5 Ways BTS Lends Us Strength For Tough Times With Their Music

1. They make us feel like we’re not alone.

Since the members of BTS actually write and produce their own songs, you know the emotions conveyed through their music are genuine. When they sing about an experience or feeling, it comes from the heart, and resonates in the listener to reassure them that they’re not alone.

You know it all

You’re my best friend

The morning will come again

Because no darkness

No season

Can last forever

You know it all

You’re my best friend

아침은 다시 올 거야

어떤 어둠도

어떤 계절도

영원할 순 없으니까

(Example lyrics: Spring Day)

2. They acknowledge our pain.

If BTS is good at one thing (and they’re good at many) it’s providing comfort without being placating. While many pop songs which preach positivity make overcoming pain seem easy, BTS acknowledge how hard it can be to handle tough times and never invalidate the listener.

내가 나인 게 싫은 날

영영 사라지고 싶은 날

문을 하나 만들자 너의 맘 속에다

그 문을 열고 들어가면

이 곳이 기다릴 거야

Days when you hate that you’re you

Days when you wanna disappear

Let’s make a door in your heart

If you open that door and go inside

This place will be waiting for you

(Example lyrics: Magic Shop)

3. They have uplifting messages in their lyrics.

In our most difficult moments, we sometimes need a message of hope, self-love, or just plain positivity. As much as BTS knows about pain and hardship, from it they’ve gained wisdom, and are therefore able to share cheerful messages through comforting lyrics.

사람들의 불빛들

모두 소중한 하나

어두운 밤 (외로워 마)

별처럼 다 (우린 빛나)

사라지지 마

큰 존재니까

Everyone’s light

Is so precious

In the dark night (don’t be lonely)

Like the stars (we shine)

Don’t disappear

Because you’re a great existence

(Example lyrics: Mikrokosmos)

4. They speak to a wide variety of emotions.

We all find our own connections to certain songs, usually through shared emotions. BTS write their music in such a way, with so much variety in the subject matter covered, that any listener can find a song which speaks to them on a personal level.

정답은 없을지도 몰라

어쩜 이것도 답은 아닌 거야

그저 날 사랑하는 일조차

누구의 허락이 필요했던 거야

난 지금도 나를 또 찾고 있어

Maybe there’s no answer

Maybe this isn’t the answer either

It’s just that loving myself

Doesn’t require anyone else’s permission

I’m looking for myself again

(Example lyrics: Answer Love Myself)

5. They write songs specifically for their fans.

Unlike some songs that are open to interpretation, there’s a small catalogue of BTS songs that were expressly written as a way to speak directly to the fans; a way to express the love and gratitude the members feel for those who support them. Mutual support feels fantastic!

비가 내리던 나

눈이 내리던 나

모든 불행을 멈추고

천국을 데려와

쉽게 말하지 마

너 없는 난 없어

넌 내 best of me

It was raining

It was snowing

But all unhappiness stopped

You brought heaven to me

Don’t speak so easily

Because without you, there’s no me

You’re the best of me

(Example lyrics: Best of Me)