12 Hours

ASTRO's song "12 Hours" delves into the raw and immediate aftermath of a breakup, capturing the intense emotions that follow the end of a relationship. The lyrics express a profound sense of inertia and helplessness, as the protagonist finds themselves unable to engage in any activity. The repeated phrase "정말 아무것도 하고 싶지가 않네요" (I really don't want to do anything) underscores the depth of their emotional paralysis. This sentiment is further emphasized by the line "이젠 아무것도 하고 싶지가 않네요" (Now I really don't want to do anything), highlighting the struggle to move forward without their significant other.

The song poignantly describes the first 12 hours post-breakup, a period filled with regret and reflection. The lyrics "이별이 뭔지 우리 헤어지고 하루가 지난 열두 시간" (What is a breakup, it's been 12 hours since we broke up) and "이별이 뭔지 이런저런 후회 가득한 지난 열두 시간" (What is a breakup, these past 12 hours full of various regrets) convey the protagonist's confusion and sorrow. The metaphor of time as a bus that waits for no one, mentioned in "시간은 기다리지 않는 버스 같다는 걸 알 것 같애" (I think I know that time is like a bus that doesn't wait), illustrates the inevitability of moving on, despite the pain and reluctance to let go.

The song also touches on the physical and emotional pain of separation, with lines like "눈부신 너의 미소가 한순간에 사라지면 어딘가 아파" (When your dazzling smile disappears in an instant, it hurts somewhere) and "왜 헤어질 때 보다 잊을 때가 더 아파" (Why does it hurt more to forget than to break up). These lyrics highlight the lingering impact of the breakup, suggesting that the process of forgetting and moving on can be even more painful than the initial separation. ASTRO's emotive delivery and the melancholic melody further amplify the song's themes of heartache and longing, making "12 Hours" a poignant exploration of love and loss.