Attachment Patterns in Musical Discourse: A Metaphorical Analysis of Multo by Cup Of Joe
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Abstract
This study examines the metaphorical and musical discourse of Multo by Cup of Joe to understand how lyrical metaphors and musical elements represent attachment patterns, relational ambivalence, and emotional persistence. Anchored in Attachment Theory, Framing Theory, and Symbolic Interactionism, the research applies Musical Discourse Analysis to analyze selected lyrical lines and their corresponding musical structures. The analysis involved identifying recurring figurative expressions in the lyrics and examining how these are reinforced by compositional elements such as tonal quality, tempo, vocal texture, and dynamic progression. Particular attention was given to musical features, including minor tonalities, slow tempo, echoing vocals, and gradual dynamic shifts that accompany key lyrical segments. The findings reveal recurring metaphors such as “binaon na ang lahat,” “dahan-dahang nililibing nang buhay pa,” and references to a lingering or haunting presence. These metaphors depict themes of unresolved longing, emotional restraint, and anxious-preoccupied attachment. The musical arrangement reinforces these symbolic meanings by sustaining a subdued tonal atmosphere and restrained progression, creating an affective environment that may influence the listener's interpretation of relational tension, presence, and absence. The study shows that the integration of lyrical metaphor and musical structure provides a meaningful representation of complex emotional experiences often reflected in contemporary Filipino popular music. By combining linguistic, musical, and psychological perspectives, the research highlights how songs can function as cultural texts that represent attachment-related emotions and interpersonal struggles. The study also suggests that examining music through interdisciplinary frameworks can contribute to discussions in music education, discourse analysis, and emotional literacy. Overall, Multilustrates how metaphor and musical composition work together to express relational experiences in Filipino popular music.
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