Abstract

This study examines the lexical and contextual meanings in three songs from Eminem's album "Encore": "Mockingbird," "Love You More," and "Mosh." Using a qualitative approach, the research analyzes various types of lexical meanings (synonymy, antonymy, polysemy, hyponymy, and connotation) and contextual factors (situation, purpose, mood, and speaker). The findings reveal Eminem's sophisticated use of language, demonstrating how he employs different linguistic techniques to suit various themes and purposes. Synonymy and antonymy are found to be the most prevalent lexical types, while context of purpose is consistently important across all songs. The study highlights the interplay between lexical choices and contextual factors in creating multi-layered meanings. This analysis provides insight into Eminem's lyrical craftsmanship, explaining how he addresses complex themes within the constraints of song structure. The research contributes to the field of lyrical analysis by demonstrating the value of combining lexical and contextual approaches. It also offers a framework for future studies on linguistic complexity in rap music and broader popular music genres.