Spiritual Refiguration (Ar-Rujū' ilallāh) in Paul Ricoeur's Hermeneutics: An Analysis of Existential Escape in the Lyrics of the Song "33x" by Bronze

Abstract

The phenomenon of existential anxiety has become a social reality for the modern generation who have lost their direction and meaning in life. Amidst the pressures of life and the tedious routines, many people choose escape as a way to relieve their inner burdens. This study attempts to understand this form of escape through psychological, philosophical, and spiritual approaches, by making the song "33" by Perunggu a representation of the anxiety and search for the meaning of life for modern humans. The method used is library research with Paul Ricoeur's hermeneutic approach through three stages of mimesis (Prefiguration, Configuration, and Refiguration). Primary data in the form of verses from the Qur'an and Hadith relevant to spiritual escape, as well as secondary data from studies of psychology, sociology, and social statistics, analyze the lyrics of the song "33" and interpret its meaning based on the concepts of existential anxiety (Kierkegaard), escape from freedom (Fromm), and Islamic teachings on spiritual escape (ar-rujū' ilallāh). The data is strengthened by the songwriter's explanation in the Class Mild Naik Kelas podcast with Soleh Solihun which describes spiritual awareness after going through the emptiness of life. The results of the study show that Ricoeur's hermeneutics successfully transforms the meaning of existential escape. Mimesis I (Prefiguration) explains the reality that existential anxiety (Soren Kierkegaard) triggers destructive escape in modern humans who are trapped in emptiness. Mimesis II (Configuration) interprets the song "33x" as a symbolic narrative that organizes this anxiety into an inner reflection, culminating in the awareness that full control lies with the Almighty and calls to "Call His name." Mimesis III (Refiguration) places the text of this song in the perspective of the Qur'an and Hadith, where negative escape (chasing matā' or deceptive worldly pleasures) is refigured into a spiritual process (ar-rujū' ilallāh). Thus, the song "33x" is understood not merely as an expression of anxiety, but as a healing medium (healing text) that guides individuals from alienation to true serenity through divine awareness.