A DESCRIPTION OF THEME OF HOPE IN SELECTED SONGS FROM JOHN LENNON’S IMAGINE ALBUM
A PAPER
BY
EMIL ISWANDI HUTASUHUT
REG.NO : 162202026
DIPLOMA III ENGLISH STUDY PROGRAM
FACULTY OF CULTURAL SCIENCE
UNIVERSITY OF SUMATERA UTARA
MEDAN
2019
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AUTHOR’S DECLARATION
I am EMIL ISWANDI HUTASUHUT, declare that I the sole author of this paper. Except where the reference is made in the text of this paper, this paper contains no material published elsewhere or extracted in whole or in part from a paper by which I have qualified for or awarded another degree.
No other person’s work has been used without due acknowledgement in the main text of this paper. This paper has not been submitted for the award of another degree in any tertiary education.
Signed :
Date :
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COPYRIGHT DECLARATION
Name : EMIL ISWANDI HUTASHUT
Title of Paper : A Description of Theme of Hope in Selected Songs from John Lennon’s Imagine Album
Qualification : D-III / Ahli Madya
Study Program : English
I am willing that my paper should be available for reproduction at the discretion of the Librarian of the Diploma III English Faculty of Cultural Study University of Sumatera Utara the understanding that users are made aware of their obligation under law of the Republic of Indonesia.
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Date :
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ABSTRACT
Music is a literary work that is sound and has meaning. Music is also a medium for expressing one's feelings which is expressed in the form of beautiful words and tones, creating a beautiful blend of human voice and musical instruments. Music can also represent the state of one's heart whether he is sad, happy, angry and in love. A music player must be able to convey the moral message contained in the music so that it can be enjoyed and entertained. In the paper entitled A Description of Theme of Hope in Selected Songs From John Lennon’s Imagine Album, the author wants to conclude the theme of hope contained in the album imagine. In some of the songs on this album contain elements of hope that John Lennon poured such as peace, honesty, curiosity and rejection. John Lennon expresses his feelings with words that are unusual and difficult to understand if not examined beforehand so that his work makes him one of the most influential musicians in the world.
Keywords: John Lennon, Hope, peace, honesty, curiosity, rejection
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ABSTRAK
Musik merupakan suatu karya sastra yang berbentuk bunyi dan memiliki makna. Musik juga sebagai media pengekspresian perasaan seseorang yang dituangkan dalam bentuk kata dan nada yang indah sehingga menciptakan perpaduan yang indah antara suara manusia dan instrumen musik. Musik juga bisa mewakilkan keadaan hati seseorang baik dia sedang sedih, senang, marah dan jatuh cinta. Seorang pemain musik harus bisa menyampaikan pesan moral yang terkandung dalam musik tersebut sehingga dapat dinikmati dan menghibur. Di dalam kertas karya yang berjudul Deskripsi tema harapan dalam lagu-lagu terpilih dari album imagine oleh John Lennon, penulis ingin menyimpulkan tema harapan yang terkandung dalam album imagine. Dalam beberapa lagu dalam album ini mengandung unsur harapan yang dituangkan John Lennon seperti perdamaian, kejujuran, keingintahuan dan penolakan. John Lennon menuangkan ungkapan perasaannya dengan kata kata yang tidak biasa dan sulit untuk dimengerti jika tidak diteliti terlebih dahulu sehingga dengan karya karyanya menjadikan ia menjadi salah satu musisi paling berpengaruh didunia. Kata kunci: John Lennon, Harapan, kedamaian, kejujuran, rasa ingin tahu,,
penolakan
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
First of all, I would like to Thank to Allah Swt , who gives me health, strength, and capability to finish this paper as my last assignment to finish my study at English Diploma III Department, University of North Sumatera.
Then I would like to express a big thanks, love, and appreciation:
Dr. Budi Agustono, M.S. as Dean Faculty of Cultural Study.
Dra. Swesana Mardia Lubis, M.Hum as The head of Diploma III English
Study Program and my supervisor too, who gives me a lot of knowledge, her
time, advice, to correct this paper during the process of writing and as my
supervisor.
All of the Lectures in English Diploma Study Program for giving me
instruction, and knowledge.
My lovely family especially to my beloved parents, Addar Hutasuhut and
Ida Restianna Gultom . Thank you for all your motivation, advice, prays,
and loves. I present this paper for you all to prove that I can finish my paper.
My Reza Pahlevi Hutasuhut, Erick Tri Putra Hutasuhut, Izlal Nazihul
Rizky and my cousin Monalisa Harahap I really thank you for your
support, pray and love that make happy and enjoy this journey.
All my friends in Diploma III English Study Program / Solidas 2016.
Thank you for your support that help me to complete this paper. I will be
missing you all.
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My best friends, Ridho Pratama, Bastian Cantona, Putra Naibaho,
Albert Febrianto, Tulus Martua, Jerry Randra and David Naibaho
thank you for your support me and help me doing this paper.
Finally, I do realize that this paper is still far from being perfect.
Therefore I welcome any constructive criticism and suggestions towards this paper. Hopefully this paper can inspire and give knowledge for anyone in the future.
Date,
The Writer
Emil Iswandi Hutasuhut Reg No. 162202026
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
AUTHOR’S DECLARATION ...... i COPYRIGHT DECLARATION ...... ii ABSTRACK ...... iii ABSTRAK ...... iv ACKNOWLEGEMENTS ...... v TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... vii 1. INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1. 1 Background of the Study ...... 1 1. 2 The Problem of the Study ...... 5 1. 3 The Objective of the Study ...... 5 1. 4 The Scope of the Study ...... 6 1. 5 The Significance of the Study ...... 6 1. 6 The Method of the Study ...... 6
2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE...... 7 2. 1 Literature ...... 7 2. 2 The Concept of Song ...... 8 2. 3 Definition of Theme ...... 9 2. 4 Definition of Hope ...... 10
3. THE DESCRIPTION OF HOPE THEME ...... 11 3. 1 Hope Theme ...... 13 3.1.1 Imagine ...... 13 3.1.2 Crippled Inside ...... 16 3.1.3 How? ...... 18 3.1.4 I Don’t Want To Be a Soldier ...... 20
4. CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION ...... 23 4.1 Conclusion ...... 23 4.2 Suggestion ...... 23 REFERENCES ...... 25 APPENDICES A. John Lennon Biography B. Album C. Lyric
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CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
Literature is entirety of written expression in the fiction, which interpret the meaning of nature and life, desire to understand, express, and finally share experiences. According to Klarer (2004:1) says that in most cases. (McFadden
1978:56) “I should say, then, that literature is a canon which consists of those works in language by which a community defines itself through the course of its history. It includes works primarily artistic and also those whose aesthetic qualities are only secondary. The self-defining activity of the community is conducted in the light of the works, as its members have come to read them (or concretize them)”.
Literary work is a form of human thought. Literary works were created to be enjoyed and appreciated. In this case each writer has a way of expressing ideas and images to produce certain effects for the reader. Literally the works are divided into three types, namely, prose, poetry, and drama, therefore it is necessary to divide the time between prose, drama and poetry. Prose is a type of writing that is distinguished from poetry because of the greater variation in rhythm, and the language that is more in line with its lexical meaning. Drama is a literary work that describes human life and character in acting which is performed in several stages through roles and dialogues that are staged. Poetry
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is collection of spoken or writing words that expresses ideas or emotions in a powerfully clear and imaginative style.
Of the many types of literary works that we know of such as poetry, short story, novels, prose etc. the song has the highest ranking in literature because songs have a very broad rating so that the audience is almost in all circles. Literary works that almost have similarities with songs are literary works in the form of the poetry. The definition of poetry according to Herman
J Waluyo “Is a form literary work that expresses the mind and feelings of the poet imaginatively and is compiled by concentrating all the power of language by concentrating the physical structure and inner structure”. Most poetry also involve elements of sound and language in their expression. It can be observed that the elements of the language contained in the song are the same poetic language or language that uses the figurative meaning as well as the language contained in poetry. In the preparation of a song or poetry, of course it has building element which is an important part in the creation of a literary work including themes, tastes, tones, mandates, language styles, rhymes, topography, imagery and concrete words. But in this paper I will focus on discussing the theme a theme which is the basic foundation poets to develop poetry or songs.
The theme is also the main idea expressed in literature.
Songs are works of art in the form of poetry, tones or sounds that have sequences, scales, chords, combination and tempos and are usually accompanied by musical instruments to produce musical compositions that have unity and balance (contains rhythm). According to Rahardjo (1990: 72),
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songs contain 2 meanings namely: 1) songs that is being loved by certain people, and 2) the type of song that is being presented to listeners and prioritizes presentation and freedom techniques in using the rhythm or type of instrument. One of the basics in music art is a framework that combines several things so that it can become a work of art or we call it elements in music including melody, rhythm, tone, ladder of tone, harmony, tempo, dynamics and timbre. In a song, it cannot be separated from a lyric that has and important role as the core of the song. The definition of lyrics or song poetry can be considered poetry and vice versa. The same thing was said by Jan van
Luxemburg (1989), “namely the definition of poetic texts not only includes types of literature but also proverbial expressions, advertising messages, political slogans, pop songs and prayers”. Syair / songs lyric are the intent or message contained in a song works. Song lyric can be included in the type of poetry in the literary work. This can be indicated by the similarity of the elements between poetry with song lyrics.
According to Damayanti (2013: 102), words or poetry terms come from languages Arabic namely syi’ir or syu’ur which means “feeling of realization”. Then the word syu’ur developed into syi’ru which means poetry in general knowledge. At this time the song has changed in terms of the lyrics and music. Whereas according to Mihardja (2012: 40) reveals that the Syair / lyrics are poetry or essays in a bound form that emphasize rhythm rhyme.
Lyrics that once had the theme of love, friendship and life can now turn into freedom, free association, and event contain elements of sex and explicit
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content. Therefore, parental advisory is very much needed in the era of song production development which is very fast now. In this case the role of singer is very questionable, does he sing only to seek sensation and spread negative effects for the current generation or provide useful and education entertainment for his listeners.
In my paper entitled “A Description of Theme of Hope in Selected
Songs from John Lennon’s Imagine Album”. I will focus on discussing the theme of each of the songs in the Imagine album from John Lennon. Theme are the basis of stories or general ideas of literary work (Nurgiantoro, 2009: 70 )
Stanton (via Nurgiantoro, 2009: 70) explain that the theme can also be called the main idea or main goal. Based on the basic story or main idea, the author will develop the story. In general theme is the main idea of a thing, one of them in writing. Each writing must have a theme, because in writing it is recommended to think about what theme will be made. So if it’s supposed to be like a house, the theme is the foundation.
Imagine is the best song albums of all time by John Lennon which was published in 1971 in his solo career and the imagine song on the album was very influential in peace in the world at war II. In the album there are 10 songs including Imagine, Crippled inside, Jealous guy, It’s so hard, I don’t want to be a soldier, Give me some truth, Oh my Love, How do you sleep, How? and
Oh Yoko!. But the author focused to describe only 4 songs in this album which tittle : Imagine, Crippled Inside, How?, I Don’t Want To Be a Soldier. On this
Imagine album, John Lennon tells about what he felt and what he saw at that
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time. This album was written by John Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono who were inspired by the book “Grapefruit” by Yoko Ono in 1964. From the tittle of the songs we can describe what the meaning contained in each song lyrics such as hope, love, complaints and various problems in life. Various kind of events are contained in this album, both events in his personal life to events that occur in the society even various worlds problem at that time. Overall this
Imagine album is very varied and quite interesting because it does not only focus on one problem but John Lennon give a variety of theme to each song and has a very deep meaning.
This paper uses the qualitative method according to Jamalus (1988:
1)”Understanding music art is a result of art, in the form of songs or compositions that express the thoughts and feelings of the creator through the main elements of music, namely rhythm, melody, harmony, and the form or arrangement of songs and expressions as a whole”.
1.2 Problem of the study
How’s the theme portrayed in the selected album in John Lennon’s
Imagine Album?
1.3 Objective of the study
To describe the theme portrayed in John Lennon’s Imagine Album.
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1.4 Scope of the study
The scope of the study is limited to the theme in 4 (four) John Lennon’s selected songs from Imagine Album which Titled: Imagine, Crippled Inside,
How? , I Don’t Want to Be a Soldier.
1.5 Significance of the study
Theoretically, the significance of this description is to increase the literary understanding in terms of literary works as poetry, lyric and the song.
Practically, it has significance for the readers to understand what theme in the song.
1.6 Method of the study
The writer uses the qualitative method in doing this paper. The primary data is in the lyric of the song of John Lennon’s Imagine Album and the secondary of data sources from internet. The writer collects some data to support the description, finding the related data to the research then narrowing data of the internet research to the related element which are about theme.
Having understood the theme of the songs, the writer describes theme of the songs and make the conclusion.
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CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
2.1 Literature
Literature According to the Big Indonesian Dictionary: 2008 is "writing which when compared with other writings, features of excellence, such as authenticity, artistry, beauty in the content and expression". Literary work means essays that refer to good values written in beautiful language. Literature provides a general insight into human, social, and intellectual problems, in a unique way. Literary readers are possible to interpret literary texts according to their own insights. According to Klarer (2004:1) says that in most cases,
“literature is referred to as the entirety of written expression, with the restriction that not every written document can be categorized as literature in the more exact sense of the word”.
While McFadden argues (1978:56) “The literature is a canon which consists of those works in language by which a community defines itself through the course of its history. It includes works primarily artistic and also those whose aesthetic qualities are only secondary. The self-defining activity of the community is conducted in the light of the works, as its members have come to read them (or concretize them)”.
Literary work is a form of human thought. Literary works were created to be enjoyed and appreciated. In this case each writer has a way of expressing ideas and images to produce certain effects for the reader. Literally the works
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are divided into three types, namely, prose, poetry, and drama, therefore it is necessary to divide the time between prose, poetry and drama.
2.2 The Concept of Song
Songs are compositions of tone or sound in sequence, combination, and temporal relationships (usually accompanied by musical instruments) to produce musical compositions that have unity and continuity (containing rhythm). And various rhythmic tones or sounds are also called songs.
In the Big Indonesian Dictionary (2003: 486) understanding of songs exists several types: (1) a variety of rhythmic voices (in speaking, singing, reading, etc.); (2) struggle songs; (3) film become the basis of national film stories of official country songs.
According to Rahardjo (1990: 72), songs contain 2 meanings namely:
1) songs that is being loved by certain people, and 2) the type of song that is being presented to listeners and prioritizes presentation and freedom techniques in using the rhythm or type of instrument.
Hardjana (1983: 486) explains that “songs are a variety of sounds rhythmic (in speaking, singing, reading, etc.). Song is part of music and music is one part of artwork. By therefore, it can be said that the song is an integrated rhythmic sound with certain rhythms in rhythm, so that different types will appear songs, like keroncong, dangdut, pop, and rock”.
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According to Prier (1996: 2) “the form of music is an idea / idea that is appears in the processing / arrangement of all elements of music in a composition (melody, rhythm, harmony and dynamics). This idea unites the notes as well the composition parts are sounded one by one as a framework.
Or in other words, the form of music is a container that is filled by a composer and someone processed in such a way that it becomes live music”.
2.3 The Definition of Theme
Tarigan (1993: 125) suggests “that the theme is a certain view of life or a certain feeling about life or a set of certain values that form or build the main foundation / idea of a literary work”.
Whereas Rusyana (1988: 67) argues that: “The theme is the basis or meaning of a story, a theme is a particular view of life or a certain feeling that forms or builds the basis of the main idea of a literary work, and all fiction must have a basis or theme which is the goal of the goal”.
Another opinion was also expressed by Aminudin (1995: 91)”The theme is the idea that underlies a story so that it also acts as the starting point for the author in describing the work of fiction he created”.
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2.4 Definition of Hope
Hope is the basic form of trust in something that is desired will be obtained or an event will be a kind of goodness in the future. In general, expectations are in the form of abstract, invisible, but it is believed that sometimes even thought and made suggestions to materialize. But there are times when hope is based on someone or something. In practice, many people try to make their hopes come true by praying or trying.
Hope is a term that has been widely interpreted by experts in the field of psychology. Averill and his friends describe expectations as emotions directed by cognition and influenced by environmental conditions (J. Lopez
2009; 487)
Stotland and Gottschalk each describe expectations as a desire to achieve goals, Stotland emphasizes the importance and possibility of achieving goals, while Ghottschalk describes positive energy that encourages a person to work through difficult circumstances (J. Lopez, 2009; 487)
Theories about hope have been developed by C.R Snyder for many years. According to Snyder (Carr, 2004: 90), hope is the ability to plan a way out in an effort to achieve goals despite the obstacles and making motivation as a way of achieving goals. In general, it can be concluded that the notion of hope is a positive mental state in a person with the ability he has in an effort to achieve goals in the future.
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CHAPTER III
THE DESCRIPTION OF HOPE THEME
3.1 Hope Theme
A theme is an idea / idea conveyed by the author in the story. This theme will be known after all elements of prose fiction are examined. In applying these elements when appreciating prose works, appreciation does not merely analyze and break down each part, but also each of these elements must be seen as coherent with other elements. The analyst will see the relationship of these elements in the form of mutual support and strength in conveying the theme of the story or just the opposite.
Or in other words the theme is the idea of an idea or main idea of something, one of them in a writing. Certainly in each writing has a theme, because in a writing it is recommended that you have to think about what themes you want to write. For example in writing a novel, poetry, short story, or other writing, of course, must have a theme. So if likened to a house, the theme is the foundation. Besides that the theme is also the most important thing that is seen by readers of a literary work. If the theme raised in the writing is interesting, it will give more value to the literary work. For authors the theme is the basis used by the author in developing a story. Usually each story is made on the basis of a particular theme and all activities in the story are also based on that theme.
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This paper uses qualitative methods to describe the fragments of the lyrics contained in the song. Themes are usually divided into two, namely major themes and minor themes, but usually minor themes are not too prominent in a literary work compared to the more prominent major themes.
From the explanation above, the author will only focus on the major themes contained in the song to be discussed. Some of the songs I selected on the album Imagine contained the theme of hope. This can be seen from the song lyrics on Imagine Album that I listened by myself. The most important to describe in this paper is the songs that I will describe here.
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3.1.1. Imagine
"Imagine" is a song co-written and performed by English musician John
Lennon. The best-selling single of his solo career, its lyrics encourage the listener to imagine a world at peace without the barriers of borders or the divisions of religion and nationality and to consider the possibility that the whole of humanity would live unattached to material possessions. Shortly before his death, Lennon said that much of the song's "lyric and content" came from his wife Yoko Ono, and in 2017, she received a co-writing credit.
Lennon and Ono co-produced the song and album of the same name with Phil Spector. Recording began at Lennon's home studio at Tittenhurst
Park, England, in May 1971, with final overdubs taking place at the Record
Plant, in New York City, during July. One month after the September release of the LP, Lennon released "Imagine" as a single in the United States; the song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and the LP reached number one on the UK chart in November, later becoming the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed album of Lennon's solo career. Although not originally released as a single in the United Kingdom, it was released in
1975 to promote Shaved Fish, a compilation LP and it reached number six on the chart that year.
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Imagine there's no heaven It's easy if you try No hell below us Above us only sky
Imagine all the people Living for today (ah ah ah)
Imagine there's no countries It isn't hard to do Nothing to kill or die for And no religion, too
Imagine all the people Living life in peace
You may say that I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one I hope someday you'll join us And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions I wonder if you can No need for greed or hunger A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people Sharing all the world
You may say that I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one I hope someday you'll join us And the world will live as one
This song tells the hope of John Lennon's hope for a peaceful world without war, murder, rules and differences in human life, there is only peace.
Many people who interpret this song are anti-religious songs that are seen in the lyrics of "and no religion too". They mean the same as abolishing religion.
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Although it doesn't mean it, He wants us to be atheists and support our own lives between humans so that we can mutually love, but without God.
Other meanings he had seen were not bad religious teachings but religion had been used as a cover and shield to carry out warfare. Maybe he might be very concerned and even annoyed with conflicts in the name of religion. This song can also mean pluralism written by john Lennon in the fragment of the lyrics "Nothing to kill or die for". The purpose of the lyrics is
John's hope that humans can live in harmony and not hurt each other especially to kill each other.
The meaning of Pluralism is also found in the lyrics "No need for greed or hunger" "A brotherhood of man". "Imagine all the people". "Sharing all the world". And the world will be as one. The hope that John Lennon poured in this lyric fragment is that humans do not prioritize greed and greed to cause suffering and hunger for other humans. Lennon also hopes for brotherhood among fellow humans and strengthens the sense of sharing so that suffering and hunger do not occur.
From some of the lyrics we can conclude that John Lennon poured a lot of hope for peace and tranquility in this world even though with extreme words.
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3.1.2. Crippled inside
"Crippled Inside" is a song written and performed by John Lennon from his 1971 album Imagine. The song combines the bleak lyrical content of Lennon's prior solo recording, John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, with the more upbeat musical arrangements typical to the rest of Imagine. Lennon would later express his displeasure with the more commercial sound of the album, even going so far as to say that the title track was "an anti-religious, anti-nationalistic, anti-conventional, anti- capitalistic song, but because it's sugar-coated, it's accepted." The song is noticeably influenced by country music, becoming Lennon's own spin on country rock, which he dabbled in both as a Beatle and later in his solo career.
You can shine your shoes and wear a suit, You can comb your hair and look quite cute, You can hide your face behind a smile, One thing you can't hide is when your crippled inside,
You can wear a mask and paint you face, You can call yourself a new race, You can wear a cooler and a tie, One thing you can't hide is when your crippled inside,
Well you know your cat has nine lives babe, Nine lives to it's self, But you only got one and a dog's life ain't fun, Mamma takes a look outside,
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You can go to church and sing a hymn, Judge me by the color of my skin, You can live a lie until you die, One thing you can't hide is when you crippled inside
This song tells about the expression of Lennon's hope that humans do not lie with the state of his heart that is not in accordance with his external appearance. In the fragment of the lyrics "You can hide your face behind a smile," Lennon gives a subtle satire so that people are always honest and open with their heart without having to lie to themselves. This song also includes songs that are able to provide motivation to listeners so they don't get used to living in lies like Lennon's words in the lyrics "You can go to church and sing a hymn, Judge me by the color of my skin, You can live until you die," The meaning that can be taken from the lyric fragment is the state of the heart that is not in line with the act, even though you look religious and obedient but it is only an outward view that is not in accordance with the inner part of the heart you.
In some of the explanations above, it can be concluded that John
Lennon revealed a hope for people not to drag on life in a lie because of how great someone hiding lies would be found out because lies can haunt the lives of those who hide them.
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3.13. How?
"How?" is a song from John Lennon's second solo album Imagine, released in 1971. Lennon recorded "How?" on 25 May 1971 at Ascot Sound
Studios, during the sessions for his Imagine album. String overdubs took place on 4 July 1971 at the Record Plant, in New York City. Appearing directly after the vitriolic How Do You Sleep? on the Imagine album, How? showed the other side of John Lennon: insecure, uncertain and unafraid to reveal his weaknesses to the world.
How can I go forward when I don't know which way I'm facing How can I go forward when I don't know which way to turn How can I go forward into something I'm not sure of Oh no, oh no
How can I have feeling when I don't know if it's a feeling How can I feel something if I just don't know how to feel How can I have feelings when my feelings have always been denied Oh no, oh no
You know life can be long And you got to be so strong And the world is so tough Sometimes I feel I've had enough How can I give love when I don't know what it is I'm giving How can I give love when I just don't know how to give How can I give love when love is something I ain't never had Oh no, oh no
You know life can be long You've got to be so strong And the world she is tough Sometimes I feel I've had enough
How can we go forward when we don't know which way we're facing How can we go forward when we don't know which way to turn
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How can we go forward into something we're not sure of Oh no, oh no
A song titled How? this is a song created by Lennon with the aim of expecting an answer from the many questions stored in his mind. In another sense this song refers to the confusion of Lennon answering questions that often appear in his mind very clearly seen in every piece of the lyrics that uses the word "How ?". In each of the lyric quotes, Lennon always asks questions that are ordinary questions, but so difficult to answer, as in the words "How can I go forward when I don't know which way I'm facing” The other meaning contained in the lyrics is not only confusion but also Lennon's lack of confidence in being able to answer the question as in "How can I go forward into something I" m not sure of ".
Overall this song contains confusion, uncertainty and doubts that are often experienced in human life, maybe the question questions seem normal but sometimes difficult to answer. From some of the explanations of the lyric quotations, it can be concluded that the theme contained in the song is an expectation from Lennon to get answers to all the questions he posed in the song.
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3.1.4. I Don’t Want To Be a Soldier
"I Don't Wanna Be a Soldier, Mama" (also known as "I Don't Want To
Be a Soldier") is a song written and performed by John Lennon, and released in 1971 as the fifth track on his second studio album, Imagine. The song is a rant against the expectations of society. The raucous closer to the first half of
John Lennon's Imagine was one of the earliest songs to be recorded for the album. Along with It's So Hard it was first recorded during the February 1971 sessions that also yielded the Power To The People single.
Well, I don't wanna be a soldier mama, I don't wanna die Well, I don't wanna be a sailor mama, I don't wanna fly Well, I don't wanna be a failure mama, I don't wanna cry Well, I don't wanna be a soldier mama, I don't wanna die Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no
Well, I don't wanna be a rich man mama, I don't wanna cry Well, I don't wanna be a poor man mama, I don't wanna fly Well, I don't wanna be a lawyer mama, I don't wanna lie Well, I don't wanna be a soldier mama, I don't wanna die Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no, hey
Well, I don't wanna be a soldier mama, I don't wanna die Well, I don't wanna be a thief now mama, I don't wanna fly Well, I don't wanna be a churchman mama, I don't wanna cry
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Well, I don't wanna be a soldier mama, I don't wanna die Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no, hey
Oh well, I don't wanna be a soldier mama, I don't wanna die Well, I don't wanna be a sailor mama, I don't wanna fly Well, I don't wanna be a failure mama, I don't wanna cry Well, I don't wanna be a soldier mama, I don't wanna die Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no
In the song entitled "I Don't Want To Be a Soldier", Lennon showed his hope for people so that he would not be involved in work under the control of the government and the state which he said was full of risks, especially slavery and very binding government rules. In some of the lyrics, Lennon mentioned several profession names under government control which he said had a heavy risk and was also able to create mental pressure for the people who lived it, as in the word “Well, I don't wanna be a soldier mama, I don't wanna die,Well, I don't wanna be a sailor mama, I don't wanna fly, Well, I don't wanna be a failure mama, I don't wanna cry, Well, I don't wanna be a lawyer mama, I don't wanna lie”.
Not only about the profession, Lennon also mentioned several conditions of life that he did not want to want, such as he did not want to be a poor person or become a rich person, as in the quote in the lyrics “Well, I don't wanna be a rich man mama, I don't wanna cry, Well, I don't wanna be a poor
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man mama, I don't wanna fly”. In the lyrics of this song, Lennon includes a lot of the words "do not want" which means he does not want to take a risk with a profession that he does not like or conditions that are not in accordance with his heart's desires.
From the discussion above, it can be concluded that the essence of the lyrics of this song is an expression of Lennon's wish not to be involved with various professions or circumstances that are not in accordance with the wishes of his heart.
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CHAPTER IV
CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION
4.1 Conclusion
The theme is the main idea in a literary work aimed at the writer for listeners to know the expressions and emotions contained in literary works.
The theme of hope is the main idea in a literary work which explains the hope of hope that the writer devotes to the listener, both positive and negative expectations. After the author described a number of songs on the John Lennon
Imagine album, the author found a theme of hope that leads to peace, honesty, curiosity and rejection.
4.2 Suggestion
From this discussion the author has concluded 4 suggestions. 4 suggestions that will be explained are as follows:
In life, we must maintain peace and maintain justice among fellow
human beings and increase our sense of brotherhood without the
difference that becomes a barrier to be together.
Don't drag on a lie and try to be open and honest so that life is more
meaningful, honesty will be an important point in life to be trusted by
others.
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If there is a problem that you cannot resolve yourself, don't be shy
about asking for help from others. Try to work together so that the
problems you face are lighter.
In life, of course you have life pressure that forces you to live it and of
course the pressure is not in accordance with the wishes of your heart.
So do not force your heart to live it because it will cause risk. Live what
makes you comfortable in order to create totality in all activities that
you do.
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REFERENCES
Agus M. Hardjana , Komunikasi Intrapersonal & Inter personal,
Yogyakarta, Kanisius,2007
Aminuddin. (1995). Stilistika: Pengantar Memahami Bahasa dalam Karya
Sastra. Semarang: IKIP Semarang Press
Burhan,Nurgiyantoro.(2009). Penilaian Pengajaran Bahasa.Yogyakarta:BPFE
Damayanti, Deni. (2013). Panduan Lengkap Menyusun Proposal, Skripsi,
Disertasi.Yogyakarta: Alaska.
Esten, Mursal. (1978). Kesusasteraan : Pengantar Teori dan Sejarah. Bandung
: Angkasa
H.G. Tarigan. (1993). Berbicara sebagai suatu Keterampilan Berbahasa.
Bandung : Angkasa Badudu
Jamalus. (1988). Panduan Pengajaran buku Pengajaran musik melalui
pengalaman musik.Proyek pengembangan Lembaga Pendidikan.
Jakarta
Klarer, M (2004:1). An Introduction to Literary Studies.London:Routledge
Luxemburg, Jan Van dkk. (1984). Pengantar Ilmu Sastra (Terjemahan Dick
Hartoko)
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Prier, KE, Sj.(1996). Ilmu Bentuk Musik.Yogyakarta: PML
https://nathaniaseptavy.wordpress.com/tag/pengertian-harapan/ https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ve d=2ahUKEwjri7fF1bjjAhVEv48KHb0WCT4QFjABegQICxAE&url=http%3A
%2F%2Fetheses.uin- malang.ac.id%2F1673%2F6%2F11410129_Bab_2.pdf&usg=AOvVaw0il6ut4b
VeyabWUBEh-KdB https://www.temukanpengertian.com/2015/09/pengertian-tema.html http://coco-jkrahardi.blogspot.com/2012/04/makna-lagu-imagine-john- lennon.html https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/gimme-some-truth-john-lennon- politics/ https://www.beatlesbible.com/people/john-lennon/songs/oh-yoko/
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APENDICES
A. John Lennon Biography
John Winston Ono Lennon MBE (9 October 1940 – 8 December 1980) was an English singer, songwriter and peace activist who co-founded the
Beatles, the most commercially successful band in the history of popular music. He and fellow member Paul McCartney formed a much-celebrated songwriting partnership. Along with George Harrison and Ringo Starr, the group achieved worldwide fame during the 1960s. In 1969, Lennon started the
Plastic Ono Band with his second wife, Yoko Ono, and he continued to pursue a solo career following the Beatles' break-up in April 1970.
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B. Album
Imagine is the second studio album by John Lennon after his departure from the Beatles. Recorded and released in 1971, the albums are more elaborate than the basic, small-group arrangements of his first album, John
Lennon / Plastic Ono Band.
Imagine is the most popular of Lennon's solo albums and the title track is considered by many to be one of Lennon's finest songs. In 2012, the album was voted 80th on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time".
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C. Lyric
Imagine
Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today (ah ah ah)
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion, too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
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Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
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Crippled Inside
You can shine your shoes and wear a suit
You can comb your hair and look quite cute
You can hide your face behind a smile
One thing you can't hide
Is when you're crippled inside
You can wear a mask and paint your face
You can call yourself the human race
You can wear a collar and a tie
One thing you can't hide
Is when you're crippled inside
Well now you know that your
Cat has nine lives
Nine lives to itself
But you only got one
And a dog's life ain't fun
Momma take a look outside
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You can go to church and sing a hymn
You can judge me by the color of my skin
You can live a lie until you die
One thing you can't hide
Is when you're crippled inside
Well now you know that your
Cat has nine lives
Nine lives to itself
But you only got one
And a dog's life ain't fun
Momma take a look outside
You can go to church and sing a hymn
Judge me by the color of my skin
You can live a lie until you die
One thing you can't hide
Is when you're crippled inside
One thing you can't hide
Is when you're crippled inside
One thing you can't hide
Is when you're crippled inside
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How?
How can I go forward when I don't know which way I'm facing
How can I go forward when I don't know which way to turn
How can I go forward into something I'm not sure of
Oh no, oh no
How can I have feeling when I don't know if it's a feeling
How can I feel something if I just don't know how to feel
How can I have feelings when my feelings have always been denied
Oh no, oh no
You know life can be long
And you got to be so strong
And the world is so tough
Sometimes I feel I've had enough
How can I give love when I don't know what it is I'm giving
How can I give love when I just don't know how to give
How can I give love when love is something I ain't never had
Oh no, oh no
You know life can be long
You've got to be so strong
And the world she is tough
Sometimes I feel I've had enough
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How can we go forward when we don't know which way we're facing
How can we go forward when we don't know which way to turn
How can we go forward into something we're not sure of
Oh no, oh no
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I Don’t Wanna Be a Soldier
Well, I don't wanna be a soldier, mama
I don't wanna die
Well, I don't wanna be a sailor, mama
I don't wanna fly
Well, I don't wanna be a failure, mama
I don't wanna cry
Well, I don't wanna be a soldier, mama
I don't wanna die
Oh, no
Oh, no
Oh, no
Oh, no
Well, I don't wanna be a rich man, mama
I don't wanna cry
Well, I don't wanna be a poor man, mama
I don't wanna fly
Well, I don't wanna be a lawyer, mama
I don't wanna lie
Well, I don't wanna be a soldier, mama
I don't wanna die
Oh, no
Oh, no
Oh, no
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Well, I don't wanna be a soldier, mama
I don't wanna die
Well, I don't wanna be a thief now, mama
I don't wanna fly
Well, I don't wanna be a churchman, mama
I don't wanna cry
Well, I don't wanna be a soldier, mama
I don't wanna die
Oh, no
Oh, no
Oh, no
Oh, no
Oh, no
Oh, no
Hit it
Oh well, I don't wanna be a soldier, mama
I don't wanna die
Well, I don't wanna be a sailor, mama
I don't wanna fly
Well, I don't wanna be a failure, mama
I don't wanna cry, no
I don't wanna be a soldier, mama
I don't wanna die
Oh, no
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