I think HER album has some of the most honest lyrics amongst current K-Pop groups

[Hyooga]

For example, the outro "Her" have rapline talking about putting on an idol persona and their reliance on their fans - but it also addresses an issue not many idols would tackle: if fans could accept the real them without the idol persona.

 

Make up to wake up today too
And dress up to mask on
In order to become the me that you love
In order to become the one that you love
I quit the XX that I liked so much
Just for you
The clothes I hate and excessive makeup
Your smile and happiness
Are the scale of my happiness
This me this me
Do I deserve to receive your love
I always try
to become your best
I hope you don’t know this side of me

 

 

They call out their fans to love themselves more in Pied Piper, in a very straightforward way as well (not metaphors lol)

 

 

 

Stop
Now stop watching and go study for your exams
Your parents and boss hate me
The videos you watched, the various photos, twitter
V-app, Bon Voyage
I know, what can you do, it’s good
Stop it, analyse the MV later
Besides there are already plenty of photos of me in your room
What’s one hour, (before you know it) one or two years will flash by 
This song is a reward from me to you
You were a good kid

 

 

They call out the people who wrote libelous articles about them and the antis spreading lies online in Mic Drop

 

 

Watch your step, your step

Watch your words, your words

These words are real

"Truth wins out in the long run" ah

Once upon a time Aesop's Fables fly

Look at your realities, serves you right

I'd be f*cking happy even if I die now

Which country are we flying to this time?

How many hours is the flight?

 

 

They talk about being edited out on broadcasts and being looked down upon by the industry because they came from a small company (straightforwardly too, so there must be a lot of stories we do not know)

 

The saddest part is when they talk about being filler artists in shows - this is when they become the instant substitutes if someone pulls out. 

 

These are the lyrics to Sea

 

 

 

What I thought was the sea, is actually the desert here

A non-important 'small company' idol was my second name.

Getting cut on broadcast countless times

Another's substitute*, was our dream

Some say we'll never make it because our company's small

I know I know, I know too

*(t/n: He uses the word 땜빵(Ddem bbang) here. Just to clarify, if a star or artist pulls out of a show last minute, the artist they call in to substitute is called a 땜빵)

 

The days the seven of us slept in one room

Hoping tomorrow will be different before I fall asleep

I see the desert's mirage but it's unreachable

I pray we survive in this endless desert

I pray this isn't our reality

 

 

 

 

The best part are lyrics wherein BTS become aware that whatever success and momentum they have now is fleeting, could very well end at a whim. But also that despite everything, with greater success also comes unhappiness. 

 

 

In the end, the mirage is reached and it becomes our reality

The desert we feared

became a sea with our blood sweat and tears.

But within our happiness, what's this fear

We know too well this place started as a desert.

 

I don't want to cry

I don't want to rest

Who cares if you rest a bit?

no no no

I don't want to lose

This place was originally a desert

Then that answers it

We have to continue to fall*

(t/n: I think he says ë” ìš°ìš¸í•´ì•¼ì§€, which means they have to either 1. fall more into sadness or 2. continue to feel unhappy.)

 

 

I certainly think an idol album couldn't get more honest and personal than this, no wonder Rapmon has said this album is something for their fans. So much soul was bared in this, I don't even unveil these kinds of worries to most of my friends but they entrusted so much of this emotions to people who would give their album a listen.

 

Seriously, I think HER has become one of my K-Pop favorites simply because of the honesty and rawness of the lyrics. 

 

 

[signalday]

Well their lyrics can get so many people pressed at the same time and that's a an amazing achievement

[gojo]

lyrical genius

 

and yet some ppl call out bts for having lyrics like YOLOYOLO but never read these. 

well i guess people see what they wanna see.

[Sdm]

The lyrics this time around are very confusing to be fair and the incorrect translations that came in the beginning didn't help at all. Plus not many people like to think too much I guess

[TaeGiElitist]

Sea and outro make me so damn emotional expecially if you listen after all the bops it's makes you reflect. They picked a good choice to end the album with outro:her.

[ethereal]

it always makes me laugh when antis accuse bts of being "fake deep" when really they're just some of the only idols who legitimately write what's on their mind. from the slightly corny puns, to really introspective and though provoking lyrics, they've got everything. it's really hard to think some people can't appreciate and respect that. 

[Hyooga]

The lyrics this time around are very confusing to be fair and the incorrect translations that came in the beginning didn't help at all. Plus not many people like to think too much I guess

 

 

They aren't that confusing in Korean imho. The thing is BTS loves their wordplay (probably stemming from Rapmon and Suga's underground roots) so it takes time to correctly cross over to international fans. It also doesn't help a lot of social context isn't understood by fans which makes everything doubly complex. Also pressed people will always find a way to be salty, mistranslations or not. 

 

I know some lyrics (the Big 3 issue) caused quite a stir but anyone who says the Big Three privilege does not exist is lying through their gritted teeth. Sure, all idols work hard and go through challenges, no one is discounting that. But those Big 3 idols will never have to worry about their companies going bankrupt one day. If anyone tries to sabotage them or write libelous articles about them, their companies have very well-equipped legal teams in Korea and overseas to ensure justice is served. They have strong connections in media to cushion and immediately provide damage control. Their companies also tend to be part of a bigger congolomerate hence you see them easily invited in elite events not only in Korea, but overseas (example: fashion weeks, launchings of elite products, galas etc)

 

Heck, it's even common knowledge Big 3 trainees get better in-house dance/vocal trainers while smaller companies usually outsource them (I knew a former trainee and she mentioned small companies tend to overlap/share the same mentors). Also it would be ridiculous to hear a Big 3 group being called in as a filler for any event/show or get cut out from broadcasts even when they're newly debuted.

 

Again, not discounting that these same Big 3 idols probably rehearse to death as well, and put so much dedication in their work but they also receive benefits small companies won't be able to provide. Also some people will say "no one forced your bias to join a small company" or "my fave got through the challenging audition for this Big 3 company so they worked hard too", but those aren't simply about visuals or talent. It's also about fitting a certain company's image and need for their upcoming project groups. The odds of seeing the light of debut is easier in a smaller company too, or simply because it's also easier to get into one. TBH getting into a Big 3 company is more of a luck issue than a talent/visual one imho. Some kids just don't have the luck.

[mirurun]

bts spills that boiling hot tea always and forever

 

 

but in all seriousness bts doesn't sugar coat anything and they tell all kinds of stories in their songs which makes me love them so much more bc they aren't afraid to be their own artists

[Full Moon]

Can you imagine people actually bash bts for their lyrics? a joke tbh

[delirium]

BTS is seriously talented and have been since debut. I wish the crazier fans hadn't turned people off from the group because they really are exceptional in certain areas.

[Sdm]

They aren't that confusing in Korean imho. The thing is BTS loves their wordplay (probably stemming from Rapmon and Suga's underground roots) so it takes time to correctly cross over to international fans. It also doesn't help a lot of social context isn't understood by fans which makes everything doubly complex. Also pressed people will always find a way to be salty, mistranslations or not. 

 

I know some lyrics (the Big 3 issue) caused quite a stir but anyone who says the Big Three privilege does not exist is lying through their gritted teeth. Sure, all idols work hard and go through challenges, no one is discounting that. But those Big 3 idols will never have to worry about their companies going bankrupt one day. If anyone tries to sabotage them or write libelous articles about them, their companies have very well-equipped legal teams in Korea and overseas to ensure justice is served. They have strong connections in media to cushion and immediately provide damage control. Their companies also tend to be part of a bigger congolomerate hence you see them easily invited in elite events not only in Korea, but overseas (example: fashion weeks, launchings of elite products, galas etc)

 

Heck, it's even common knowledge Big 3 trainees get better in-house dance/vocal trainers while smaller companies usually outsource them (I knew a former trainee and she mentioned small companies tend to overlap/share the same mentors). Also it would be ridiculous to hear a Big 3 group being called in as a filler for any event/show or get cut out from broadcasts even when they're newly debuted.

 

Again, not discounting that these same Big 3 idols probably rehearse to death as well, and put so much dedication in their work but they also receive benefits small companies won't be able to provide. Also some people will say "no one forced your bias to join a small company" or "my fave got through the challenging audition for this Big 3 company so they worked hard too", but those aren't simply about visuals or talent. It's also about fitting a certain company's image and need for their upcoming project groups. The odds of seeing the light of debut is easier in a smaller company too, or simply because it's also easier to get into one. TBH getting into a Big 3 company is more of a luck issue than a talent/visual one imho. Some kids just don't have the luck.

Yeah I meant for ifans specifically. Idk what kfans think about the album and the lyrics. Also it's been clarified that they were not referencing groups at all. It was a general statement

[Serendipity]

I can't comment much on other groups' lyrical content (if their fans don't hype it up, I won't know about it), but yes, BTS was pretty forthcoming in these songs. 

 

"Pied Piper" is one of the songs that I saw get quite a reaction from a few fans. Some people, I noticed, actually felt it was a bit too honest to the point of it being harsh because for them it was true -- they do use BTS as a form of escapism, so they actually felt rather guilty about it. For others it was just a wake up call to take care of themselves first, and for others it was just funny - a "drag" and a confirmation they know what we fans are up to and "lol they know we're all in too deep". 

 

I think it's so interesting though, that they're honest about how much power they know they have over fans. The option is always there to pretend that dynamic and fan culture doesn't exist, to milk that for all its worth since that's an idol's livelihood -- but they point it out right there in the media we consume.

[Loonathehoe]

And then the haters say their songs have meaningless lyrics. Aha.

[Hyooga]

I think it's so interesting though, that they're honest about how much power they know they have over fans. The option is always there to pretend that dynamic and fan culture doesn't exist, to milk that for all its worth since that's an idol's livelihood -- but they point it out right there in the media we consume.

 

 

The fascinating thing is they also talk about the power of their fans over them in Outro: Her (to the point Suga had to quit xx - most likely smoking imho, and changing themselves)

 

It's really brave of them to tackle and talk about the BTS - ARMY dynamic head on in their lyrics, it's also interesting how both sides seem to have an obsessive love to each other despite not personally knowing (will never do) each other

[H e r e]

Wow

I'm impressed

[Guest]

Can you imagine people actually bash bts for their lyrics? a joke tbh

[Kyuflower]

The lyrics this time around are very confusing to be fair and the incorrect translations that came in the beginning didn't help at all. Plus not many people like to think too much I guess

I don't know if you saw it but You can find go go, pied piper and mic drop here. It's well explained.

 

https://muish.wordpress.com/bts-directory-of-ramblings/

[Reipaca]

You know they're desperate when they bash BTS using their lyrics

[Autumn Leaves]

I really love this album and I think this is probably my favorite BTS album (for now). I love the honest and thought provoking lyrics, Pied Piper makes me reflect about my own behaviour as a fan. 
Before I got into BTS, I never cared about the lyrics in K-Pop songs, because they are often very cringy. (sometimes it's a good thing that I can't understand the lyrics as an international fan lmao)
But BTS has really beautiful and meaningful lyrics, it would be a waste not to read the translations and make your own thoughts about the songs.
You can see that they absolutely trust ARMYs by releasing songs like the Outro or Pied Piper, songs with lyrics that make you feel uncomfortable with their honesty.

[Sdm]

I don't know if you saw it but You can find go go, pied piper and mic drop here. It's well explained. https://muish.wordpress.com/bts-directory-of-ramblings/

Yeah I've already read those. It's what made me change my mind about the album being lyricall weak. But most people won't bother reading stuff like this and will take everything at face value.

[SOCKS]

bts always outdoing themselves 

[Celery with Luv]

I think BTS have always been honest with their lyrics, and it's the main reason why I actually buy and support their music.

 

School series expressed their thoughts during the school year, obviously. Lyrics can range from blunt to cheeky.

 

HYYH expressed what it is like growing up, and feelings of pain and joy that comes with it. It's a coming of age story.

 

When Wings was released, it felt very personal. Wings is their individual stories and experiences, marked by their solos.

 

I didn't get to read all the lyrics yet, but from the ones I have read, this feels more like them expressing their relationship with ARMY in a very honest way. It's telling ARMY to love themselves before they love BTS. It's also about BTS, learning to love themselves and loving ARMY.

[vivianss]

Calling out BTS for having a bad lyrics should listed on the very bottom of your agenda, Salties. They still one of the best that i saw from kpop.

 

I personally really like HER. In a context for whoever they wrote the lyrics could be someone or fans, i really like it.

It was honest and the big picture of the narrative is interesting.

[Tae's Eyebrows]

What I thought was the sea, is actually the desert here

 

That line hits me hard. Reminded me of high school. Couldn't wait to get out but the moment I graduated, I felt lost and alone because no one prepared me for the harsh reality of life after high school. Their lyrics really do speak to others.

 

I just wish people would get over themselves in saying they are 'disappointed at the new BTS--I want hep-hap BTS back!!!' and just see the evolution of BTS. As much as we want to believe they will always be together, we don't know the reality of it all. Just enjoy what you can and take all that they give because they give our fandom so much of themselves. More than we deserve at times.

[Almost Famous]

The lyrics this time around are very confusing to be fair and the incorrect translations that came in the beginning didn't help at all. Plus not many people like to think too much I guess

 

This is what I've noticed. I just read through some comments I don't think most people have been able to grasp what the album is really about.