Katoneng-katoneng is a traditional song of Karo ethnic in North Sumatera composed spontaneously using repetitive melody with different lyrics depend on the context and situation (strophic logogenic). Used in various social and cultural activities of Karo society, one of them is for the cawir metua ritual (the death of a person deemed to have been in accordance with the ideals and expectances of Karo society).This research reviewed the textual signification of Katoneng-katoneng as the cultural expression of the owner society by using the art theory (performing art), ethnomusicology, semiotic, and anthropology. Field data collected by direct observation, interview, and recording. Qualitative method used by defining key informant, including traditional figure, sierjabaten (musician), perkolong-kolong (katoneng-katoneng singer) and user society.The result shows katoneng-katoneng is the expression of various things: messages and advices, prayer, expectance, ideals, exemplary, life persistence, cooperation values, purpose of life, and others; delivered by perkolong-kolong professional singer represents those who have died and the elements of sangkep nggeluh (rakut sitelu) relatives by singing. The significance of the texts refer to culture ideals and concepts of Karo society.