"...How We Loved, Labored and Sinned:" Analyzing the d/Discourse of Antiguan Music

Ann-Marie L Simmonds, Purdue University

Abstract

Carnival and carnival musics represent significant aspects of Caribbean culture. In the Anglophone Caribbean, calypso and soca are instrumental to annual Carnival celebrations. This dissertation is a discourse analysis of the lyrics of Antiguan calypso and soca music. The study looks at fifty songs, twenty-five calypso and twenty-five soca, and examines the language used in the lyrics. The study also identifies the major themes found in the lyrics and finally looks at the extent to which the artistes' language use is reflective of the larger Discourse of carnival and carnival musics. What are the performers "doing" with their language and how is that language reflective of larger social processes, values or beliefs? The study finds that while much of the discourse of Antiguan calypso and soca reinforces previously held notions about the genres (Creole use, themes etc.), there are also some differences. Most notable is the prevalent social commentary found in the soca songs, a genre that is known more for its focus on celebration rather than commentary. Also, many of the soca songs contain veiled sexual references and innuendos, a feature often found in calypso music. Therefore, while the discourse of Antiguan carnival musics is for the most part similar to that of carnival musics in other Anglophone Caribbean territories, the soca songs in particular present some interesting variances that could be the focus of future research.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Hughes, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Music|Sociolinguistics

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