Meaning of 아니길 (Hope Not) by JENNIE

The JENNIE song "아니길" (Hope Not) is a heartfelt ballad that explores themes of love, regret, and moving on. As we delve into the lyrics of this beautiful track, we can uncover multiple standout themes that add depth and emotional resonance to the overall message of the song.In the first verse, Jennie and Lisa sing about sitting by a window, gazing at the distant sky, and drawing their loved one in their mind. This lyric introduces the theme of longing and unrequited love. Jennie's line, "어쩔 수 없는 난 바보인가 봐, 사계절이 바뀌어도 변하지 않아" (I must be a fool, unchanging even as the seasons roll by), hints at the pain of holding onto someone who may not feel the same. The underlying theme here is the difficulty of letting go and moving on, even when faced with the inevitability of change.The pre-chorus sung by Rosé and Jennie further develops the theme of regret and reflection. It conveys the notion that even if regret is futile, they still can't help but think of their lost love. Jennie's line, "아무 일도 없는 것처럼, 웃어줄게 널 만나면" (As if nothing happened, I'll smile when I see you), suggests a desire to maintain a facade of happiness when encountering the person they long for. This theme explores the notion of hiding one's true feelings and putting on a brave face, despite the inner turmoil.The chorus, delivered by Rosé and Jisoo, expresses the bittersweet acceptance of pain endured for the sake of love. Rosé sings, "For you 난 아파도 좋아, 함께하는 동안, 너에게 상처만 남겨준 나니까" (For you, I don't mind the pain, as long as I leave behind only wounds for you), conveying the willingness to endure pain in order to protect the person they love. Jisoo's line, "But you 네가 원한 사랑, 나보다 나은 사람 만나 행복해, 날 잊을 만큼 만은 아니길" (But if you can find a better person to give you the love you desire, I hope it's not to the extent of forgetting me), reveals the underlying theme of selflessness and the longing for the happiness of the one they love, even at the cost of their own happiness.In the second verse, Rosé and Lisa paint a picture of sleepless nights under the quiet moon, waiting in vain for the person who never arrives. The lonely void that accompanies unrequited love is central to this theme. Rosé's line, "내 옆엔 초라한 빈자리 하나, 난 더 이상 혼자가 낯설지 않아" (I have only one empty space by my side, I'm no longer unfamiliar with being alone), reflects the acceptance and growth that comes from being alone. This theme explores the journey of finding strength within oneself despite the absence of a desired companion.The pre-chorus, beautifully harmonized by Jisoo, Rosé, and Jennie, drives home the idea that regrets may be futile, but the longing for the person they love persists. The theme here is the difficulty of letting go of the past and how it lingers within us, even when we try to move forward.The bridge, sung by all members, emphasizes the ongoing struggle of forgetting and moving on. The line, "여전히 이곳에서 널 잊지 못해" (Still, I can't forget you from this place), reinforces the theme of lingering attachment and the challenge of letting go completely.To conclude, although the JENNIE song "아니길" (Hope Not) is a heart-wrenching ballad, it explores multiple themes that contribute to its emotional impact. From themes of longing, regret, and reflection to selflessness and the struggle of letting go, each lyric adds a new layer to a song that ultimately speaks to the human experience of love and loss. Through its evocative melodies and poignant lyrics, "아니길" offers solace and understanding to those navigating the complexities of unrequited love and the journey towards healing.