Power Dynamics in Lyrics: Analyzing “Bayar, Bayar, Bayar” by Sukatani Band through Critical Discourse Analysis

This study focuses on the song “Bayar, Bayar, Bayar” in order to understand how its lyrics negotiate and articulate issues of power within a given sociocultural setting. Using critical discourse analysis (CDA) as the framework, this study attempts to demonstrate how language can be both a reflection and a determinant of social systems and structures. The main aim, in this case, is to analyze the lyrics from a sociolinguistic perspective to determine the hidden messages that talk about power relations, focusing on how those choices maintained or resisted the prevailing power relations. Using CDA, this research examines the language of the song’s lyrics and the broader language of the song, focusing on the use of language, the themes presented, and the surrounding socio-political context of the song. Compared to the available literature regarding the relationship between music and power, there is a relative absence of research concerning “Bayar, Bayar, Bayar,” which is an issue this research intends to address by paying closer attention to the socio-political and linguistic context of the song. The results demonstrate that the lyrics employ critical discourse techniques to justify and condemn corrupt actions at the same time, with the word “bayar” (pay) used as an easy way out of critique and as a tool to increase social scrutiny while suffering systemic inequality. This research highlights the need to analyze the power relations embedded within the lyrics of music as they relate to cultural narratives and their impact on society’s worldview. This study demonstrates the need to understand music as a tool of social commentary and as a medium of dissent against oppressive power systems. Further studies in this field will help create a more nuanced and democratic understanding of music.