THE INTERPERSONAL MEANING OF HARRY STYLES’ SONG SIGN OF THE TIMES

One of the functions of lexicogrammar analysis is to analyse the interpersonal meaning of a text. This study focuses on the lexicogrammatical aspects of a text, namely Harry Styles' song "Sign of the Times". Based on his interview with Rolling Stone magazine, though it is not explicit, Harry Style stated that the song was written as if from the point of view of a mother who died after giving birth to her
child. This research aims to evaluate Styles' statement using linguistic evidence and identify the types of interpersonal meaning communicated in lyrics using Michael
Halliday's interpersonal meaning theory and attitudinal analysis from the appraisal theory. The lexicogrammatical analysis was started using clause complex analysis to provide a deeper understanding of how clauses are combined to create meaning. The mood analysis was then employed to analyse the attitude expressions used, such as making statements, asking questions, or giving orders. The modality of the song lyrics, furthermore, were analysed to examine the speaker's certainty or obligation to the information conveyed. Finally the attitude analysis was applied to analyse how language conveys feelings, opinions, and judgments. From the preceding analyses, the study shows that, despite the lack of clear references to mother and child separation, the mood, modality, and attitude of the lyrics supports Harry Styles' statement.
Keywords: Interpersonal Meaning, Appraisal, Attitudinal, Song Lyrics