Is 'Tomorrow' by BTS Really a Sad Song?
BTS's hit song 'Tomorrow' has invited a range of interpretations from its listeners, some of whom find it to be a deeply emotional and at times, a somewhat sad piece. However, the truth may lie somewhere in between the hopeful and the despairing, as the song weaves a narrative of perseverance and personal growth.
Understanding the Lyrics
The lyrics of 'Tomorrow' address the conflicting emotions that many young adults experience as they navigate life's complexities. Let's break down some of the standout quotes and explore what they mean:
Quotes Indicating Sadness
“I have a long way to go but why am I running in place. I scream out of frustration but the empty air echoes.” “Why am I getting weaker, even though I wanted to become happy and strong?” “Where am I going? I’m going here and there, but I always come back here.” “If you keep spacing out you’ll be swept away, if you ain’t got the guts trust, it’ll all become yesterday anyway.”Quotes Indicating Hope and Motivation
“Because the dawn right before the sun rises is the darkest.” “Even in the far future, never forget the you of right now.” “Don’t get too far away, tomorrow.” “Follow your dreams, like a breaker. Even if it breaks down, oh better, follow your dreams, like a breaker. Even if it breaks down, don’t ever run backwards, never.” “Because the dawn right before the sun rises is the darkest. Even in the far future, never forget the you of right now. Wherever you are right now, you’re just taking a break. Don’t give up. You know, don’t get too far away, tomorrow.”The Reality Behind the Lyrics
Is 'Tomorrow' a sad song? Many argue that it is, emphasizing the struggles and doubts expressed in the lyrics. However, upon closer examination, the song actually serves as a powerful message of resilience and hope. Consider Yoongi's opening lines:
Same day, same moon, 24/7 every moment repeats. My life is in between, jobless twenty-somethings are afraid of tomorrow. It's funny you think anything can happen when you're a kid, when you feel how hard it is to get through a day.
Yoongi's verse highlights the frustration and uncertainty that often accompany the beginning stages of adulthood. We often find ourselves feeling stuck or unsure about our future paths, mirroring the confusion many young adults face.
Another verse by Taehyung stands out:
I have a long way to go, but why am I running in place. I scream out of frustration, but the empty air echoes. I hope tomorrow will be different from today. I'm just wishing.
Despite the apparent despair, Taehyung's lines also imply a sense of hope and determination to change one's situation. The song's chorus, sung by Jungkook and Jin, reinforces this optimistic tone:
Because the dawn right before the sun rises is the darkest. Even in the far future, never forget the you of right now. Wherever you are right now, you’re just taking a break. Don’t give up.
This lyric beautifully captures the fleeting moments of darkness just before the dawn of hope and change.
RM's verse provides another layer of depth, emphasizing the unstoppable nature of time:
The tomorrow we’ve been waiting for, at some point, becomes the name of yesterday. Tomorrow becomes today, today becomes yesterday. Tomorrow becomes yesterday and is behind me. This part of RM is really inspiring as he speaks the reality that nothing stays the same. Time doesn’t stop for anyone, but it keeps ticking, and what seems like your tomorrow becomes today which means that tomorrow is your present, the present created by your actions.
RM's lyrics are a reminder of the transient nature of life and the importance of seizing every moment, no matter how challenging.
The Message: Perseverance and Resilience
Despite the sadness-inducing lyrics, 'Tomorrow' ultimately conveys a message of resilience and perseverance. The song encourages listeners to keep dreaming, no matter how difficult the journey might be. This is further emphasized by J-Hope's powerful verse:
When tomorrow comes, the bright light will shine so don’t worry, this isn’t a stop but just a pause in your life for a break. Turn up your thumbs and press play. When that morning comes, the light will shine bright, meaning your all pain and worries will vanish.
J-Hope's lines suggest that even through the struggles and setbacks, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and persistence will lead to a brighter future.
In conclusion, 'Tomorrow' by BTS is more than just a sad song; it is a song of resilience, hope, and self-discovery. While it acknowledges the challenges and uncertainties life presents, it provides the strength to persevere and live through them.
Remember, “Life is a maze you don't know where you will end up. It can be either a dead end or the exit to the world. If you act bravely and never lose faith in you, you will surely receive success, but if you give up and become weak, you will never get out of this maze of suffering.”
Final Thoughts
BTS has a knack for writing lyrics that resonate with listeners on a personal level. 'Tomorrow' is no exception. It encourages us to keep pushing forward, no matter how hard the journey might seem. So, the next time you hear 'Tomorrow,' remember that it is not a sad song, but a powerful message of hope and perseverance.