CHANGGWI

The song 'CHANGGWI' by Ahn Ye Eun is steeped in traditional Korean culture and folklore, blending modern music with the storytelling of the past. The lyrics invite the listener into a mysterious and supernatural world, where the boundaries between the living and the dead, the natural and the spiritual, are blurred. The song's title, 'CHANGGWI,' refers to a type of Korean ghost or spirit, which sets the tone for the eerie and otherworldly narrative that unfolds.

The lyrics tell the story of a young man, only twenty-one, who has lost his life while trying to capture a tiger. He cannot cross over to the afterlife and seeks help from the listener. The song is filled with references to Korean shamanistic practices, such as 'mugukri,' a ritual for predicting one's fate, and mentions of various spirits and mythical creatures like the mountain god, water ghosts, and dokkaebi (Korean goblins). The repeated phrase '나무아미타불' (namuamitabul) is a Buddhist chant invoking the name of Amitabha Buddha, suggesting a plea for salvation and protection.

The haunting melody and the call to dance 'until you collapse' create a vivid picture of a ghostly festival, where spirits and humans might mingle. The song captures the essence of Korean folk tales, where lessons are often woven into stories of the supernatural. Ahn Ye Eun's unique vocal style and the traditional instrumentation give 'CHANGGWI' an authentic feel, transporting the listener to a moonlit night under the spell of ancient spirits.