Semantic Dimensions of Modern Arabic Music: A Case Study of Humood Alkhudher’s Falasteen Biladi

This study investigates the influence of modern Arabic musical literature on Humood AlKhudher’s song Falasteen Biladi through a semantic analysis. The problem addressed in this research lies in understanding how modern Arabic songs, beyond their aesthetic qualities, serve as vehicles for articulating political, cultural, and social meanings. The song was chosen because its lyrics are deeply symbolic and emotionally charged, reflecting solidarity and pride for the Palestinian homeland while simultaneously engaging with broader socio-political contexts. The purpose of this study is to reveal the semantic strategies employed in Falasteen Biladi and to explain how these strategies contribute to shaping collective identity, resistance, and cultural diplomacy. A qualitative approach was employed, drawing data from the music video, song lyrics, social media discussions, and related articles. Data collection involved close listening, lyric transcription, classification of semantic features based on research questions, and enrichment with contextual information about Palestine’s socio-political situation. The analysis relied on semantic theories developed by Lyons (1995) and Leech (1981), with attention to denotative, connotative, affective, and social meanings. The findings show that Falasteen Biladi systematically constructs semantic meaning through the use of metaphor, symbolism, and deliberate diction. Surprisingly, beneath its patriotic and aesthetic tone lies a highly structured linguistic strategy that elevates the song into a form of cultural resistance against political domination. The study contributes to scholarship by demonstrating how modern Arabic music functions not only as artistic expression but also as a powerful medium of cultural diplomacy in global socio-political discourse.