CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

This chapter discusses the background of the study, formulation of the study,
problems of the study, objectives of the study, significance of the study, scope and
limitation of the study, and definition of the key terms.

1.1 The Background of Study
Language is an important thing which is very close to human life since
language is used by human to communicate in their daily activities. On other
word, language cannot be separated from the life of human being. We use
language to express our desire, option, emotion, intentions, and ideas to other
people (http://www.blogspot.com/beck/html, accessed January 2013).
Language is a system of arbitrary words, vocal symbol that permits all
people in giving a culture. Or other people who have learned the system of that
culture, to communicate or to interact (Alwasilah, 1986: 75)
According to Nababan (in Rahardjo, 2002: 42), language is part of culture,
therefore without language; the culture of society would never develop and is
materialized. When someone speaks, it is impossible for him or her to be free
from the elements of societys culture as the owner of the language. Actually,
language events are cultural events.
Everyone needs to interact or to communicate to other. He needs a
language as a tool of communication. The communication can be done both
verbally and non-verbally. In non-verbal communication language is used by
people to write a letter, poems, short stories, lyric of song and their life.
According to Hermanto (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/song, accessed
January 2013) song usually consists of figurative language since the figurative
language used in the lyrics is written.
Meanwhile, song cannot be separated from lyric. Songs lyric is usually
simpler so that it is easier to understand. But the song composer sometimes uses
idiomatic expression in the lyric as the result, we as the hearers get some problem
in understanding the meaning of the lyric. On the contrary, for them who
understand it will laugh or smile when they hear the lyrics. Idiomatic Expression
(Fry 2007: 42) is a group of words that has a different meaning from what those
words usually mean. Sometimes a student cannot understand a phrase or a
sentences because an idiomatic expression is used. The use of idiomatic
expression will make language more beautiful.
Therefore, it is necessary to discuss about the idiomatic expression used
in the song in order to make the reader or hearer understands what meaning is
improved in the song.
Michael Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, actor, and
businessman. Often referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson
is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World
Records.
Based on explanation above, the writer is interested in analyzing Michael
Jacksons song lyrics. In this study, the writer wants to improve my knowledge
about idiomatic expression because it is very important to do and hopefully that
this study will be very useful for readers.

1.2 The Problem of Study
Based on the background of the study above, the problems in this study
are as the following:
1) What form of idiomatic expressions are used in Michael Jacksons song
lyrics?
2) What are the meaning of idiomatic expressions used in Michael Jacksons
song lyrics?
3) How are the use of idiomatic expressions used in Michael Jacksons song
lyrics contribute to convey the messages of the song?
1.3 The Objectives of Study
The objectives of the study are
1) To find out the form of idiomatic expressions used in Michael Jacksons song
lyrics.
2) To know the meaning of idiomatic expression used in Michael Jacksons song
lyrics.
3) To identify the contribution of the idiomatic expressions used in Michael
Jacksons song in conveying the messages of the songs.

1.4 Scope and Limitation of the Study
1.4.1. Scope of the Study
This research of study attempts to identify and describe the data in
accordance with the research problems, namely the idiomatic expressions
used in song lyrics. The researcher focuses researching on the lyrics of 10
songs of Michael Jackson that are chosen randomly.
1.4.2. Limitation of the Study
The researcher himself believes that this study has methodological
weaknesses. The last, the researcher does not discuss the other points
outside idiomatic expressions.
1.5 Significance of Study
1.5.1. Academic Significance
This study broadens a theoretical review on the study of idiomatic
expression and to references for the next research in analyzing the idiom.
1.5.2. Practical Significance
This study is expected to give contribution to the development of
linguistics, practically in the idiomatic expressions in relation to the
phenomena existing in the song lyrics.