2021 is coming to an end. I’ve listed down the hopeful BTS songs that you can listen to while waiting for the new year to come.
Every year, we always say wow that was fast. Most of us think we’re still stuck in 2019. Well, I do. And every time I rethink what year we are in already, I’m always feeling shocked. After the countless lockdowns, time is passing swiftly. And this time we’ll be welcoming another year again. But before that, it’s nice to reflect and do a little bit of a recap on the things that happened the past year. We don’t know what will be the future be like, but at least this new year will bring new hope and chances.
And while I was reflecting and listing down my little wins, I thought it would be nice to listen to some hopeful BTS songs too. BTS has a wide range of discography. As I’ve mentioned in my previous blogs, they write songs that have messages more about self-love, mental health, social issues, and many more. One of my favorite topics from them is about dreams and hopes. So in this blog, I will be listing down some 10 hopeful BTS songs that you can listen to before the new year.
♥︎ 10 Hopeful BTS songs to listen before New Year ♥︎
10. Lost (2016)
This song is so perfect during these times. I’m sure a lot of us are kinda lost this year most especially to the youth who are transitioning to become adults. Mainly because of the ongoing pandemic, career pressure, and many more factors. In the first part of the song, the lyrics described well the situation of the youth. Even though this song was released way back in 2016. Most of us are confused and still wandering. Some even question themselves if they have taken the right path and feel so frustrated about it.
“Have you seen ants going somewhere? They never find their way at once, crawling forward by constantly crashing and wandering for days to find food. Even this frustration is worth it. I believe that we are on the right way. Some day, when we get to find the way, we’ll certainly return home at once like ants.“
I love this part of the lyrics. They’ve brought up the similarity of the youth finding its dream or “path” as ants finding food tirelessly. But after all the hardships, we shall find our “right way”. The last part of the song comes with a lesson that to find the right path, you must feel lost first. It means that being “lost” is not a bad thing but a good sign. Why? Because in this part, you’ve finally become aware. Awareness is the first step of change and growth. It is like a turning point in life. As long as you believe in yourself someday you’ll find your light, your way, your destiny.
“However many times I wander, I will still believe in my way.”
(lyrics from doolsetbangtan)
Here’s a live performance of the BTS vocal line during BTS Countdown. Don’t forget to turn on the closed captions to see the lyrics of the song. The choreography is also lovely and flawless here. It’s the first few songs I’ve heard from them and I immediately got hooked because of the lyrics and meaning.
9. O!RUL8,2? (2013)
O!RUL8,2? or “Oh! Are you late, too?” is an intro track for their second album and also the album title. It has been used as a comeback teaser and made a good impression on a lot of people. What I love about this track is the first part of it. It is in English and it seems like RM or Namjoon on behalf of the whole band and as a leader of the group, challenges us. Even though it was just a minute and twenty-second track the words in the lyrics are so deep and very striking.
Nothing lasts forever
You only live once
So live your life, not any other’s lives
Take chances and never regret, never
Never be late to do what you wanna do right now
Because at one point of someday
Everything you did
Would be exactly what you will be
Right?
(lyrics from doolsetbangtan)
Honestly, I love listening to this song early in the morning. It is like Namjoon is telling me to keep on pushing to take chances and never regret. He tells us that we will never be late as long as we do it right now. The whole concept of this album is based on a message that is “you must find your happiness and your own life before it’s too late”.
The education system in Korea is kinda intense. Kids are being raised and treated like studying machines. And to the point, parents won’t even give their children a chance to think about the future or what they want to do. They just care about your straight-A grades. I do think most Asian children can relate to this too. The way parents pressure their children to study and then get disappointed if their kid won’t get that first place. In this song, BTS is calling us to stand up, find what we want to do, and not just live in someone else’s shadow or dream.
8. 28 by Agust D (2020)
SUGA of BTS also known as Yoongi has been releasing solo tracks and mixtapes under the name “Agust D”. His other name came from his stage name SUGA reads backward AGUS and Daegu which is his hometown. Even though SUGA is known as a “savage person” (which is not true at all), most of his songs are comforting. Most of his mixtapes are talking about mental health and his personal experience about it.
The song 28 has a direct translation of the Korean title which is “Perhaps, I’m gradually becoming an adult.” In this track, Yoongi was talking about when as a kid you have a lot of dreams and aspirations. However while growing up, you’ll slowly forget them one by one. Then these dreams have turned into worries. Because of this, instead of dreaming high, you’ve now only aspired to have a day without worries. A worrisome day has become your dream. This is so relatable when you’re in your young adult stage.
For just one day, without any concerns,
for just one day, without any worries,
to live, to live, to live
Perhaps, I’m gradually becoming an adult
I can’t remember
What are the things that I hoped for
Now I’m scared
Where did the fragments of my dream go
(lyrics from doolsetbangtan)
This song might be quite sad and it is the beauty of it. The vulnerability shows so much here. And being vulnerable doesn’t make you weak but instead, it is your strength. It’s okay to let your emotions show. The vulnerability enables you to continue to grow as a person. Because in this stage you are starting to accept. If awareness is the first step to growth, the second one is acceptance.
7. A Supplementary Story: You Never Walk Alone (2017)
Growing up, it is inevitable to feel lonely and alone. Sometimes you’ll think that nobody cares or they have forgotten you and all. However, this is not true at all. Remember that you are not alone. We are in this together. In this song, BTS reminds us of that and also says that they are here with you on this journey. This is what I love about them. They always let you feel welcome. The way they value inclusivity is impeccable.
Even if it hurts like this,
Because, you and I, if we’re together,
we can smile
Ayy I never walk alone
From your hand that I’m holding, I can feel your warmth
Ayy you never walk alone
Feel me, you are not alone either
(lyrics from doolsetbangtan)
This song is so full of comfort. It is like a warm hug. BTS said once that if sadness is being shared, it will be divided and lessened. And if happiness is being shared, it will be multiplied. “We can laugh if we are together” You never walk alone is a message of comfort and hope to the youth of this generation.
6. Everythingoes by RM (2018)
Same as SUGA, RM does release solo mixtapes. Mono is his second mixtape that I describe as free therapy. All of the songs inside are just full of comfort. In this track, RM says that everything comes and goes. Nothing lasts forever. Everything just passes by whether it is. With that in mind, even though you are in your darkest time, that too will end. It shall pass someday. Spring day will always come again after a long dark winter.
It shall pass, someday
Surely, without doubt
It shall pass, someday
Surely, without doubt
(lyrics from doolsetbangtan)
Listening to this song can give you some assurance and hope that you’ll rise from all the hardships you’re experiencing right now. With this kind of mindset, it will give you more courage to fight back, to be stronger, or just endure it more.
5. 2! 3! (2016)
This is another fan song. BTS dedicated this song to the ARMY, their fandom. 2! 3! has an alternative title which is “Still wishing there will be more good days”. From the title itself, it is already full of hope and comfort. This song is also so personal to the boys because the lyrics talk about the hardships that they have encountered in the past years. Especially they went through a lot of unnecessary hate and issues. This is the time when a lot of haters are accusing them of a lot of bad things.
It’s okay When I say one two three, forget it
Erase all the sad memories Hold each other’s hands and smile
But still I hope, in the future, there will be many good days
(lyrics from doolsetbangtan)
They may have it rough but their fans stayed and supported them even more. That’s why they made this song their special gift to give thanks and also to say to them that let’s forget these bad memories and move forward together on this flowery road.
4. Wake Up (2014)
This is a Japanese track in their first Japanese album. The song talks about their rookie days. Where they are motivating themselves to keep on pushing forward whatever their haters will say it doesn’t matter anymore. It tells a story where they keep on working on their studios until morning when everyone is already awake but they are about to sleep. Then they’ll wake up and do their make up to hide their tired faces because they have to put up show-stopping performances for their fans. And for them, the cheers give them so much energy and happiness that all their tiredness is eradicated.
WAKE UP
Look, open your eyes !
WAKE UP
Everyone is waiting for you
WAKE UP
There’s no time
WAKE UP
So, we’re gonna run hard
(lyrics from btsdiary)
While listening to this song, you’ll feel more inspired by their hard work to the point you look forward to doing something great and be motivated to do better. BTS wants us to wake up because everyone is waiting for you to shine your light brightly.
3. Wishing On A Star (2016)
Another Japanese song that is a total banger that is in their second Japanese album titled Youth. Also, this entire song has a lot of nice lyrics too. Everything in it is just screaming hope. Please check out the translation of the entire lyrics. I’m 100 percent sure you’ll love this song. It’s not too deep but it strikes you so hard.
As long as you have a dream, you don’t have to worry
If you believe, it’ll shine
The pearl of the future, right right alright
If you’re tired, you can rest while continuing to move forward
So my baby, even if Pandora* lies ahead, there’s hope
So my baby, don’t be scared, just be yourself, uh
If your heart continues to beat, uh
Don’t change, continue to have big dreams
You’ll shine again, baby
(lyrics from bts-translation)
I really love Hobi’s part. (J-Hope) He used the word “Pandora” which refers to the Greek mythology where Pandora was the first mortal woman. Out of curiosity, she opened up a box that she was entrusted to not open. This let out all the evil into the world. The lyrics mean that what lies ahead are hardships, but there is still hope amidst all of it.
2. So Far Away by Agust D (2016)
Another solo song that I really love from Yoongi. This track is from his first solo mixtape. To be honest the lyrics are so relatable. I can say these are my current feelings at the moment. And I’m sure most young adults can relate to it too. I’m guilty of listening to this on repeat every day. I really like the the one with Jin and Jungkook version. The way both of their smooth voices top the song with a chef’s kiss.
dream, will eventually be in full bloom at the end of hardships
dream, the beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will the future be
(lyrics from doolsetbangtan)
Sincerely, I’m so in love with the lyrics of this song. If I can marry a song this would be it. The song talks about how when we are young we are taught that we should go to school and study hard then immediately we’ll make it, find a good job, and have a successful life. But when you’re grown up, you’ll realize that everything they have said to you was all lie. You did everything that they said even to the point you neglected your health and just studied to get high grades. But in reality, it’s not all about that.
However, in the last part of the song, Yoongi is telling us that everything may be hard at the moment but eventually, we will all bloom and our hardships shall end. We may have started late or small, but our future will be still shining brightly. For now, get hold of yourself, endure, and hang in there. This song is just full of hope.
1. Zero O’clock (2020)
And now we’re down to the last song but DEFINITELY NOT THE LEAST. Why? Because I can say this song is just perfect minutes before the new year. This track is sung by the vocal line, Jin, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. The song is all about feeling tired and thinking everything is just so repetitive. You wake up, get ready, go to work or school, then go home, sleep, and repeat everything all over again. These times we are all working so hard to live and because of that we have already forgotten how to actually live.
There are those days
Days when you’re sad for no reason,
when your body feels heavy,
and everyone, except me,
looks busy, fiercely living their life
I can’t get my feet to move
though it feels like I’m already late
The whole world disturbs me
“Zero O’Clock is a time when everything is reset, ready to start again. The song delivers comfort for everyday life and the hope that a better day will come even if nothing dramatic happens. The track touches the hearts of many with its heightened sense of sincerity”. – Spotify Storyline
You can watch the beautiful animation above by TinyTan (an animated version of BTS) because the animation depicts the whole meaning of the song. You’ll understand more after watching it.
And here’s the part that I’ve said that you should listen to it minutes before the new year. It is because if you play it at exactly 11:58:37 pm you’ll end the year with Taehyung singing “When the minute and second-hand overlaps, the world holds its breath for a while” and you’ll start your 2022 with Jimin’s line “and you gonna be happy”.
Have a sparkling 2022, sweeties! May this new year all of our dreams and aspirations in life will turn into reality and all of our efforts into great achievements. We’ll walk together on this flowery road while holding hands with big smiles on our faces. Thank you so much for being with me this 2021. I really appreciate every one of you. Love lots, sweeties! ♥︎
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