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Whalien 52
Many others have discussed this song and done it well, but Imma use it to start our move into BTS' music and symbology. Because, to my mind, it's one of BTS' best songs ever and embodies everything that's so special about them. First, let's look at the lyrics. I'll write the translation out here and not repeat the refrain, for space purposes. I'm using Genius English Translations. I'll also indicate which rapper sings which part, so you know what they wrote, basically.
RM:
Yeah, the most lonely creature in the world
Eh, do you want to know my story?
I've never told this to anybody
Yeah, come on
Suga:
In the middle of the vast ocean
One whale speaks softly and lonelily
The fact that no matter how much they shout, it won't reach
Makes them so gravely lonely that they quietly shut their mouths
Of course i don't care what's the matter or what I've now become
When loneliness is the only thing that stays by my side
I've become completely alone. It's a lock that fills sadness
Someone says "Bastard, you've become a celebrity"
Oh fuck that! So what?! Nobody remains by my side and I'm fine on my own
These words that are easily said towards me quickly becomes a wall
Even loneliness turns into something you can see
Even if my breaths are blocked
Because I'm confined in that wall
Head towards the surface of water above
Hey oh, oh hey oh yeah
Chorus:
Lonely lonely lonely whale
Sing alone like this!
Will i ever shine so brightly like a remote island?
Lonely lonely lonely whale
Like this, try calling once again
Until this song that doesn't have a response
Reaches tomorrow
No more, no more baby
No more, no more
An endless signal will reach someday
Everywhere, even to the other side of the earth
No more, no more baby
No more, no more
Even the blind whales will be able to see me
Today i sing again
J-Hope:
The world will never know
How sad i am
My hurt is oil and water that can't mix
So only above the surface of the water do I
Breathe, and the interest ends
A child in the lonely ocean
I want to make it known too
My value, Everyday
I become sick with worry, the sticker always beneath my ear
Never end... Why is there no end and always hell?
As time goes by, it's a Neverland in a cold abyss!
But I always think, now
Even if i sleep a shrimp's sleep, my dreams are like that of a whale's
The upcoming big praise will make me dance everyday
Like me, Ye I'm swimmin'
Bridge:
I go towards my future
That blue beach and
Believe in my hertz
Hey oh, oh hey oh yeah
RM:
Mom said the sea is blue
She said to let out your voice as far as you can
But what do i do? It's so dark here and there are only different whales
speaking entirely different words!
I just can't hold it, ma! I want to say I love you
Alone, I look back at this music sheet that's like a rotating song
This ocean is too deep
Still, I'm lucky
(No one besides me knows of these tears.)
I'm a whalien.
Chorus to end
Wow, really strong moving lyrics. Just by reading, you can feel the pain and loneliness that they've experienced. Now add the music and voices. Even down to Adora's adlibs in the background, reminiscent of whale songs...
(Adora is a long-time producer with BigHit, in case you were unaware.) And the way they use the "radio sound" to make RM's voice sound further away. And lonelier. The credits for writing this are Kim Namjoon, Min Yunki, Jung Hoseok, Brother(?) Su, PDogg, Hitman Bang and Slow Rabbit. They are the dream team, when it comes to some of BTS' best songs.
Then you figure out that the basis of the song is the 52-hertz Whale, the loneliest whale in the world. The story goes, a scientist discovered a lone whale in the Pacific who sang at the frequency of 52 hz. And whales can only hear up to about 40hz. So none could ever hear it sing. But it sang its song throughout the ocean, nonetheless.
What genius! Why aren't there more songs about this?!? Isn't it the perfect basis for a song? Then, they added alien to the word! The very spirit of feeling disassociated, unfamiliar, remote... unheard. The incredible word play that BTS is known for, on full display. How could you not love this song? It's not a trite boyband love song, but rather, a scream from the soul, much like whale song. Reaching out to those around the world who can "hear" this level of loneliness and want. And doing what BTS has always done... Letting the listener know they can "hear" you, too. And they share your fears. And they're in this with the rest of the world. But we are together. Our lonely songs in the dark aren't in vain. They will be rewarded with time, as in all else. Keep singing, no matter who hears, because your song is also valid and necessary in the world.
So, if you haven't heard this song, it's off of their HYYH (The Most Beautiful Moment in Life) pt 2 album. Released all the way back in November, 2015. Go listen immediately. It's obviously one of my favorite songs in the world. And I would love to share it with everyone. Even while we're all singing our own songs. ❄👸
PS: if you have any questions about how we interpreted something, or just want to relate interpretations of your own, feel free to let us know. Here or on our Instagram page 🙏
Decided to have a little follow up chat about the awards show that happened last night. Mostly for 2 reasons; one, I was soooo impressed with Twitter ARMY for creating and trending the #Purple Carpet and #BTS video music awards! Secondly, I was just saddened and angered by what happened, in the first place.
So thunderous applause and many thanks to the tens of thousands of ARMY that, once again, stood up for decency by not watching that disgraceful mess. AND made it fun for ourselves and others online! You were the real winners last night, with all your creativity. Also huge thanks to the ARMY that stood with us and voted, despite what that tv channel says. We know who should've won all the main categories, and we did a great job standing up against intolerance.
But, we're still faced with the possibility this could happen again. And we must figure out how to make our voices heard, for real change, if it does. I was so angry that they clearly subverted a category we obviously would have won. There's no doubt, in my mind, that BTS were disrespected twice last night. More importantly, what can we do about this in the future, should others try it? S. Korea has a criminal investigation pending for rigged voting on a show, even now. Not to do with BTS but it does happen, everywhere.
What I'm talking about isn't by going the way of the courts, though, yet. But heading them off before they get there. Hopefully our boycott will have strongly impacted the revenue the advertisers receive from their support of that show. So that would certainly impact future situations. Another option is addressing the advertisers directly, should we need to, in the future. And we did have the entertainment media behind us, as well. It may be an option to utilize that resource more fully, if need be.
Lastly, not only was I disappointed by an American entertainment company, but I was disappointed by American entertainers. We know the 💲 has reigned supreme for a long time now, not artistry or values. But to see no one stand up against the hypocrisy, and instead fully embrace it, left me angry. There are so many in the entertainment industry who are quick to stand up for a popular trend, why would none of them take the initiative to boycott the show with us? It's definitely something I'll be bringing up and bringing attention to, if we wind up here again. So consider our options, ARMY. We're huge and powerful together. And we can stop injustices. Yes, it's just a music show, but the ideals that were stepped on are big. So we should continue to speak ourselves by speaking against racism and inequality.
Off the soapbox, for now 😁 Thanks to everyone for all their support this time and let's keep winning with BTS!! ❄👸
Credit: 2019 BTS Festa family photo
Now we have to get the other 4's names included.
Source: AllKpop
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
V stands for Victory
From the Merriam Webster dictionary: 2) achievement of, mastery or success in a struggle or endeavor against odds or difficulties.
Taehyung had 3 options when it came time to choose his stage name, and he chose V. He was named Taehyung by his Grandfather, meaning "all wishes come true, everything will be alright even if facing a difficult situation".
How could his Grandfather know that the name given to Tae at birth would also describe his chosen stage, when the time to choose came? Was it fate that V accompanied his friend to the auditions that day? He was the only one selected among everyone that auditioned. He started his career being victorious in a contest he didn't intend to compete.
Tae's path was never easy though. Not during trainee days and not after. As you may know, BTS was originally debuted as a group that focuses only on hip-hop, forcing the members into a mould, to present themselves a certain way. Tae's quirky personality though, may have often seemed out of place where hip-hop is concerned. Especially at BTS' early TV show appearances. From being mocked by hosts and "fans" alike, to becoming the most ridiculed member for his appearance in American Hustle Life, V has had to face it all.
Don't get us wrong, people with similar personalities, as Tae's, are some of the most adored celebrities, in South Korea. But, the "strictly hip-hop" image, BTS, were trying to present in the beginning of their careers, was what made Tae look so out of place. It wasn't until BTS started meddling with other genres and sounds, that people started understanding Tae better. He is a soul with a kaleidoscope of beautiful spectrums.
Although he is capturing everyone's hearts nowadays, this is a knife with two edges all on its own. He is no stranger to prejudice and mockery, to people's obsessive behaviour and ignorance. He has been on both sides of the spectrum. From being disliked because he was misunderstood to being liked too much.
Yet, Tae has never been anything other than himself. From his debut days, until now, V has grown, from a playful quirky boy, into a mature man, with the tender soul of a child. His talents and passions have shone through the shade of prejudice. V, has conquered all challenges. From developing his vocal skills, to learning how to play various instruments. Tae composes his own music and then produces the videos. We witness his ever evolving dancing skills. He fulfilled a life goal, by staring in the historical drama, HWARANG.
Most recently, V has been nurturing his passion for photography and painting.
Within every artistic medium, he shows us his true self. A person that's VICTORIUS!!!
"If you are concerned about something, tell [someone] anytime and let [your troubles] out~ If you keep it to yourself, it will become an illness."
— V , August 2019
We applaud BTS for their ongoing partnership with UNICEF to help children and young adults of our world.
"LOVE YOUR SELF"
For more information please go to:
love-myself.org
Team Karamel 🍮
⇩
Credits:
NUNA V
Winter Bear MV
Park Jimin describes himself as, " cutie, sexy, lovely". He says this with all the confidence of a man that knows and loves who he has become. But, this self confidence is the result of a hard fought battle within himself.
We will speak of Jimin today, as to how he's grown from someone, who was battered by the pressures of an idol, to a stronger member of BTS. His personal struggle speaks directly to our message all week.
Loving himself became vital for our Chimmy to learn. The ways he's blossomed since he has taken this path are powerful to see.
Most people that have seen Bangtan's debut, are aware that Jimin took center stage. But not everyone knows that he took on the challenge of showing his abs. All seven menbers were requested to do so, but couldn't get it together. This was a hard thing for a very private young man to do. He was embarrassed to be showing his stomach. But, he diligently took on the task of bringing attention to BTS, right away. Anyone that has watched their debut video, can see the results of his dedication and very hard work. Since he'd been a trainee less than a year, and was questionable to debut right to the end, the pressure to achieve this task, was tough on him.
Fast forward a year or so, and Jimin still has an amazing build, but the baby fat has yet to fade from the youngster's face. This bothers him because there are comments of him being "fat". Also, since he was the shortest, his height begins to become a constant joke among the members. This translates, naturally, to fandom too. But, what is cute teasing from friends and fans, becomes fodder for those interested in making him feel bad. And use it, they do. To the point that he feels so badly about his appearance, he begins a drastic diet, that he stayed on for a year. As in all else, he's very diligent in this as well, to the point of making himself sick. The members take notice and become concerned that his self- esteem is not recovering from the attack from the nonsensical haters.
Luckily, there were, and are, six brothers with him, to repeatedly let him know that he is, in fact, enough. Weird enough to see, in the industry they're in. But, he still needed to be able to love himself. Thankfully, the catharsis came to him. He hasn't revealed that particular process, but he did tell us that army helped him realize how he really is loved by us all.
The transformation has been simply breathtaking. Jimin's stage presence is powerful. His dancing is still brilliant, as always. We can see the happiness in his eyes, and the love shining out from him, back to ARMY and his Bangtan family.
Whatever he's done, we support it. And honestly wouldn't mind learning the secret *wink, wink*.
Jimin you beyond nice! Keep going!!
We applaud BTS for their ongoing partnership with UNICEF to help children and young adults of our world.
"LOVE YOUR SELF"
For more information please go to:
love-myself.org
❄️👸🏼
Credits:
TheStar
jmsupercute
VT x BTS
MINToYou
pieces of mind
You can DM us at any time, here or on Tumblr, or send an email at: bts.armyxyou@outlook.com No matter what the topic. We can answer your questions, have a chat with you, it's not limited to only BTS. If we don't respond right away, please be patient. We'll get back to you as soon as we see your message. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • #btsarmy #btsarmysupport #loveyourself #speakyourself https://www.instagram.com/p/B1EweOgl4NI/?igshid=laxr4fyyhblp
Who's A.R.M.Y?
You might answer "I'm ARMY" and every BTS member would agree with you. If you give all seven members, your love and support, you are A.R.M.Y!
A.R.M.Y has been with BTS from the very beginning. On July 19, 2013, a month after their debut, the members announced the name of their fanclub. The acronym A.R.M.Y stands for,
Adorable Representative M. C for Youth.
BTS' Korean name is 방탄서년단 (bangtansonyeondan), and it means Bulletproof Boy Scouts. To keep their theme/concept of bulletproof, they used the logo of the bulletproof vest worn by the military.
ARMY is military in English. Their army of fans will always stand with BTS and support each another.
You may ask, " What does the " M.C" stand for?". The term “MC” for rappers means Master of Ceremony. MC, (or Emcee) a skilled rapper. But, it could also mean we (ARMY) are the spokesperson for BTS and all they represent. We are the ones who control the microphone thus, we can speak the loudest.
And we do! The members have often said, without ARMY there would be no BTS. But, if there were no BTS, we wouldn't be ARMY.
The boys have grown into men, and ARMY has grown too. In numbers and in our ages. We aren't just made up of youth.
We do have a very powerful voice. With this power, comes responsibility. How will you use your voice to support BTS? Will you be the positive MC?
We will continue this conversation another day. Thanks for reading and sharing.
🌜🦎
Sharing Time
Yes, I fell in love. I fell deeply in love with BTS and this is my story.
I’m a baby army. I took a nose dive into this rabbit hole just last year. How that happened? Well, I stumbled upon them by accident. I was watching dance videos on YouTube and dance practice of ‘Boy in Luv' was in my recommendations. I was blown away by their precision of movement and explosive energy. It was an understatement to say that I was intrigued.
The song ‘Butterfly’ is what made me fall hard for them and their music. The moment I heard it, I was mesmerized by their vocals and the melody. With the understanding of the lyrics, I could feel the sweet melancholy the song underlined. I could not stop listening to all of their songs; old and new and I was drawn in, craving for more.
The real magic is that whenever I listen to their songs, time stops, my worries fade away. What exists in that moment is the melody, their vocals and insightful lyrics and in that moment, I feel happiness and feel like we truly connect with each other as an artist and a fan.
I haven’t come across any other artist that can make me feel that way. Whether if it’s an MV, a live performance or even award acceptance speech, I always am in awe of them. I will have to stop at this point before I get carried away.
As I said before, yes I'm in love with BTS. I respect them and I look up to them. 🍁🦉
To send us your story, just email us at bts.armyxyou@outlook.com or message us here and we'll post it, with your permission.
Photo credits: dispatch
Passing by the edge of the cold winter Until the days of spring Until the days of flower blossoms Please stay, please stay there a little longer
~Spring Day- BTS