A global sensation, music phenomenon, and household name—so many superlatives have been said about the K-pop group, BTS, as they continue to break and set new records, and cement themselves in the industry. With their visually-appealing music videos, stunning choreography, and one-of-a-kind personalities, it’s hard not to fall in love with the seven boys who catapulted to success and made a name for themselves. But aside from these, their fans, the ARMYs, feel a more personal connection to the group in a way that resonates with them the most: Through BTS’ heartfelt and moving songs.
Far from the usual K-pop tracks that you might be used to, BTS’ discography discusses various themes that anyone can deeply relate to. The song lyrics talk about loving yourself, spreading your wings, and the truth untold about societal issues. The group gives hope to those who need it the most, no matter what they’re going through in life—puberty, family problems, school, work, and romance. BTS was able to prove and define how language is not, and should not be, a barrier when it comes to music—the exact reason why they’re loved by many no matter the age and nationality.
Here’s a list of their songs with the most meaningful lyrics (translated in English) that will truly inspire you.
1. “21st Century Girls”
All the ladies, put your hands up! BTS tells us how we’re worth it and perfect in a song that celebrates how superior the strong, independent woman is, and mentions how we should live our lives based on our own terms. #JustQueenThings
Lyrics:
Whatever other people say
Whatever this world tells you
You’re the best to me just the way you are
2. “On”
From the album Map of the Soul: 7, “On” is a power anthem that will encourage you to face your fear and unleash your inner fighter, even if you can’t understand what people are saying. In other words, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger—so bring the pain on.
Lyrics:
Even if I fall, I come right up, scream
That’s how we’ve always been
Even if my knees drop to the ground
As long as they don’t get buried
It won’t matter
3. “Spring Day”
A beautiful symbolism of how seasons change and nothing remains the same, “Spring Day” is all about longing for a loved one and eventually finding them, and expresses how after darkness comes the light.
Lyrics:
You know it all
You’re my best friend
The morning will come again
No darkness, no season is eternal
4. “Outro: Wings”
If you’re looking for a track that will motivate you to get up, put your chin up and fly, this would be it. “Outro: Wings” will take you to the sky with lyrics stemming from being brave and believing in the wonders that you can do.
Lyrics:
I knew these small feathers would become wings
I knew the wings would make me fly
I had that faith
Along with laughter
5. “Whalien 52”
Did you know that the 52-hertz whale is the loneliest creature in the world? Singing at a high frequency of 52 Hertz, this particular whale can’t be heard by any of its co-species, leaving them all alone to wander the vast ocean. BTS as music geniuses used this metaphor to share how we are sometimes alienated and ignored—plus all the silent cries it comes with—but there will always be someone who will recognize our voice.
Lyrics:
No more, no more
And endless signal will reach someday
Everywhere, even to the other side of the earth
6. “So What”
Giving us the “I don’t care” vibes, “So What” will push you to do what you want to do, and not mind anything or anyone that comes your way—because there will always be somebody who will call you right or wrong. Just live young, wild and free, as what the boys sing.
Lyrics:
So what
Don’t stop and worry yourself
It’s good for nothing
Let go
Although there’s no answer yet
You can start the fight
7. “Lost”
Ever feel like you’re unsure of which path to take? Listen to “Lost” and you might find your way with lyrics that talk about how there’s always a reason behind all the pressure and frustration that you’re feeling right now, so just don’t ever lose your dream.
Lyrics:
I still believe even though it’s unbelievable
To lose your path
Is the way to find that path
8. “Not Today”
BTS cheers for all the underdogs in the world and conveys how they might be ordinary and an extra, but when those two words are combined, they are extraordinary. As aggressive as it sounds, the lyrics will also pump you up and remind you that one day you may lose, but not today.
Lyrics:
If you can’t fly, then run
Today we will survive
If you can’t run, then walk
Today we will survive
If you can’t walk, then crawl
Even if you have to crawl, gear up
9. “Answer: Love Myself”
If there’s a song that perfectly sums up BTS’ message to their fans, it’s “Answer: Love Myself”. The track stitches all the reasons why self-love is as important as loving anyone else. This also serves as the group’s UNICEF campaign on ending childhood and teenage violence.
Lyrics:
Loving myself might be harder
Than loving someone else
Let’s admit it
The standards I made are more strict for myself
The thick tree rings in your life,
It’s part of you, it’s you
Now let’s forgive ourselves
10. “We Are Bulletproof: Eternal”
BTS reminisces their early days and remembers the hardship they went through—how they had so much pain and too much crying—in a touching ode to their fans. “We Are Bulletproof: Eternal” is where the group thanked the ARMYs for being there all throughout their journey and tells how they’re not just seven with them.
Lyrics:
We were only seven
But we have you all now
After seven winters and springs
At the tips of our entwined fingers
Yeah, we got to heaven
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