FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE IN BILLIE EILISH’S HIT ME HARD AND SOFT LYRICS

Abstract

This study analyzes the use and function of figurative language in Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft album. Figurative language allows lyricists to convey meaning beyond the literal, enhancing emotional expression and aesthetic quality. Using Leech’s (1969) framework, the study identifies seven types of figurative language: metaphor, simile, personification, hyperbole, irony, metonymy, and synecdoche. Keraf’s (2009) classification of expressive, emphathic, and aesthetic function is applied to examine how these devices contribute to the lyrics’ emotional and thematic depth. Data were collected through observation, involving close reading and note-taking across all ten tracks. Selected lyrics were analyzed qualitatively to interpret figurative expressions within their lyrical contexts, focusing on themes such as vulnerability, identity, heartbreak, longing, and desire. Findings reveal that metaphor and hyperbole appear most frequently, often creating vivid imagery that intensifies emotional impact and listener engagement. Figurative language in the album not only beautifies the lyrics but also articulates complex emotions and psychological experiences, subtly shaping the emotional tone and interpretive possibilities. Overall, the study underscores the importance of figurative language in enriching both expressive and aesthetic dimensions of Billie Eilish’s songwriting, reinforcing its power to evoke emotional resonance and enhance the listener’s interpretive experience.