Monophthong and Diphthong in Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles

Jeany Putricia Lo, Viro Kharisma

jeanyputricia@gmail.com, viroverified@gmail.com

Introduction
For our final task, we choose to take a topic about diphthongs and
monophthongs. Monophthongs is where there is one vowel sound in a syllable
(Verbling,Article,2007). And diphthong is where there are two vowel sounds in
a syllable (Verbling,Article,2007). In our final task, we want to explore the use
of monophthongs and diphthongs in the song Here Comes The Sun by The
Beatles. In this final task, we will break down how many monophthongs and
diphthongs are used in the song. We also will also provide which verses are
using which diphthongs and monophthongs in the song.

In phonology, knowing about diphthongs and monophthongs helps us to

improve our ability to pronounce words more clearly and accurately. The
Beatles, one of the most famous bands ever, are known for their great music
and unique singing styles. One of their popular songs, "Here Comes the Sun,"
is the perfect example of how they use different sounds to make their song
feel special. Studying the sounds in "Here Comes the Sun'' shows us how The
Beatles use different sounds to express their feelings in the song. This helps
us understand their song better and see how pronunciation affects the
emotion in their songs. In this article, we will look at the phonetic elements in
the song, focusing only on monophthongs and diphthongs.

Monophthongs and Diphthongs are types of vowel sounds that can be found
in the lyrics. By examining these sounds, we can see how The Beatles make
their song flow smooth and sound beautifully. This article will help us
understand how The Beatles used their voices to create their one of the most
popular music. It is supported by Introducing Phonetics and Phonology third
edition by Mike Davenport and S. J Hannahs (p.42), they said that Vowels
which are relatively steady are known as monophthongs and are represented
by a single vowel symbol, like [i] (or [i]/[ii] for long monophthongs as in ‘see’).
Also stated in Intro to Linguistics by Zulvanisa (p.10) A diphthongs is a sound
made by combining two vowels, especially when it starts as one vowel sound
and changes to another,like the oy sound in oil. Diphthongs are double
vowels in words like chair,fear, or put.

An article created by Verbalplanet (Verbalplanet,Article) stated that the key

difference between diphthongs and monophthongs lies in their phonetic
composition. Monophthongs are characterized by a single, unchanging vowel
sound within a syllable, such as the 'a' in "cat" or the 'o' in "hot." Diphthongs,
on the other hand, involve a noticeable change in sound, starting with one
vowel and gliding into another, such as the sound in "coin," where the
pronunciation starts with an 'o' sound and moves to a brief 'i' sound. So
learning about monophthongs and diphthongs in "Here Comes the Sun" helps
us understand how The Beatles use different vowel sounds to make their
music smooth and beautiful. This article shows why knowing about these
sounds can improve our pronunciation and highlights the uniqueness of The
Beatles song. By reading this, you'll appreciate their music more and see how
important vowel sounds are in their songs.

In the song there are 36 monophthongs and 15 diphthongs. In the song “Here
Comes the Sun” most of it in the song contains monophthong while only
contains a few diphthongs.

In verse (1)there are only 1 diphthongs in the word “Here ” and the rest is
Monophthongs
1 . Here comes the sun (Doo-d-doo-doo)
[hɪə(r)][kʌmz][ðə][sʌn][ˈduː duː]

In verse (2)there are only 1 diphthongs in the word “Here ” and the rest is
Monophthongs
2 . Here comes the sun
[hɪə(r)][kʌmz][ðə][sʌn]

In verse (3) there are 3 Diphthongs in the words “I”, “say” , “alright” and 3
Monophthongs in the words “And “ , “It's”, “alright”
3 . And I say, "It's alright"
[ænd][aɪ][seɪ],[ɪts][ɔːlˈraɪt]
In verse (4) there are only monopthongs
4 . Little darling
[ˈlɪtl][ˈdɑːlɪŋ]

In verse (5) there are 6 Monopthongs in the words “It's “, “been

“a“,”long”,”winter” and there are 2 Diphthongs in the words “cold”,”lonely “
5 . It's been a long, cold, lonely winter
[ɪts][biːn][ə][lɒŋ],[kəʊld],[ˈləʊnli][ˈwɪntə(r)]

In verse (6) there are only monopthongs

6 . Little darling
[ˈlɪtl][ˈdɑːlɪŋ]

In verse (7) there are 5 monopthongs in the words “It “,”feels “,”since
“,”it's",”been “, and 3 diphthongs in the words “like “,”years “,”here”
7 . It feels like years since it's been here
[ɪt][fiːl][laɪk][jɪə(r)][sɪns][ɪts][biːn][hɪə(r)]

In verse (8)there are only 1 diphthongs in the word “Here ” and the rest is
Monophthongs
8 . Here comes the sun (Doo-d-doo-doo)
[hɪə(r)][kʌmz][ðə][sʌn][ˈduː duː]

In verse (9)there are only 1 diphthongs in the word “Here ” and the rest is
Monophthongs
9 . Here comes the sun
[hɪə(r)][kʌmz][ðə][sʌn]

In verse (10) there are 3 Diphthongs in the words “I”, “say” , “alright” and 3
Monophthongs in the words “And “ , “It's”, “alright”
10 . And I say, "It's alright"
[ænd][aɪ][seɪ],[ɪts][ɔːlˈraɪt]
In verse (11) there are only monophthongs
11 . Little darling
[ˈlɪtl][ˈdɑːlɪŋ]

In verse (12) there are 4 Monophthongs in the words “The “,”returning “,”to
“,”the “ and 2 diphthongs in the words “smile's “,”faces”
12 . The smile's returning to the faces
[ðə][smaɪl][rɪˈtɜːnɪŋ][tu][ðə][feɪs]

In verse (13) there are only monophthongs

13 . Little darling
[ˈlɪtl][ˈdɑːlɪŋ]

In verse (14) there are 5 monophthongs in the words “It “,”seems”,”since

“,”it's “,”been “ and 3 diphthongs in the words “like “,”years “here”
14 . It seems like years since it's been here
[ɪts][siːmz][laɪk][jɪə(r)][sɪns][ɪts][biːn][hɪə(r)]

In verse (15)there are only 1 diphthongs in the word “Here ” and the rest is
Monophthongs
15 . Here comes the sun
[hɪə(r)][kʌm][ðə][sʌn]

In verse (16)there are only 1 diphthongs in the word “Here ” and the rest is
Monophthongs
16 . Here comes the sun
[hɪə(r)][kʌm][ðə][sʌn]

In verse (17) there are 3 Diphthongs in the words “I”, “say” , “alright” and 3
Monophthongs in the words “And “ , “It's”, “alright”
17 . And I say, "It's alright"
[ænd][aɪ][seɪ],[ɪts][ɔːlˈraɪt]
In verse (18) there are 5 monophthongs in the words “Sun” (3x) , “it “,”comes”
and 1 diphthongs in the word “here “
18 . Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
[sʌn],[sʌn],[sʌn],[hɪə(r)][ɪt][kʌmz]

In verse (19) there are 5 monophthongs in the words “Sun” (3x) , “it “,”comes”
and 1 diphthongs in the word “here “
19 . Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
[sʌn],[sʌn],[sʌn],[hɪə(r)][ɪt][kʌmz]

In verse (20) there are 5 monophthongs in the words “Sun” (3x) , “it “,”comes”
and 1 diphthongs in the word “here “
20 . Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
[sʌn],[sʌn],[sʌn],[hɪə(r)][ɪt][kʌmz]

In verse (21) there are 5 monophthongs in the words “Sun” (3x) , “it “,”comes”
and 1 diphthongs in the word “here “
21 . Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
[sʌn],[sʌn],[sʌn],[hɪə(r)][ɪt][kʌmz]

In verse (22) there are 5 monophthongs in the words “Sun” (3x) , “it “,”comes”
and 1 diphthongs in the word “here “
22 . Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
[sʌn],[sʌn],[sʌn],[hɪə(r)][ɪt][kʌmz]

In verse (23) there are only monopthongs

23 . Little darling
[ˈlɪtl][ˈdɑːlɪŋ]

In verse (24) there are 4 monophthongs in the words “feel “,”that “,”is
“,”melting” and 3 diphthongs in the words “I”,”ice “,”slowly “
24 . I feel that ice is slowly melting
[aɪ][fiːl][ðæt][aɪs][ɪz][ˈsləʊli][ˈmeltɪŋ]
In verse (25) there are only monophthongs
25 . Little darling
[ˈlɪtl][ˈdɑːlɪŋ]

In verse (26) there are 5 monophthongs in the words “It “,”seems “,”since
“,”it's “,”been “ and 3 diphthongs in the words “like “,”years “,”clear”
26 . It seems like years since it's been clear
[ɪt][siːmz][laɪk][jɪə(r)][sɪns][ɪts][biːn][klɪə(r)]

In verse (27)there are only 1 diphthongs in the word “Here ” and the rest is
Monophthongs
27 . Here comes the sun (Doo-d-doo-doo)
[hɪə(r)][kʌmz][ðə][sʌn][ˈduː duː]

In verse (28)there are only 1 diphthongs in the word “Here ” and the rest is
Monophthongs
28 . Here comes the sun
[hɪə(r)][kʌmz][ðə][sʌn]

In verse (29) there are 3 Diphthongs in the words “I”, “say” , “alright” and 3
Monophthongs in the words “And “ , “It's”, “alright”
29 . And I say, "It's alright"
[ænd][aɪ][seɪ],[ɪts][ɔːlˈraɪt]

In verse (30)there are only 1 diphthongs in the word “Here ” and the rest is
Monophthongs
30 . Here comes the sun (Doo-d-doo-doo)
[hɪə(r)][kʌmz][ðə][sʌn][ˈduː duː]

In verse (31)there are only 1 diphthongs in the word “Here ” and the rest is
Monophthongs
31 . Here comes the sun
[hɪə(r)][kʌmz][ðə][sʌn]
In verse(32) there are only 1 diphthongs in the word “alright” and only 1
monophthongs in the word “It's “
32 . It's alright
[ɪts][ɔːlˈraɪt]

In verse(32) there are only 1 diphthongs in the word “alright” and only 1
monophthongs in the word “It's “
33 . It's alright
[ɪts][ɔːlˈraɪt]

Conclusions
According to the last section, the song "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles,
mainly uses monophthongs appear 36 times , while diphthongs appear 15
times. It can be stated that The Beatles preference for clear and
straightforward vocal tones in the lyrics. In its 33 verses, we notice different
patterns in how vowels are used. Some parts, like (4), (6), (11), (13), (23),
(25), and (27), stick to Monophthongs, making the singing style
straightforward and easy to understand. While,in verses such as (3), (10),
(17), and (29)use a mix of monophthongs and diphthongs.

From this analysis, The writers learned that mixing Monophthongs and
Diphthongs can make lyrics more interesting, as shown in different parts of the
song. Repeating words or phrases with different vowel sounds can emphasize
themes and leave a strong impression on listeners. The deliberate use of
mostly Monophthong in the song's simpler parts helps keep the meaning clear
and makes it easy to understand, showing how vowel choice can affect the
mood and message of music.

For the next researcher studying "Here Comes the Sun'' by The Beatles,
paying attention to the vowel sounds used in the lyrics can reveal interesting
details. The song mostly uses monophthongs, with a few diphthongs. To learn
more, it would be helpful for the next researcher to explore how these vowel
choices affect the song's emotional feel and overall themes. Also, looking into
other aspects like the music's instruments,and how the song is put together.
REFERENCES
Colt, J. (n.d.). Understanding vowels: Syllables, monophthongs,
diphthongs & triphthongs. Verbling.
https://www.verbling.com/articles/post/understanding-vowels-syllables-m
onophtho

Davenport, M., & Hannahs, S. J. (2010). Introducing phonetics &

phonology. Hodder Education, a member of the Hachette UK, 338
Euston Road, London NW1 3BH.

L, Z. N. (n.d.). Intro to linguistics. Book Creator.

https://read.bookcreator.com/Lwb129nTRnQrEJd01IOm9sQz8Zp1/s_Vm
xfegQGqrhu5YCZPRZw/2F73eQHuTLGXuKhClLFydA

Verbalplanet. (2024, February 15). Understanding diphthongs: The

complex sounds of language. Online Language Tutors > Language
Lessons on Skype Zoom and Teams.
https://www.verbalplanet.com/learn-english/blog/english-grammar-diphth
ongs-explained.asp
Appendix 1. Transcription of the Beatles’s Here Comes The Sun
Verse

1 . Here comes the sun (Doo-d-doo-doo)

[hɪə(r)][kʌmz][ðə][sʌn][ˈduː duː]

2 . Here comes the sun

[hɪə(r)][kʌmz][ðə][sʌn]

3 . And I say, "It's alright"

[ænd][aɪ][seɪ],[ɪts][ɔːlˈraɪt]

4 . Little darling
[ˈlɪtl][ˈdɑːlɪŋ]

5 . It's been a long, cold, lonely winter

[ɪts][biːn][ə][lɒŋ],[kəʊld],[ˈləʊnli][ˈwɪntə(r)]

6 . Little darling
[ˈlɪtl][ˈdɑːlɪŋ]

7 . It feels like years since it's been here

[ɪt][fiːl][laɪk][jɪə(r)][sɪns][ɪts][biːn][hɪə(r)]

8 . Here comes the sun (Doo-d-doo-doo)

[hɪə(r)][kʌmz][ðə][sʌn][ˈduː duː]

9 . Here comes the sun

[hɪə(r)][kʌmz][ðə][sʌn]

10 . And I say, "It's alright"

[ænd][aɪ][seɪ],[ɪts][ɔːlˈraɪt]

11 . Little darling
[ˈlɪtl][ˈdɑːlɪŋ]
12 . The smile's returning to the faces
[ðə][smaɪl][rɪˈtɜːnɪŋ][tu][ðə][feɪs]

13 . Little darling
[ˈlɪtl][ˈdɑːlɪŋ]

14 . It seems like years since it's been here

[ɪts][siːmz][laɪk][jɪə(r)][sɪns][ɪts][biːn][hɪə(r)]

15 . Here comes the sun

[hɪə(r)][kʌm][ðə][sʌn]

16 . Here comes the sun

[hɪə(r)][kʌm][ðə][sʌn]

17 . And I say, "It's alright"

[ænd][aɪ][seɪ],[ɪts][ɔːlˈraɪt]

18 . Sun, sun, sun, here it comes

[sʌn],[sʌn],[sʌn],[hɪə(r)][ɪt][kʌmz]

19 . Sun, sun, sun, here it comes

[sʌn],[sʌn],[sʌn],[hɪə(r)][ɪt][kʌmz]

20 . Sun, sun, sun, here it comes

[sʌn],[sʌn],[sʌn],[hɪə(r)][ɪt][kʌmz]

21 . Sun, sun, sun, here it comes

[sʌn],[sʌn],[sʌn],[hɪə(r)][ɪt][kʌmz]

22 . Sun, sun, sun, here it comes

[sʌn],[sʌn],[sʌn],[hɪə(r)][ɪt][kʌmz]

23 . Little darling
[ˈlɪtl][ˈdɑːlɪŋ]

24 . I feel that ice is slowly melting

[aɪ][fiːl][ðæt][aɪs][ɪz][ˈsləʊli][ˈmeltɪŋ]
25 . Little darling
[ˈlɪtl][ˈdɑːlɪŋ]

26 . It seems like years since it's been clear

[ɪt][siːmz][laɪk][jɪə(r)][sɪns][ɪts][biːn][klɪə(r)]

27 . Here comes the sun (Doo-d-doo-doo)

[hɪə(r)][kʌmz][ðə][sʌn][ˈduː duː]

28 . Here comes the sun

[hɪə(r)][kʌmz][ðə][sʌn]

29 . And I say, "It's alright"

[ænd][aɪ][seɪ],[ɪts][ɔːlˈraɪt]

30 . Here comes the sun (Doo-d-doo-doo)

[hɪə(r)][kʌmz][ðə][sʌn][ˈduː duː]

31 . Here comes the sun

[hɪə(r)][kʌmz][ðə][sʌn]

32 . It's alright
[ɪts][ɔːlˈraɪt]

33 . It's alright
[ɪts][ɔːlˈraɪt]