Denotative, Connotative, and Mythical Meanings in Freddie Mercury’s “Love Me Like There’s No Tomorrow”

Abstract

This research analyzes the denotative, connotative, and mythical meanings within the lyrics of Freddie Mercury’s song, “Love Me Like There’s No Tomorrow,” utilizing Roland Barthes’s semiotic theory. The research is grounded in the understanding that human suffering can be a source of artistic creativity, and that songs function as a rich form of oral literature. The research problem centers on uncovering the implicit meanings within the lyrics, which depict a romantic relationship nearing its end. The objective is to analyze the three layers of meaning and their connection to Freddie Mercury’s biography. A qualitative descriptive method was employed, collecting data through library research and lyric interpretation, followed by analysis using Barthes’ semiotic framework. The findings reveal profound meanings expressing psychological vulnerability, urgency, and a confrontation with mortality. These meanings reflect Mercury’s emotional journey and personal experiences. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the song’s complex meanings and their relationship to the artist’s personal life, enriching semiotic studies of song lyrics.