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Life Goes On was gifted to us at what was thought to be the peak of the pandemic, and ultimately the time we needed it most. The beauty of this song, like the majority of BTS’ discography, lies in its timelessness and the many themes its thoughtful lyrics encapsulate. It goes from a song meant to comfort and express all the feelings we had, and still have because of the state of the world, to a song that can guide us towards new chapters and beginnings.
In 2020, when the pandemic hit the world came to a standstill abruptly, as everything from the stores to the very concerts that brought people joy and life was shut down. One could do nothing else but wait patiently for a glimmer of hope. However, the seasons changed-Spring showed up anyway- with no change in the situation. It felt as though we were frozen in time even as the world around rapidly evolved and time flew by. There was a feeling of helplessness that permeated all our lives as no matter what we did we could not outrun the rain that was the pandemic. All we could do was wait, let the rain soak us to the bone, and learn how to embrace the pain.
Like an echo in the forest, another day will come, as if nothing happened here
Referring to the stillness of the forest, they compare it to the state of the world; motionless, but they remind us that even though things seem as if they will never move, time still goes on. A reminder that the dark days are momentary and that things will improve.
Like an arrow in the blue sky, another day will fly by
Just as we see planes fly overhead, leaving only smoke trails in their wake, as those arrows head towards varying destinations, time flows and we continue on our life’s journey — even if the destination seems more unsure with the way the world has become.
On my pillow, on my table, yeah life goes on, like this again.
We may close our eyes to rest and take a break, but still, time flows in a continuous cycle which we find ourselves in again and again.
While people might say that the world has changed, we are urged to see that the core remains the same. We are also encouraged to look to the future and not let the present darkness of the world overpower us because the light will shine again. While it may seem like there is no end in sight and we might feel stuck, we should close our eyes and hold on to the support that is offered and run towards a hopeful future; a new chapter, a new beginning.
As the song closes with the lines I remember, it’s to be seen as remembering the past, not as something to hold us back, but to acknowledge it and move forward. As a song initially meant to comfort us at a time when reassurance was desperately needed, Life Goes On now functions as a song to remind us that the time to push forward has arrived. It serves as a song that is ushering in a new era and chapter. We’ve spent a year since Life Goes On, another year being transfixed, remaining hopeful of what’s to come. Despite this feeling of stagnation, the time has flown and we remember the many moments shared even before the world came to standstill. It’s these memories that we continue to grasp, along with the smallest amount of hope, as we rise to meet whatever the future may hold. In this, we write our new chapter and pave the way for a new beginning- brighter than before.
Lyric Translations are all taken from Doolset Bangtan
