WHAT A SOLDIER WANTS IN TOBY KEITH’S “AMERICAN SOLDIER”

Abstract

This thesis is to analyze the desire of the character of a soldier in “American Soldier” song written by Toby Keith by using Sigmund Freud’s theory of psychology namely Id, Ego, and Superego. Library research, book observation, and internet references are used in writing this thesis. The writer discusses the relation of figurative language and elements of psychology, to explain the mental state of the character in the lyric. Then the writer analyzes the conflict which is caused of the interaction between the elements of the structure of personalities. The writer finds out the result of the conflict such sublimation, repression, and regression. This is the way the writer used to reveal the character of a soldier deeply. Toby Keith’s “American Soldier” tells about the story of a soldier who tries his best to be a good soldier. From the analysis, the writer can conclude that the lyric contains the psychology elements of the character in him. The lyric becomes attractive because of the emotion involved in it. Keywords: Toby Keith, American Soldier, intrinsic elements, Sigmund Freud, psychological theory.