You can find all our “K-Pop Lyrics Explained” articles in one place by clicking here! This week, we’re diving deep into the lyrics behind OnlyOneOf member YooJung’s solo track for the group’s project “undergrOund idOl” whereby a new monthly single will be released by each member, starting with YooJung. This project aims to explore and express the rich inner world and individual musicality of idols who shine on stage for their fans. Before we get into the meaning of the lyrics to ‘begin’, it is important to highlight YooJung’s purpose. He prefaced the song with a sweet and sincere note: “Among the countless lovers in the world, there are also lovers that couldn’t be blessed. For whatever reasons. Religious reasons, things like parents’ disapproval. I dedicate this song to all those lovers that couldn’t be blessed.”, making sure that his intended message is sent across loud and clear. Ever since their debut, OnlyOneOf has been a group that has contributed towards queer visibility and representation in mainstream media through their music. So, it is no surprise that ‘begin’ is an extension of that purpose, through the lens of YooJung’s musical identity. Sonically, the first thing that stands out about ‘begin’ is its steady, intimate pacing and conversational form. YooJung evidently has a penchant for storytelling and his dreamy vocals are the perfect instrument to deliver the same. The synth-soaked melody coupled with the mid-tempo EDM is just the perfect combination for the mellow dialogue of the song. The Wong Kar-wai-esque music video tugs at our heartstrings as it portrays a state of limbo, where nothing begins or ends. Two young men meet by chance and are clearly attracted to each other. However, whereas one is overt about his intentions, the other would rather hold his feelings back. The motif of the origami crane, which YooJung can be seen folding throughout the video, alludes to the ancient Japanese legend of folding a thousand paper cranes and symbolizes patience, commitment, loyalty, love, hope, and healing - all sentiments that YooJung highlights with ‘begin’. The intricate detail and meaning that went into this song only go to show how extraordinarily poignant it is. “Take your time / Yeah, you know it / Why do you pretend? / (Trippin’ fallin’ down, trippin’ fallin’ down) / I’ll take you far away / Wherever that be / I’m always ready to begin” The first verse represents the conviction of our protagonist, who is nonetheless gentle and kind towards his loved one, encouraging him to accept himself, even if it takes time. What deters him from the same is the pressure of an ignorant society that imposes its heteronormative structure on him, forcing him to hide his true self and pursue happiness. YooJung offers to whisk him away to a faraway land of love, where such prejudice will not touch them. “Feels like gravity you keep drawing me in closer / Think I’m fallin’ still can’t get it under control / I want you more and more, baby / Those painful wounds / Burn it all the doors (Burn it all the doors)” The pre-chorus reflects the perspective of the beloved, which in this case, is played by member KB. His heart aches from all the pain he has endured, being ostracized just for loving someone. As such, it is natural that his guard is up, despite his deep desire to break free. “And now begin, begin, begin (Ooh, ooh) / Begin with that blast (Ooh, ooh) / Let me take you, take you / Take you, take you, take you there / That point is the beginning of everything / When you’re free from any prejudicе (Freedom will begin) / We can begin, bеgin, begin / Begin again, again” YooJung directly addresses queerphobia with the chorus and it rings louder than ever. He implores his lover to step into his power and shed any biases or internalized fear that might be holding him back from true liberation. Only when he is ready to do that, can they begin to live their lives to the fullest and start a meaningful relationship. “Way up, while time flows / You are brightness, even clearer / So clear, you wake up from sleeping / I’m always ready to begin” YooJung highlights just how wonderful and magical his partner is, even though he doesn’t see himself in that light. As a matter of fact, it is because he cannot see the beauty in himself that YooJung leads him gently and carefully, always ready to support him whenever he falters. He doesn’t fiend for romance but rather, seeks to assure him that there’s nothing wrong with being true to oneself. This sentiment is echoed once again in the bridge, where YooJung urges his partner to fight back against injustice rather than dimming his own shine (“You’re a light / Stop worrying / Throw yourself into that darkness / Just why are you blaming yourself?”). The final pre-chorus makes a subtle yet impactful switch where YooJung recognizes that there has been a change: “Yeah, it is time and I know it”. Just this one line signals the completion of a journey, one that millions struggle with even today, especially in the face of a world that continues to challenge their rights. YooJung is not just telling a story, he is speaking to those who have not found the strength and courage to reach that point yet. YooJung wants to be the shoulder that they can lean on and the hand they can hold as they take that difficult step and there’s nothing nobler than that for an artist. YooJung concludes with a reiteration: “When you’re free from any prejudice (Freedom will begin) / We can begin, begin, begin”, driving his point home with grace. Released in pride month and dedicated to the spirit of love that transcends prejudice, ‘begin’ is truly a masterpiece, worthy of high praise. We cannot wait to see what OnlyOneOf has in store for us next. What did you think of ‘begin’? Tell us in the comments section down below!
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