Decoding the Language of Music: A Segmental and Suprasegmental Analysis of Hallelujah

Abstract

The study examines the segmental and suprasegmental characteristics of the musical composition entitled "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen. The study employs a descriptive qualitative approach to explore the song's segmental features through transcription and analysis, as well as the suprasegmental features, including stress, assimilation, elision, linking, rhythm, and intonation patterns.  The findings indicate a multifaceted arrangement of vowel and consonant phonemes, distinguished by diverse phonetic attributes, an intricate understanding of accentuation and pitch modulation, and additional suprasegmental characteristics associated with the expressive and persuasive impact of the lyrics. This has demonstrated the potential contribution of linguistics to the analysis and interpretation of music.