Lyrical Expressions of Love and Longing: A Sociocultural Linguistic Analysis of Didi Kempot’s Javanese Songs

This study analyzed the sociocultural and linguistic complexity of the expression kasmaran (love and longing) in Didi Kempot’s Javanese songs, examining how popular music reflects and shapes cultural values. Previous research on Didi Kempot has largely focused on musicological and sociological perspectives, leaving a gap in understanding the linguistic mechanisms through which these emotions are articulated. This study addressed that gap by systematically analyzing the linguistic forms and sociocultural meanings of kasmaran in his lyrics using a descriptive qualitative content analysis of selected songs. The findings identified nine linguistic forms of kasmaran: love, waiting, longing, seeking, remembering, hoping, reassuring, losing, and loyalty. Direct expressions of “love” (tresna) are often not dominant, instead replaced by more nuanced forms. Seven pragmatic meanings were uncovered, portraying the narrator as fragile yet loyal. These meanings include sadness from abandonment, profound longing, hope for return, expectation of a kept promise, pledge of loyalty, resignation, and lasting memory. The sociocultural dimension shows how these expressions embody Javanese values such as cidra (broken promise), patience, persistence, and honesty, often portraying men as emotionally vulnerable yet steadfast. The novelty of this research lies in its systematic mapping of the forms and meanings of kasmaran linguistically and socioculturally, making it the first to detail how Javanese language constructs emotional resonance in popular music. These findings contribute to cultural linguistics and pragmatics, offering insights into how universal emotions are conceptualized across cultures. Practically, this study underscores the role of popular music in reflecting and negotiating contemporary Javanese identities and values.