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Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts

Sunday, 9 March 2025

Interlude: Shadow by SUGA of BTS #DeepDive

March 09, 2025 0 Comments



Happy Birthday to Min Yoongi, better known as Suga of BTS and Agust D.


To celebrate, we’re taking a deep dive into Interlude: Shadow from BTS’s Map of the Soul: 7, a song that encapsulates the duality of ambition and fear, success and self-doubt.

Min Yoongi is a multifaceted artist who expresses himself through different personas—Suga, his stage name in BTS, and Agust D, his solo moniker. As Suga, his artistry leans toward polished, introspective storytelling that aligns with BTS’s themes of self-love, societal reflection, and personal growth. His work under Agust D, however, is rawer, unfiltered, and fiercely personal, often tackling themes of mental health, self-identity, and the struggles of fame.


This track, which serves as a pivotal moment in the Map of the Soul narrative, is heavily influenced by Carl Jung’s concept of the ‘shadow’—the repressed and often darker side of the self. Through its introspective lyrics, haunting production, and visually striking music video, Interlude: Shadow paints a visceral picture of the inner conflicts that come with fame. It also serves as an intersection between his two personas, blending the introspective vulnerability of Suga with the raw confrontation of Agust D.


The Shadow: A Concept by Carl Jung

Before delving into the song, let’s understand what Jung meant by the ‘shadow.’ Jung, a Swiss psychologist, described the shadow as the unconscious part of our psyche—comprising traits, fears, and desires we reject or suppress. Often, our shadow contains aspects of ourselves we may not want to confront, yet it inevitably influences our emotions and actions.

Jung’s concept of the shadow is part of a larger framework known as the Map of the Soul, which outlines the structure of the human psyche. This framework includes:

Persona:
The mask we wear to present ourselves to the world, shaped by societal expectations.
Ego: The conscious mind, the ‘I’ we identify with.
- Shadow: The unconscious self, where repressed desires and fears reside.
- Anima/Animus: The inner feminine side of a man (anima) and the inner masculine side of a woman (animus), representing deeper emotional truths.
- Self: The ultimate goal of personal growth, where all aspects of the psyche—both conscious and unconscious—are integrated into a balanced whole.

For an artist like Suga, who has climbed to unimaginable heights, the shadow manifests as fears of losing himself in success, of reaching the top only to feel more isolated than before. Interlude: Shadow is an open dialogue with this unseen self, questioning the cost of his ambitions and the parts of himself he may have suppressed in his rise to fame.


The Lyrics

The song’s opening lines are deceptively simple: “I wanna be a rap star, I wanna be the top”. These words echo the unfiltered ambition of a young dreamer. But as the track unfolds, the tone shifts: “Don’t let me fly, now I’m scared. Don’t let me shine.”—a plea that reveals the anxiety accompanying his rise. The shadow speaks, acknowledging that with great success comes the fear of falling.

One of the most haunting lines in the song—“But my growing shadow swallows me and becomes a monster”—depicts how unchecked ambition and fame can consume a person. This mirrors Jung’s idea that the shadow, when left unacknowledged, can overtake the self and become overwhelming.

As the song progresses, Yoongi acknowledges the inevitable clash between his desires and fears: “The moment I faced myself brought the lowest / It so happens that I'm flying the highest.” This paradox reflects the tension between his public success and private struggles. Facing one’s shadow can be painful, yet it is necessary for growth.

The lyrics also address an internal debate, with the shadow challenging him: “All the things you wanted, you've got it all / So what's the problem? Just enjoy it / Or just let it go, no? Then run, or stop / Don't whine, just choose one or the other.” These words sound almost mocking, as if his own mind is questioning why he cannot simply be satisfied with his achievements.

Toward the end, the confrontation reaches its climax: “We are one body, sometimes we will clash / You can never break me off, this you must know.” This is the moment of reckoning—Yoongi acknowledges that he cannot escape his shadow. It is a part of him, inseparable from his identity. The final acceptance, “Yeah, yeah, can't break me off, whatever you do / Yeah, you'll be at ease if you admit it too”, suggests that true peace comes from embracing one’s shadow rather than fighting it.

This duality of yearning and dread is a recurring theme in Agust D’s discography. In The Last, he lays bare his struggles with mental health and fame, while Amygdala unearths painful memories. Here, in Interlude: Shadow, he personifies the push and pull between his public persona and inner fears.

Check out the full lyrics here.


The Music

The production of Interlude: Shadow mirrors the song’s lyrical battle. It begins with a slow, almost hypnotic melody, reminiscent of a confession. As the track progresses, the beat intensifies, growing chaotic, echoing the sense of spiraling out of control.

Unlike traditional hip-hop tracks, Interlude: Shadow weaves elements of rock and electronic distortions, adding an unsettling, almost suffocating atmosphere. This distortion reflects the turmoil of an artist losing grip on his sense of self.

This sonic chaos is part of a larger thematic trilogy within Map of the Soul: 7, where Persona (by RM) explores the external self, Shadow (by Suga) delves into inner fears, and Ego (by J-Hope) embraces self-acceptance. RM’s Persona is bright and bold, reflecting the masks we wear to interact with the world. J-Hope’s Ego, on the other hand, is celebratory and upbeat, symbolizing acceptance of all aspects of oneself. Shadow sits between them—a confrontation with the parts of ourselves we’d rather ignore, serving as the bridge between wearing a mask and fully embracing one’s true identity.

The contrast in sound across these three tracks highlights their thematic connection. While Persona is energetic and declarative, and Ego is vibrant and optimistic, Shadow is brooding and tumultuous. Together, they create a complete arc—one that reflects Jung’s psychological framework, guiding the listener through the journey of self-discovery.



The Music Video


The Interlude: Shadow music video is a masterclass in visual storytelling, packed with symbolism that reinforces the song’s themes. Suga moves through a narrow, dimly lit corridor as faceless figures chase him—an embodiment of his mounting anxieties and the suffocating expectations that come with fame. The ever-present shadows, stretching and growing behind him, illustrate how inescapable these fears have become.

The corridor itself is reminiscent of British Indian sculptor Anish Kapoor’s installation Svayambh, which means “self-made” or “auto-generated” in Sanskrit. This parallel suggests that the internal struggle Suga faces is a product of his own mind, a battle he has created and must confront alone.

Six shadows line the hall, likely symbolizing the unseen presence of the other BTS members. In Jungian terms, they could represent different facets of his psyche—the fragmented self that fame has shaped. Later, the figure 8 from O!RUL8,2?encircles Suga’s dual selves, a visual echo of the infinity symbol. This reinforces the idea that the battle between light and shadow, self and ambition, is an ongoing cycle—one that may never truly end.


While we have explored the lyrics, music, and visuals separately, their true impact emerges in how they work together to embody the battle between Suga and his shadow. Jungian psychology emphasizes that the shadow is not an external force but an intrinsic part of the self—one that must be acknowledged, not eradicated. Together, these elements paint a complete picture of a man standing at the crossroads of ambition and fear. He cannot run from his shadow; he can only accept it.


Embracing the Shadow

Interlude: Shadow is more than just a song—it is a deeply introspective piece that lays bare the cost of ambition. Through its haunting lyrics, turbulent sound, and symbolic visuals, Suga brings Jung’s concept of the shadow to life, exposing the battle between the self we project and the fears we suppress. The song doesn’t offer easy answers because there are none. Instead, it presents the raw truth: the shadow is an inseparable part of who we are.

For Min Yoongi, this struggle is ongoing. As an artist who has climbed to staggering heights, he must constantly negotiate with his shadow, questioning whether success is worth the sacrifices it demands. Yet, through this confrontation, there is a glimmer of resolution. By acknowledging the shadow rather than resisting it, he takes a step toward self-acceptance. The final takeaway isn’t about conquering fears but understanding that they coexist with ambition—that light and darkness are two halves of the same whole.


Perhaps that is the greatest lesson Interlude: Shadow offers: we do not need to defeat our shadow. We only need to recognize it, listen to it, and learn from it.




FAQs

1. How does Interlude: Shadow relate to Carl Jung’s theories?

The song embodies Jung’s idea of the ‘shadow,’ the unconscious part of our psyche containing repressed traits and desires. By confronting his shadow, Suga reflects on the hidden fears and desires that come with fame, aligning with Jung’s belief in integrating the shadow for personal growth.

2. What is the significance of the imagery in the music video?

The music video features symbolic visuals, such as Suga walking through a dimly lit corridor with faceless figures, representing mounting anxieties and the pressures of fame. The growing shadows illustrate the inescapable fears that accompany success.


3. How does Interlude: Shadow fit into the larger narrative of Map of the Soul: 7?

Serving as a pivotal moment in the album, Interlude: Shadow bridges themes from previous tracks like RM’s Intro: Persona and j-hope’s Outro: Ego. It represents the confrontation with one’s inner fears, a necessary step before achieving self-acceptance and growth.


4. What musical elements are notable in Interlude: Shadow?

The track combines hip-hop with rock and electronic distortions, creating an intense and chaotic atmosphere. This soundscape mirrors the internal turmoil described in the lyrics, enhancing the song’s emotional impact.


5. Are there references to BTS’s earlier works in Interlude: Shadow?

Yes, the song and its visuals include nods to previous BTS eras, such as the O!RUL8,2? album. These references signify self-reflection and the group’s artistic journey, connecting past themes with current introspections.


6. What message does Suga convey through Interlude: Shadow?

Suga communicates that acknowledging and confronting one’s inner fears and desires is essential for personal growth. The song emphasizes that success and ambition come with inherent challenges, and embracing one’s shadow is a step toward self-acceptance.



Friday, 6 September 2024

10 Songs by Min Yoongi (a.k.a SUGA of BTS) That Speak to the Soul #FeatureFriday

September 06, 2024 0 Comments

 



If you are someone like me who finds much of their comfort and motivation from books and music, then this post will be of help to you.

For those of you who do not know who Min Yoongi is, let me introduce you to SUGA of BTS. Whether you have heard their songs or not, I am sure you have heard of BTS, the South Korean boy band that is taking over the world (I kid you not!). SUGA is Min Yoongi’s stage name as a part of BTS. He is a rapper, lyricist, composer and music producer. He is probably most widely known as SUGA because of the popularity of BTS and as SUGA he has co-written and co-produced many of BTS’s songs. Aside from that, SUGA also produces music for other artists. Eight by IU, That That by Psy, and Wine by Suran are some of his award winning songs as a producer. He also uses the name Agust D for his solo projects.

Min Yoongi has a unique way of blending raw honesty with soothing melodies. Both as SUGA or as Agust D, his music often resonates deeply, especially during life's tough phases. If you’ve ever in need of a comforting companion through the rough patches that we all have to face in life, his songs might just be that warm blanket you need!



Here are the 10 songs by Min Yoongi that brought me much comfort:



10. Song Request; by Lee Sora ft. SUGA


This is a quintessential break up song by Lee Sora, that features SUGA as a writer and rapper. It is a sentimental song with a slow sweet melody that suits the mood of a person who has broken up with someone but yet to completely let go. SUGA has one verse in it but that one verse is enough to comfort you because in typical SUGA style, his verse is like a direct conversation with you - the listener.

“When you’re intoxicated with memories

And bring someone up

That’s when I become your music”

You can watch the music video here: {For K-drama lovers - the MV features actor Byeon Woo-Seok of the recent Lovely Runner fame in a scene.}

  


9. So Far Away ft. Suran; Agust D Mixtape


Have you ever had days that suddenly hit you with certain realisations? There you are hustling to pay the bills and make a good living, and all of a sudden you realise that you no longer remember the dream that you were working towards? Or maybe, remember the days when you were passionate about something but now you don’t even remember why? And it disorients you a bit? Well, on days like that, listen to this song.

“Dream, I will be there for your creation

Until the end of your life

Dream, wherever you might be

It will be lenient

Dream, you will fully bloom

After all the hardships

Dream, your beginnings will seem humble

So prosperous will your future be"

8. First Love; BTS - You Never Walk Alone


‘First Love’ is SUGA’s solo song for the BTS album. The song is, as the title suggests, about his first love - a brown piano of his childhood. The song is a conversation between SUGA and this piano. But is it really only about the piano from his childhood that may have sparked his love for music? I would love to ask him that. But personally I felt that the song is also about how there are things that NEVER change through your lifespan - whether you stick to it or whether you leave it and later find your way back to it years later. Maybe, it is also a bit about our innocence as a child that let’s us see the things we love without the filter that the world puts on us? Tell me what you think after you have listened to it.

“Yeah, yeah I remember back then
When I was fed up and lost

Back then when I fell into a pit of despair

Even when I pushed you away

Even when I resented meeting you

You were firmly by my side

You didn't have to say anything

So don't ever let go of my hand

I won't let you go ever again either

My birth and the end of my life

You will be there to watch over it all”

This is my favourite version of the song:


7. People; D-2 Mixtape


Ever feel tired of the people around you? Ever feel ‘heavy’ because of all the judgements and expectations? Tired of colouring within the tight boundaries set for you? I do not know how to verbalise what this song means except to say it made me feel seen. You have to listen to it for yourself and tell me what you get out of this song, ‘cause I don’t have words.


“What's good is good, in the end

What's good is good

Things don’t always go as intended

Discomfort is something everyone has to withstand

The repetition of dramatic situations can make your life exhausting”


6. People Pt.2 ft. IU; D-Day Studio Album


Another song that really looks a deeper look into people and their experiences in life. I would like to invite you to choose the sweetest thing about this song and your choices are - Yoongi’s lyrics, IU’s vocals & the black Labrador in the MV. The first thing that really ‘got’ me in this song is probably not my favourite part of this song (hint: my favourite part is Yoongi’s vocals in this) - the opening lines sung by IU. I would really like to know what those lines mean to you, dear reader.


“Selflessness can actually be selfish, too, it's true

It's actually my greed when I say that it’s all for you

Will I be happy if I give up my greed

A half-illusion that can never be fulfilled”


Experience this song through the MV & good luck:



5. Trivia 轉: Seesaw; BTS - Proof


Another solo song of SUGA in BTS’s discography, Seesaw is really what had me spiralling and paying attention to Yoongi & his lyrics. I have written a whole separate post on about Seesaw here, so I’ll keep it short - if you have been through the push and pull in any kind of relationship in your life - you must listen through this one.


“People can be so conniving

We know someone gets hurt if the other is gone

But neither of us want to be the bad guy

In the midst of a series of vague responsibilities, umm-umm

We became so sick of each other that we finally became parallel

Ay, although this wasn't the kind of parallel that I wanted"


4. Dear My Friend ft. Kim Jong Wan; D-2 Mixtape


Ever lost someone close to you in your life? Have you ever felt somehow responsible how things turned out in that person’s life? Have you ever wondered if YOU could have done something to change what happened? Have you felt certain other negative feelings because of that ‘was I somehow responsible’? Have you wondered how it would be today if that person was still your life? If you have, I dare you to listen to this song when you are on your own and not cry! The pain & regret in the song came through to me even before I looked up the lyrics.


“Was it you who changed? Or was it me? Uh

I hate this flowing time, it's us who changed

Hey, I hate you, hey, I don't like you

Hey, even as I say these words, I miss you”


3. Life Goes On; D-Day Studio Album

The contrast between BTS/SUGA and August D is always very stark, but none so in your face like this song. That is because BTS has a song of same title, and Yoongi has used his lines from that in this version (I do not know which version was written first). While BTS version of ‘Life Goes On’ is much happier, positive and hopeful - which is what BTS does for their ARMYs (unless the rapline has some scores to settle 😝) - August D gives you a reality check but leave you with some hope without you realising it.

“I know, I know this place right now

A place that will soon become a memory

Don't be afraid until the end of my life

Because life will go on forever”


2. Amygdala; D-Day Studio Album

The MV comes with a trigger warning & the song should too. The song is deeply personal and the MV is very visual. The title ‘Amygdala’ itself is a warning because Amygdala actually of the part of the brain that stores the memories that the brain thinks you need to remember for your survival - so basically the harshest memories that you’d rather forget. So yeah, it will either trigger you or help you heal. It’s really a toss-up depending on where you are in your healing journey. Proceed with caution.


“So, is all countless suffering for my own good?

What didn't kill me only made me stronger

And I begin to bloom like a lotus flower once again"


1. Snooze ft. Ryuichi Sakamoto & Woosung; D-Day Studio Album


Yoongi wrote this song for everyone who idolize him and want to follow in his steps. It’s once again a reality check about how the path ahead of them is not going to be easy, but also provides a bit of hope through his presence and his words. You don't have to be dreaming of becoming a k-pop idol to be able to relate to it or to feel consoled. Nobody understands the power of words like Yoongi does. In this song he shows how being honest with your words can have a larger impact on people and how the repetitive (and the almost meditative way he delivers them) words can have a deeper effect (in this case a positive effect) on a person.


“Everything will be okay, Everything will be okay,

Everything will be okay, Everything will be okay,

Everything will be okay, Everything will be okay,

Everything will be okay, Everything will be okay,

Everything will be okay, Everything will be okay,

Everything will be okay, Everything will be okay,

Everything will be okay, Everything will be okay,

Everything will be okay, Everything will be okay.”


Here's my tattoo inspired by Snooze:


Like any form of art, music/songs are open to interpretation. Your interpretation is going to be different from me - depending on both personality and experience. As such, I do hope you see some of the things that I saw in these songs - but at the same time, I hope that you will see completely different things. Am I making sense?


Each of these songs serves as a reminder that we are not alone and that resilience and hope can guide us through the darkest moments. Whether you're navigating personal struggles or simply need a reminder of your own inner strength, Agust D’s words will always be there for you.





Friday, 15 March 2024

Trivia 轉: Seesaw by SUGA of BTS - #FeatureFriday

March 15, 2024 0 Comments

Whenever I discover a new song that I like, I usually listen to it repeatedly for a week (or two) and then it trickles away for when mood strikes me again. This ONE song has been playing on loop for 2 months straight! I just cannot move on from this one. So, I have to rant… (and hope that helps me get it out of my system).


For context - I am new to the k-pop world. I loved ‘Standing Next to You’ & ‘Too sad to Dance’ by Jungkook and he got me curious enough to look into K-Pop. The logical next steps would be to go to BTS songs, but IG Reels took me to Run BTS clips and somehow, I landed up listening to ‘D-day’ Album by August D (Suga’s alter ego for his solo stuff). ‘Life Goes on’ and ‘Amygdala’ had their hooks into me. After listening to his solo album and the mixtapes, I went into SUGA’s solo songs as part of BTS albums. Once I heard ‘Trivia : Seesaw’, I have been stuck. FOR.TWO. MONTHS. NOW.


"Trivia : Seesaw" is SUGA’s solo song from the album Love Yourself: Answer. SUGA & Slow Rabbit have co-written co-produced the song. ‘See-saw’ is a toy/game for children that you see at a park. It is all about ups & downs and balance. At a glance (or a simple listen), it seems like Suga has used the ‘seesaw’ metaphor to convey the emotional push-and-pull between a couple and the constant shift of power in a romantic connection that has run its course. But it is Min Yoongi we are talking about - so it is never that simple. I don’t know if I have caught all the ‘see-saw’ (balance) aspects of the song or not, but here are the ones that I found (and can’t let go of).


Seesaw 1 - Lyrics

Though the lyrics sit perfectly about a romantic relationship, I personally feel that the song could also be about life. Most of us live with an illusion that we are in control of our life. But life likes to remind us every now and then that the feeling of being in control is just an illusion. So, I see a parallel there - between the constant struggle of people to get things under control and the pushbacks from life from time to time. Only, I think there is no getting off that see-saw until the final moment.

Seesaw 2 - Melody & Lyrics

The melody & the lyrics are at complete contrast with each other. For once, I think my language handicap came in handy because when I heard the song for the first time, I thought it must be a sweet song about the beauty of either life or relationships. Then I looked up the lyrics here and couldn’t believe how wrong I was. While the melody has a feel-good vibe, the lyrics bring out the darker side of relationships. Ironically, the part where I feel that the melody is the sweetest is where the lyrics are about how conniving people can be.



Seesaw 3 - Rap & Vocal

SUGA likes to pretend he can only rap & not sing. Yeah well, this is one of the many songs that say otherwise. The constant back and forth between his rap and vocals should have been more jarring, yet there’s a smooth balance there. His low tone is perfect for the vocal sections. Adora provides a soft touch with her backup vocals too.

Seesaw 4 - Tempo

The song constantly shifts between slow and fast(er)-paced, rhythmic portions. These tempo changes convey the emotional rollercoaster to reflect the emotions of the lyrics. During the verses, where the lyrics focuses on the complexities of a relationship, the tempo is slow giving it an introspective feel. In contrast, the tempo picks up during the emotionally charged sections - specifically the rap & chorus sections.

Seesaw 5 - Dynamics

The dynamics of the song compliments the tempo very well. The softer tones help create a sense of vulnerability and introspection. On the other hand, the chorus and rap sections often feature increased dynamics, creating a sense of urgency and intensity.


The metaphors in the lyrics, SUGA’s vocals and the tempo changes certainly stand out as the highlights of this song.


#QOTD - Have you heard this song before? If you have, what's the one thing that stood out for you? If you haven't, are you going to listen to it now?