Music, a form of escape.
I am a person who does not necessarily play any instrument or I am involved in singing by any means, but I have always felt how powerful and impactful simply listening to music has been for me. I have always admired music as a form of art. I think it is just utterly beautiful that people out there are creating something from a place of vulnerability, raw feelings, or emotions and easily that results in an outcome of a possible masterpiece. Just the versatility it brings in and how universal music is a reason enough for one to admire it. There are so many genres involved and I am certain that there is one to fit every individual’s taste.
I personally explore and listen to most of the genres. Not only am I open to listening to different genres of music, but I am also open to exploring music in different languages. I think limiting yourself and building walls when it comes to music is not the wisest thing that one should do because that way we will miss out on a lot in every way possible.
Putting a small part of myself out there, I would like to recommend a song that is in the Korean language. This song is very close to being what people would normally term as their “comfort song”. It is called “00:00(Zero o’clock)” by BTS. This song was released on the 21st of February, 2020. Being the 13th track in BTS’ soulful album ‘Map of the Soul: 7’ Zero o’clock provides a melody with soft beats, contrasting the masterful message in its lyrics.
It is about reflecting on the reality of how the world around you seems to be going in a full swing where you only come across people who are full of passion in their life and are really competitive as well while you may be stuck in the same place or feel like lagging behind. As someone who is not as quick-witted and someone who tends to lag behind in various aspects of life, I really felt that this song spoke to me in many ways. This song absolutely felt like the warmest hug to me, making me feel like I am understood.
The chorus of this song is something to definitely take note of. It is about how after you have had a difficult day you are looking forward to midnight to come (Zero o’clock), when everything resets and you can start over with a new day. When they repeat in the song “and you are gonna be happy” it’s like positive thinking that maybe tomorrow will be a better day. It is basically a voice of reassurance that reminds one to think positively despite the circumstances and not give up. The whole point of this song is that tomorrow is going to be a new day, a fresh day where things will get better. One just needs to make it till zero o’clock to keep going forward.
BTS has discounted the idea of positive toxicity by breaking into a heart-lifting and harmonizing chorus that even though there is no guarantee of a better day tomorrow, at least this awful day will be over. When the clock strikes midnight, the whole world takes a breather and so should we. This very song is a reminder for the listeners to take a break after a particularly awful day where no hard work seems to provide any fulfillment.
I spoke to two people and took up the song to them and asked how they felt after listening to the song and looking at its lyrics. Firstly, both of them proceeded to praise BTS and stated how they have been able to mark their presence in the global platform as artists who have continuously catered to their fans’ needs and have even advocated the profound messages of self-love and overcoming hardships. One of them stated about how their songs have a particularly unique feature and that is how “candid” they are with their lyrics and I definitely agreed with her on that one because that is something that I have noticed as well.
“In this song, they talk about their exhausting and awful days thus, silently stating that we are not alone and that they understand what we go through. BTS has always provided comfort to their fans and listeners and as the vocal line sings about taking a breather in the fast-paced world, we are yet again reminded of the magic in their songs and in particular their lyrics. They continuously remind us that no matter what we are going to be happy” says Shiny.
Moving on I would like to put out there some of the names of the songs from my playlist that you would probably want to give a listen to:
1. Jcole - I n t e r l u d e (you should check out the whole of ‘The Off-Season’ album actually).
2. Illenium - Hearts on Fire (if you like melodic dubstep then this is right up your alley).
3. Illenium - Nightlight (another banger by this artist, falls under dance/electronic genre and hits you right in the feels).
4. Gryffin - Body Back (one of my all-time favorites, dance/electronic genre as well).
5. Kota The Friend - Saturday (a laid-back song, but very vibey).
6. Enhypen - Given-Taken (watch out for the theories and storyline if you want to know more it will blow your mind, best debut song ever).
7. Enhypen - Drunk-Dazed (I have been blasting this song ever since it got released and the lyrics are wonderful also it fits well with the concept that they have taken up).
8. BTS - Film Out (a wonderful Japanese song with phenomenal lyrics).
9. BTS - Your Eyes Tell (another Japanese banger that makes you feel like floating in the air).
10. Day6 - Zombie (a wonderful song by a Korean band, the lyrics are just very relatable).
(all of the picture credits to the rightful owners)
Samridhi Rai.
You did such a good job here. I loved every part of it, the narration, your own opinion and how you have included the opinion of others as well. You have perfectly articulated the depth of the song and the impact of the artistry. I think that's the most important part here, that you make readers want to listen to the song as well. It is excellent. Well done, fighting.
Wow this is such an amazing piece. Very well written!! The message is conveyed beautifully and I'd love to listen to 00:00.