, I know
That I'm never leaving, no, I won't go”
The extract was indicating the use of connotative meaning. The word “ages” is simply
referring to time, this line suggest they’ve been gone faraway for some time, did not been in
home for a while, leave everything to live alone, to get what they want. This is literally showing
another meaning by using the slang or idioms word.
Extract 20
[Bridge: Louis, Zayn, Louis & Zayn, All]
Lights off when they should be on
Even stars in the skies, they're wrong

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Short days, when the nights are long

When I think of the things I've done
Don't matter how far I've gone
I'm always free to run home
The line was categorized as factive, that was explain the information assumed to be
true, it is refers the way the singer always remembers home whenever he goes.
Based on the extract found, the implied meaning this song portrays the true meaning of family,
togetherness, and home, and it is about remembering your roots, your identity. It literally refers
to never changed, this song could be as reminder that sometimes, home is a person, so just
building a good relationship with the people such as family, etc because your never on your
own.
Little black dress
Extract 21
“[Verse 1: Louis & Harry]
Little black dress just walked into the room
Makin' heads turn, can't stop looking at you
It's so right, it's so right, it's so right, you know
Little black dress, did you come here alone?
It's too late, it's too late, it's too late to go home
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright, you know
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright, you know”
The extract was indicate the use of connotative meaning, it is shows from the slang
‘little black dress’ that refers to the attractive girl because little black dress are recognize as
simply and often quite short, so it can make the girl who use it looks seductive or charming
among men, the boy were attractive to the girl that he does not know yet, it is shows the way
he ask ‘did you come here alone’ and the next lyric give a sign that he want to know her close.
Also, the use of collocative meaning, the word 'look' is used to express when viewing a specific
object with care. The word 'at' is a preposition that indicates location or direction. Our eyes are
accustomed to seeing a specific object as our direction. As a result, 'look' is synonymous with
the preposition 'at'.
The extract was contained factive, it is shows from the first line, describing the
information that true and already happen as the lyric said ‘Little black dress’ which is refers
to’, she’ just walk into the room and he was mesmerized the way she walks with black dress
and make him can’t stop looking at her.
Extract 22
“[Verse 2: Louis &i Harry]
Little black dress, who you doin' it for?
Little black dress, I can't take any more
It's not right, it's not right, it's not right, you know
Little black dress, what's your favorite song?
Little black dress, I won't do you no harm
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright, you know
It's alright, it's alright 'cause I'll take you home”
The extract was containing the use of structural, as shown by ‘who’ that is done with the
wh-question. It is assumed that the sentence is true because it is analyzed conventionally and
regularly. Structure is used by the speaker to treat the listener as if they are presupposed or

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assumed to be true and accepted true. In this case, the girl was teasing him at the party, and he
couldn't take it any longer.
Based on the extract found the implied meaning is 'attractive lady' A man watches an
attractive woman in a black dress enter a party in the song.
Discussion
In the songs of One Direction in “Midnight Memories” albums, the way meanings
represent is almost talk about the love story which is related with relationship between two
people. Researchers took the Leech (1981) and Yule (1996) theory as a tool to find out more
about the type of meanings uses in each One Direction song on the album. Meanwhile in Yule
(1996) theory in order to know about the implied meaning is using the presuppositions.
As a result of this research, all types of meaning were discovered. Based on two theory
that used in each song, but there are the types of meaning and presupposition that mostly
occurred in the whole songs which is the types of connotative and affective meaning, there are
8 types of connotative found in each songs while in affective meaning there are 3 extract are
included, while in type of presupposition the most found is type of non factive, there are 5
extract and factive in 4 extract, it is related with Leech (1981) who stated that connotative
meaning is concerned with the real-world experience associated with a language statement,
also supported by (Elicker, 1997 who said there are meanings behind every word that is used
as lyrics, such as the connotation meaning is a prominent language feature found in many
songs). So, the way it was always occurred in the song lyric as a linguistic expression one user
or hear, also the effective meaning that used the way singers convey their feeling through the
lyric, in line with Elicker (1997) who stated that a song contains lyrics that are meant to be
sung aloud, as well to express emotions through feeling, which is the listener can confirm.
Furthermore, pragmatics can be used to search for the implied meaning of an utterance in song
lyrics, particularly in the area of presupposition, in theory of Yule (1996) the types of factive
and lexical are mostly occurred in the whole song in the album, According to Yule, factive is
the indication that the information assumed was true or had already occurred, it is related in
each song from this album that had a type of factive can be conclude that was the way singer
telling their story based on their experience and then convey through the lyric. While according
to Yule (1996), a lexical presupposition is a type of presupposition whose general meaning is
interpreted with another (unstated) meaning that can be understood, this is actually in line with
Leech (1981) which is similar with the connotative types about the word that had another
meaning.
Additionally, this result are different from the previous study conducted by Fanny (2015),
in which affective meaning was the most commonly used meaning in her research, she also
stated that the affective meaning is mostly used in the song because song’s is containing the
lyric to express feeling or emotions of the singers. .Masriyah, Zulfadli A., and Aziz Iskandar
Abdul Samad (2019) discovered that the types of Social Meaning are most commonly
encountered in their research, The researcher discovered that Lorde's song lyrics contained
associative meaning that emphasized social meaning. Ar Rahayu (2007) found the dominant
types are occurred in her research is the types of conceptual meaning. While in Christhy
Febbriantika Cisilia Beth, & Gurendi Wiwoho (2022) found the lexical and factive types are
mostly occurred in their research. regardless of the findings of current researchers.
CONCLUSION
This research has analyzed and investigated the meaning in One Direction songs in
Midnight Memories album. It can be concluded that singers use seven different types of
meaning based on Leech theory, as well as six different meanings based on Yule theory. The
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researchers found 35 extracts collected in 6 songs are choosen. Analysis of meaning plays an
important role in understanding situations that occur, especially in interacting in society, such
as in communication, so there must be meaning in every utterance. Usually, it is expressed in
written form, one of is in song lyrics. Some outlines and conclusions can be drawn about the
meaning of the song. This album describes about growing up, where the singers begin to
experience falling in love, freedom, problems and all the things that happen relating to the
process of becoming an adult. Therefore, the songs in this album express more feelings and
also tell experiences about the singer's love story journey. Therefore, because the language style
contains connotative meanings which sometimes seem slang, The songs appear to be more
distinct and enjoyable to listen.
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