Meaning of Black Swan by Jung Kook (정국)

The song 'Black Swan' by Jung Kook delves into the depths of human vulnerability and the fear of losing oneself in the pursuit of one's passion. The overarching theme of the song revolves around the darkness that can consume an artist's soul, and the internal battle they face to stay true to their craft. Through its powerful lyrics, the song paints a haunting portrait of the struggles and fears that artists go through in their creative journey.One standout lyric in the song is when SUGA raps, "Ayy, 심장이 뛰지 않는대 / 더는 음악을 들을 때 / Tryna pull up / 시간이 멈춘 듯해 / Oh, that would be my first death." Here, SUGA expresses the fear of losing touch with the emotions and passion that drive him as an artist. The lyric captures the anguish of feeling like one's heart has stopped beating, symbolizing the loss of connection with their art. This lyric highlights the theme of the fear of artistic stagnation and losing the ability to create.Another poignant moment in the song is when RM raps, "이게 나를 더 못 울린다면 / 내 가슴을 더 떨리게 못 한다면 / 어쩜 이렇게 한 번 죽겠지 아마 / But what if that moment's right now, right now?" These lines speak to the constant quest for creative inspiration and the fear that if one becomes desensitized or numb to their art, they may lose their ability to feel and create. The lyric explores the idea that the fear of artistic death drives artists to continually seek new experiences and push themselves to their creative limits.V's haunting pre-chorus line, "귓가엔 느린 심장 소리만 bump, bump, bump / 벗어날래도 그 입속으로 jump, jump, jump" delves into the internal struggle faced by artists when they are so consumed by their art that it permeates every aspect of their being. The lyrics depict the artist's desperation to escape from the overwhelming presence of their craft, yet finding themselves drawn back into it time and time again. This theme highlights the idea that once an artist has been captivated by their art, it becomes an inseparable part of their identity.The chorus, sung by Jung Kook and Jimin, carries a sense of despair and isolation. They sing, "모든 빛이 침묵하는 바다 yeah, yeah, yeah / 길 잃은 내 발목을 또 잡아 yeah, yeah, yeah" which translates to "Every light goes silent like an ocean yeah, yeah, yeah / It grabs my lost ankle once again yeah, yeah, yeah." This imagery evokes a feeling of being overwhelmed by the darkness and loneliness that can come with the pursuit of artistic excellence. It touches on the struggle to find oneself and maintain a sense of direction in the vast expanse of creative exploration.The bridge of the song introduces j-hope's verse, where he goes deeper into the depths of his artistic mindset. He raps, "Deeper / Yeah, I think I'm goin' deeper / 자꾸 초점을 잃어 / 이젠 놓아줘 싫어 / 차라리 내 발로 갈게 / 내가 뛰어들어갈게 / 가장 깊은 곳에서 / 나는 날 봤어" meaning "Deeper / Yeah, I think I'm goin' deeper / I keep losing focus / Now I don't want to let go / I'd rather go with my instincts / I'll jump in by myself / I saw myself at the deepest place." This verse delves into the artist's willingness to delve into the unknown, to embrace the darkness and uncertainty of their artistic journey. It explores the idea that it is in the deepest, most vulnerable moments that artists truly find themselves and their purpose.In the final verse, SUGA's lines, "천천히 난 눈을 떠 / 여긴 나의 작업실 내 스튜디오 / 거센 파도 / 깜깜하게 나를 스쳐도 / 절대 끌려가지 않을 거야 다시 또 / Inside I saw myself, myself" reflect the artist's determination to stay grounded in their own identity amidst the chaos of the creative process. The lyrics capture the strength and resilience required to resist being swept away by external pressures and uncertainties, reminding artists to stay true to themselves and their artistic vision.Overall, 'Black Swan' delves into the shadows of an artist's mind, capturing their fears, vulnerabilities, and ongoing struggle to maintain a connection with their art. Each standout lyric contributes to the exploration of different facets within this overarching theme, shedding light on the intricate nuances of the artist's journey. The song serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices artists make and the emotional turmoil they face in order to create something truly meaningful.