The Representation of Human Existence Amid the Limitations of Reality in Raim Laode's Dunia Yang Nanti Through Paul Ricoeur's Hermeneutic Perspective

Abstract

Contemporary song lyrics have increasingly been recognized as literary texts that convey symbolic meanings extending beyond entertainment; however, studies examining how they represent human existence through Paul Ricoeur's hermeneutic perspective remain limited, particularly in the context of contemporary Indonesian songs. This study aims to examine the representation of human existence amid the limitations of reality in the song lyrics Dunia Yang Nanti by Raim Laode using Paul Ricoeur's hermeneutic approach. Employing a qualitative descriptive design, the study analyzed the official song lyrics through documentation, intensive textual reading, thematic categorization, and hermeneutic interpretation, supported by existential philosophy and relevant literary scholarship. The findings reveal five interconnected existential themes: temporality, human limitations, existential love, moral consciousness, and hope, which collectively illustrate how individuals construct meaning through interpreting and accepting realities beyond their control. These findings demonstrate that the lyrics transcend a conventional romantic narrative by offering a philosophical reflection on human existence through symbolic language. The study contributes to literary hermeneutics by extending the application of Ricoeur's interpretative framework to contemporary Indonesian song lyrics and highlights the potential of popular music as a literary medium for exploring existential meanings in contemporary society.