The specifics of hidden meaning implementation in English-language song lyrics (based on the rock ballad “Honey Bee” by Sivert Høyem)

Abstract

The study aims to identify the role of genre and stylistic features of rock ballads in creating hidden meanings. The paper provides a detailed analysis of the significance of compositional structure elements in creating implicit meanings and explores the relationship between spatial-temporal unity and the realization of the author’s intention. The scientific novelty of this research lies in the fact that it is the first one to describe, using contemporary English-language rock ballads, the link between compositional structure and the creation of implicit meaning. The study found that rock ballads not only retain classical ballad compositional and stylistic elements but also possess a number of specific characteristics. These include diffused exposition, which creates in the listener a sense of movement through space and time, following the lyrical hero; and the partial absence of traditional compositional elements, which contributes to a direct shift of focus to each subsequent verse, thereby creating narrative fragmentation. Each element of a rock ballad’s composition contributes to the creation of emotional tension, thereby keeping the listener in continuous anticipation of the final resolution, which will reveal the implicit meaning of the entire work.

Research materials

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Author information

About this article

Publication history

• Received: September 21, 2025.
• Published: November 27, 2025.

Keywords

• современная англоязычная рок-баллада
• имплицитный смысл
• пространственно-временное единство
• рассеянная экспозиция
• фрагментарность повествования
• modern English rock-ballad
• implicit meaning
• spatial-temporal unity
• scattered exposition
• fragmented narrative

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© 2025 The Author(s)
© 2025 Gramota Publishing, LLC

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)