An Analysis Of The Moral Message Of The Song “WHO SAYS” In Selena Gomes Album When The Sun Goes Down

Authors

  • Vita Fransiska Devi
  • Ririn Ambarini
  • Siti Lestari

Keywords:

Moral Message, Song Lyric, Selena Gomez

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the moral message contained in the song “Who Says” by Selena
Gomez, which is featured on the album When the Sun Goes Down, released in 2011. The main
objective of this research is to identify and describe the moral values reflected through the song
lyrics. The research employs a qualitative descriptive method, focusing on the analysis of the
lyrical content as the primary data source. The data were collected from the official lyrics of
the song, which were examined using descriptive techniques to interpret the moral messages
conveyed by the songwriter. The analysis is guided by the humanistic theory of Carl Rogers,
which emphasizes concepts such as self-concept, self-acceptance, and personal growth. The
findings reveal that the song conveys four key moral values, namely: self-acceptance, selfworth, empowerment, and resilience. These values are presented through affirmations of
individual worth, encouragement to embrace one’s true self, and messages of emotional
strength in the face of societal judgment or insecurity. The song is found to deliver a positive
moral influence, particularly for young listeners dealing with issues of self-esteem and identity.
This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how popular music can serve as a
medium for promoting psychological and moral development in its audience

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Published

2026-04-01

How to Cite

Vita Fransiska Devi, Ririn Ambarini, & Siti Lestari. (2026). An Analysis Of The Moral Message Of The Song “WHO SAYS” In Selena Gomes Album When The Sun Goes Down. Undergraduate Conference on Applied Linguistics, Linguistics, and Literature, 4(1). Retrieved from https://conference.upgris.ac.id/index.php/allure/article/view/7983