Songs to Syntax: Exploring Syntactic Features of Selected Original Pilipino Music

This qualitative study employed Qualitative Content Analysis as its design. It focused on determining and analyzing the syntactic features present in selected Original Pilipino Music and formulated a framework in syntactic analysis in approaching OPM songs. Through Content Analysis of the three (3) selected Original Pilipino Music from the Trending Original Pilipino Music (OPM) 2023 in Spotify. This includes “Leaves,” by Ben & Ben, “Happy W U,” by Arthur Nery, and “I Want You,” by SB19, the study found out that simple, compound, and imperative sentences dominate in OPM, there are subordinate clauses used in OPM, basic order of Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) is followed in OPM. Further, the syntactic deviations discovered were the use of informal language, double negatives and repetition. The Lyric Syntax Analysis Framework" (LSAF) was formulated which can be used in approaching OPM songs. Based on the findings of the study, it reveals the prevalence of syntactic features such as simple and compound sentences, imperative sentences, subordinate clauses, and the adherence to the basic Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) word order. These syntactic choices contribute to the overall impact and effectiveness of the lyrics. The use of informal language, including contractions and non-standard grammar, is common in OPM. Informal language reflects the familiarity and casual nature of interpersonal communication. Repetition, including anaphora and double negatives, is employed in OPM songs to create emphasis, reinforce meaning, and intensify sentiments. Based on these results, it is recommended to consider the Lyric Syntax Analysis Framework (LSAF) as a useful approach for analyzing and understanding the syntactic structures and features of song lyrics.