SEMIOTICS OF MUSIC VIDEO

 

Understanding Semiotics in Music Videos

Semiotics is the study of signs and how they create meaning. In music videos, everything we see like colors, outfits, and actions acts as a sign that sends a message to the audience. These signs help us understand the deeper meaning behind a video, beyond just the lyrics.

French theorist Roland Barthes explained that every sign has two parts: the signifier and the signified. The signifier is what we physically see or hear, like an object, word, or sound. The signified is the meaning we associate with it. For example, if a music video shows a red rose (signifier), we might think of love or romance (signified).

Barthes also talked about denotation and connotation. Denotation is the basic meaning of something, while connotation is the extra ideas or emotions connected to it. For example, in Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy, the bright colors and strange movements might denote a fun, playful style, but they also connote rebellion and unpredictability, which match the song’s theme.

Another important idea is myth, which means the hidden messages in media that reinforce cultural beliefs. Many music videos show expensive cars, fancy clothes, and luxury lifestyles as signs of success. This creates the idea (myth) that wealth equals happiness.

By understanding semiotics, we can see how music videos use signs and symbols to tell a deeper story. Everything in a video from props to lighting has meaning, shaping how we see the artist and their message.