Representation of the concept WAY in the English rock culture of the 60-70s of the XX century

this article reveals the multifaceted nature of the WAY concept in the English rock culture of the 60-70s of the XX century, which serves as a lexical marker of socio-cultural changes, reflecting the transition from the traditional understanding of the way of life to new forms of personal and collective self-expression. The author shows how key rock bands of the era (The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd) used the word way in song lyrics, interviews, and musical concepts, imbuing it with layered meanings combining physical, metaphysical, and socio-political aspects. Special attention is paid to the analysis of specific examples from popular compositions, where the lexeme WAY acquires the functions of a symbolic call for freedom, experimentation and spiritual search, reflecting the atmosphere of countercultural protest and a reassessment of social norms.

WAY concept, English rock culture, 1960s – 1970s, linguistic representation, counterculture, symbolic meaning, protest discourse, conceptual analysis