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‘I wanna be a Rock Star!’ Lyrical Communication in Self-Referential Rock Songs

2016; De Gruyter; Volume: 64; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1515/zaa-2016-0032

2196-4726

Pascal Fischer,

Discourse Analysis in Language Studies

Abstract The article uses insights into lyrical communication for an analysis of the lyrics of three popular rock songs: Dire Straits’ “Money for Nothing” (1985), AC/DC’s “Rock ‘N’ Roll Singer” (1975), and Nickelback’s “Rockstar” (2005). It explains how these songs about the figure of the rock star involve the careful listener in speculation about the relationship between the text-internal speaker, the singer (or performer), and the author. The discussion about the identity of the ‘I’ in the songs includes the possibility of a ‘mental appropriation’ by the audience. Showing the relevance of extra-textual factors for the message of these songs, the study also argues for a re-evaluation of the concept of the implied author.