Survival in ‘Survival’: A Multimodal Analysis of Bob Marley’s Lyrics

Abstract

This paper presents a multimodal analysis of the theme of survival in Bob Marley’s 1979 ‘Survival’ album. The paper employs a multimodal analytical approach where attention is given to how the cover design of the album, literary devices and other aesthetic ways by which the theme of survival is projected in the ‘Survival’ album. Findings show that the cover design of the album speaks volumes and is loaded with meaning in projecting the theme of survival. Besides, Bob Marley employs repetition, allusion and metaphor in projecting the theme of survival in the ‘Survival’ album. Finally, the name of the album as well as those of the songs and their order of arrangement all contribute tremendously to building the theme of survival right from the first to the last song of the ‘Survival’ album.