INTRODUCTION

A. Background
Music is truly an international language. When listening to a well-known song in another
language you will probably find that you recognize it although you do not understand the
words of that particular version and you are able to follow the melody from the text you
know so well. Susam-Sarajeva argues
that no other non-religious [] text moves people as deeply as the combination of
lyrics and music; [it] becomes an intrinsic part of their lives, acts as a shortcut to their
memories (scenes from ones childhood, holidays, previous relationships, close relatives who
passed away etc.) and often bears witness to the various stages of their life. Susam-Sarajeva
(2008:188).
Until quite recently, music has generally been disregarded within the field of translation
studies. According to Susam-Sarajeva, this might be due to people with a musical
background not being familiar with the concepts, tools and models available in translation
studies while translation scholars might find musical matters quite complicated
(2008:189-190).
Compared to translation studies of literature, translations of singable songs pose specific
demands on the translator. For instance, the translator needs to have a good sense of rhythm
to make a successful translation, so that s/he does not put a long syllable on a short note, to
mention but one example. The translators assignment is to make a singable translation of a
song from any genre (pop, rock, folk music, musical comedy, opera, etc.) which a musician
later must be able to perform credibly. Even though there is usually a spoken dialogue in a
musical, the lyrics of the songs are part of a monologue, and the translator has to think about
not changing too much, as s/he then changes the story of the musical. Translators have to
consider several important factors when translating song lyrics. For instance, the song must
be singable, and the text must sound as if it had been made for the music (Low 2005:190).
Further, whenchoosing words, the translator must be semantically flexible and pay great
attention to rhythm and rhyme in order to get a natural sound to the song (Low 2005:195).
Another alternative is translating only the spoken parts of a musical and leaving the songs
untranslated (Franzon2008:376).
A skilled translator is thus a combination of someone who is linguistically competent and
at the same time an expert within the area of the translation (for example technology,

medicine or music). The importance of these qualifications has been widely discussed as the
unique ability to learn new facts within a dedicated area is indeed individual (Ingo
1991:261).
The primary aim of this study is to compare source texts with their translated versions.
The more specific research questions concern translation strategies and specific features used
in the translation. By using the original,song lyrics as a basis of comparison, I would like to
find out the extent of the following features in the corpus of song lyrics compiled:
1. Word-for-word translation
2. Use of metaphors
3. Use of paraphrases
B. Definition
The New International Dictionary Webster's (2002: 1428) provides a definition that to
translate (translates) means to render into another language (compiled into other languages);
to express on their terms (revealed in another term); to explain by using another word
(explain using different words). The word 'translation' comes from the Latin words; trans,
meaning across and the broad, meaning implement. Meanwhile, The Oxford Companion to
the English Language (2005: 1329) defines translation as "a new description of the form of
the language into another language". Some experts also suggested definition is similar; is a
new description of the form of other languages.
Larson (1984: 51) states; in translation, the manuscript form in the source language is
replaced by the text in the target language form. Larson further explained that the language
refers to the form of words, phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs, and other spoken or
written with truth. Nida and Taber (in Widyamartaya, 1989: 11), also states that translates
consists of reproductions message to the recipient language through natural language style
that most closely equality with the text of the source language, first in terms of meaning and
secondly in terms of style. Bassnett (1991: 2) says that what is generally understood as a
translation involves a referral process text source language (SL = Source Language) into the
target language (TL = Target Language). Catford (1965) cited in Machali (2000: 5) states that
the translation is the replacement of textual material in one language (SL) which is equivalent
to the content of the material in another language (TL). According sapardidjokodamono in
Kompas (June 21, 2003), the translation is a transfer idea to use several languages as a
medium.

Widyamartaya (1989: 13) states that a good translation should not seem like a translation,
but rather should be read like the original composition and express all the original meaning.
Larson (1984: 6) mentions the characteristics of a good translation is as follows:
1. Using normal language style in the language of the recipient
2. Communicate to the speakers of the receiver the same meaning that is also
understood by the speaker of the source language.
3. Keeping the dynamics of the original text of the source language.
Based on these statements, we can conclude that the translation produces meaning SL
(the meaning of which was designed by a native speaker) in natural form TL.
Barnwell in Edy (2000: 15) emphasizes that the best translation can be assessed in terms of
accuracy, clarity and naturalness (natural side). Its definition is as follows:
1. Accuracy means the contents of the translation must be identical to the original text.
2. Clarity means that the translation must convey clear information.
3. Keeping the dynamics of the original text-speaking sources.
Newmark (1982: 7) also believes that making the translation is an art and special skills.
He stated that the translation is a skill that consists of efforts to change the message or a
written statement from one language to the message and or the same statement in other
languages.
Thus, translators face a problem that not only revolve around the search for a translation
equivalent. Larson (1984: 56) states:
There will be the words in the source language and receptor language that are
very similar in context (contain the same meaning components), but not all will
match by any means. Not all language communities have the same ideas.
(Ada

kata-kata

bahasasumberdanbahasataregt

yang

(mengandungkomponenmakna

yang

sangatserupadalamhalkonteks
sama),

tetapitidaksemuanyaakancocokdalamsembarangcara.
Tidaksemuabahasamempunyaibentukgagasan yang sama.)
From the above statement, Larson indicates that he believes if the language of combining
different meanings and translators are required to accept the consequences where there are
many words that do not have exactly the same meaning in the target language. Taking into
account the fact that a word can be translated by another word or by the number of words in
the target language, and that the lexical structure of the two languages are different, then how
concepts otherwise would be different.

C. Problem formulation
What are the problems in translating of song?
How are the ways to translating of song?
D. Significane
To know the meaning of song
To know the way of the translating song
Can to analyze the meaning of song

DISCUSSION
A. The problem in translation song
There are different types of translation, and depending on the type of translation, you will
face a variety of difficulties translating different:
1. Not Understanding the Purpose of Translation
when the need of a text to be translated, there will be the final destination of the

text, and it should be understood that the ultimate goal would help the translation to
be successful. For example, translating a poem or a song has the additional
difficulty that not only reflects the meaning but the sound and energy of the original
text.
2. Problems of Ambiguity in the text
Very specific vocabulary and specific grammatical structure can cause difficulty in
translation meaning is not clear. An experienced translator with a good knowledge
of both languages can avoid these difficulties.
3. Forgetting when Translating Cultural Sensitivity
Language is intrinsically related to culture. Important note that the translations are
very concerned about this, especially when translating a foreign songs into
Indonesian. Even an experienced professional translators who can wrestle with the
difficulties of translation. They are aware of the differences in structure, grammar
and context between the two languages.
B. The ways to translate song
1. Word for word translation
The source language word order is preserved and the words translated by their most
common meanings. Cultural words are translated literally. The main use of this
method is either to understand the mechanics of the source language or to construe a
difficult text as pre-translation process.
2. Use of metaphor
The Compact Oxford English Dictionary defines 'metaphor' as:
a. a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to something to
which it is not literally applicable (e.g. food for thought).
b. a thing symbolic of something else.
Wikipedia describes a metaphor as:
...a rhetorical trope where a comparison is made between two seemingly
unrelated subjects. Typically, a first object is described as being a second object.
In this way, the first object can be economically described because implicit and
explicit attributes from the second object can be used to fill in the description of
the first.
More simply, this means using one thing to describe another thing. (a 'rhetorical
trope', by the way, basically means 'using words where their meaning is changed',
also known as a 'figure of speech').
'Metaphor' comes from the Greek word metapherein, meaning 'to transfer'.

The value of a metaphor is in the meaning that it can create. Meaning happens inside
the mind and as such is an individual experience. Nevertheless, the commonality of
words means that the well-understood meaning of one world can associated with a
concept that is not so well understood or where new meaning need to be injected.
Metaphors are representations, in that they represent an idea but are not the idea in
itself. All words are also representations, and in this sense all words are metaphors.
We do not directly experience reality, but rather an internal symbolic representation
of an external 'real'.
In prosody, metaphoric

equating

of

dissimilar

objects

is

sometimes

called discordiaconcors.
3. Use of paraphrase
Paraphrasing, or the rewording of something written or spoken by someone else, is a
great skill to learn. Often a deeper meaning of the work is achieved through the basic
steps of paraphrasing. I have found this to be an exciting songwriting technique when
working with individuals with special needs. Often my students have a specific artist
or group of songs that they want to listen to or perform over and over again. For
some of my students, teaching them about lyrical paraphrasing is a great way to
validate their song favorites while incorporating new skills into their session. Here
are some basic skills to address when paraphrasing lyrics:
1. Select one or two phrases or lyrical sentences from the song. Read it until you
understand its meaning or overall message.
2. Take away the visual or written line. Jot down the key words or points on a piece of
paper or white board.
3. Create synonyms for the main key words by using a thesaurus or other resource, or
look for new words within a catergory.
4. Look for ways to shorten or lengthen the phrases or sentences. Write out or type your
new ideas and lyrics.
5. Repeat these steps as you move throughout the song.

C. Analyze Translating to song

English lyrics of the song is actually not much different from the language of poetry. Case this is
in accordance with the understanding the lyrics of the songs by Semi (1988: 106) that said, "The

lyrics are short poems that express the emotions". Case this is also confirmed in another
definition of the lyrics contained in the Dictionary Large Indonesian (1990: 528), the song is a
work of poetry sung. Emotive form of expression is manifested in sounds and words.
It can be seen from the lyrics of songs by Adele following:
1) 'Cause you feel like home
You're like a dream come true
But if by chance you're here alone
Can I have a moment?
'Cause I've been by myself all night long
Hoping you're someone I used to know
You look like a movie
You sound like a song
The song's lyrics express the lyrics of hope to someone. To express this feeling used phrases.
You're like a dream come true. Then hope was deemed futile. To show that the statement on the
lyrics I use the phrase but if by chance you're here alone. Can I have a moment? It turned into
despair, this is stated in 'Cause I've been by myself all night long. Hoping you're someone I used
to know.
2) My God
This reminds me, Of when we were young
Let me photograph you in this light
In case it is the last time
That we might be exactly like we were
Before we realized
We were sad of getting old
It made us restless
It was just like a movie
It was just like a song
In the lyrics to this song I reveal the longing for the past in the lyrics This reminds me, Of when
we were young. Then the I to the lyrics using metaphor that means is that the longing that will
not likely return to the lyrics Let me photograph you in this light and also mean the lyrics it is
that these memories can only be kept in mind in the form of photographs and he was just as
bright light that can only be seen for a while and it will cause pain when viewed too long. Si me

the lyrics are aware that they are the same as used in the lyrics that we might be exactly like we
were. And the lyrics feel I'm in despair in the lyrics of We were sad of getting old. It made us
restless. Furthermore felt there was no point in lyrics It was just like a movie. It was just like a
song that thought it was just a movie and a beautiful song to be seen or heard but not as beautiful
as it is.
3) I was so scared to face my fears
Cause nobody told me that you'd be here
And I swore you moved overseas
That's what you said, when you left me
You still look like a movie
You still sound like a song
My God, this reminds me
Of when we were young
This section of the I to the lyrics reveals that he was very scared to lose the man in the lyrics I
was so scared to face my Fears. Because the man would leave it very much contained in the
lyrics And I swore you moved overseas. Then the I to the lyrics still think that it's immaterial to
the lyrics You still look like a movie. You still sound like a song. Then he missed me on his past
lyrics back in the lyrics of My God, this reminds me Of when we were young.

Conclusion
Translating song is from the above statement, Larson indicates that he believes if the
language of combining different meanings and translators are required to accept the
consequences where there are many words that do not have exactly the same meaning in the
target language. Taking into account the fact that a word can be translated by another word or
by the number of words in the target language, and that the lexical structure of the two
languages are different, then how concepts otherwise would be different.
The problem in translation song
There are different types of translation, and depending on the type of translation, you will
face a variety of difficulties translating different:
1) Not Understanding the Purpose of Translation
2) Problems of Ambiguity in the text
3) Forgetting when Translating Cultural Sensitivity
The ways to translate song
1) Word for word translation
2) Use of metaphor
3) Use of paraphrase

References
http://timeformusic.org/2012/02/22/composers-compass-lyrical-paraphrasing/
http://eprints.undip.ac.id/19452/1/Bab_1.pdf
http://eprints.uny.ac.id/8439/3/BAB%202-08201241005.pdf
Sumber: http://www.slavistix.nl/en/

http://gungwe.staff.ub.ac.id/2012/02/20/tiga-kesulitan-dalam-penerjemahan-dan-caramengatasinya/
http://edubahasabyayda.blogspot.co.id/2009/09/definisi-terjemahan.html
TRANSLATING_SONG_LYRICS_A_Study_of_the_T

Appendix

When we were young

By Adele
Everybody loves the things you do
Semua orang menyukai yang kaulakukan
From the way you talk
Dari caramuberbicara
To the way you move...
Hinggacaramuberjalan..
Everybody here is watching you
Semua orang di sinimemperhatikanmu
'Cause you feel like home
Karenakaumerasaseperti di rumah
You're like a dream come true
Kausepertimimpi yang menjadikenyataan
But if by chance you're here alone
Tapijikakebetulankauada di sinisendirian
Can I have a moment?
Bisaakumintawaktusebentar?
Before I go?
Sebelumakupergi?
'Cause I've been by myself all night long
Karenaakusudahsendiriansepanjangmalam
Hoping you're someone I used to know
Berharapkauseseorang yang dulukukenal
You look like a movie
Kauterlihatsepertisebuah film
You sound like a song
Kauterdengarsepertisebuahlagu
My God
Tuhan
This reminds me, Of when we were young
Hal inimengingatkanku, saatkitamasihmuda

Let me photograph you in this light

Biarkanakumemotretmudalamcahayaini
In case it is the last time
Dalamkejadianinilah yang terakhir kali
That we might be exactly like we were
Mungkinkitasamasepertikitadulu
Before we realized
Sebelumkitasadari
We were sad of getting old
Kita sedihmenjaditua
It made us restless
Itumembuat kami gelisah
It was just like a movie
Inisepertisebuah film
It was just like a song
Inisepertisebuahlagu
I was so scared to face my fears
Akubegitutakutuntukmenghadapiketakutanku
Cause nobody told me that you'd be here
Karenatakada yang katakanpadakubahwakauakanberada di sini
And I swore you moved overseas
Dan akubersumpahkaupindahkeluarnegeri
That's what you said, when you left me
Itulahapa yang kaukatakan, saatkaumeninggalkanku
You still look like a movie
Kaumasihterlihatsepertisebuah film
You still sound like a song
Kaumasihterdengarsepertisebuahlagu
My God, this reminds me
Tuhan, inimengingatkanku
Of when we were young
Saatkitamasihmuda
Let me photograph you in this light
Biarkanakumemotretmudalamcahayaini
In case it is the last time
Dalamkejadianinilah yang terakhir kali
That we might be exactly like we were
Mungkinkitasamasepertikitadulu
Before we realized
Sebelumkitasadari
We were sad of getting old
Kita sedihmenjaditua

It made us restless
Itumembuat kami gelisah
It was just like a movie
Inisepertisebuah film
It was just like a song
Inisepertisebuahlagu
When we were young
Saatkitamasihmuda
(When we were young)
(Saatkitamasihmuda)
When we were young
Saatkitamasihmuda
(When we were young)
(Saatkitamasihmuda)
It's hard to win me back
Sulittukdapatkankukembali
Everything just takes me back
Segalanyahanyabawakukembali
To when you were there
Untuksaatkauada di sana
To when you were there
Untuksaatkauada di sana
And a part of me keeps holding on
Dan bagiandaridirikutetapbertahan
Just in case it hasn't gone
Dalamkejadianinisudahtakada yang bisa di perbaiki
I guess I still care
Aku rasa akumasihpeduli
Do you still care?
Apakahkaumasihpeduli?
You look like a movie
Kauterlihatsepertisebuah film
You sound like a song
Kauterdengarsepertisebuahlagu
My God
Tuhan
This reminds me, Of when we were young
Hal inimengingatkanku, saatkitamasihmuda

When we were young

Saatkitamasihmuda

(When we were young)

(Saatkitamasihmuda)
When we were young
Saatkitamasihmuda
(When we were young)
(Saatkitamasihmuda)
Let me photograph you in this light
Biarkanakumemotretmudalamcahayaini
In case it is the last time
dalamkejadianinilah yang terakhir kali
That we might be exactly like we were
Mungkinkitasamasepertikitadulu
Before we realized
Sebelumkitasadari
We were sad of getting old
Kita sedihmenjaditua
It made us restless
Itumembuat kami gelisah
I'm so mad I'm getting old
Akusangatmarahakusemakintua
It made us restless
Itumembuat kami gelisah
It was just like a movie
Iniseperti film
It was just like a song
Inisepertilagu
When we were young
Saatkitamasihmuda