Lemon Tree (HONGJOONG)

The song 'Lemon Tree (HONGJOONG)' by ATEEZ captures a profound sense of isolation and monotony. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person stuck in a repetitive and unfulfilling routine. The imagery of a 'boring room' and 'another rainy Sunday afternoon' sets the tone for the song, emphasizing the dullness and lack of excitement in the protagonist's life. The recurring motif of the 'lemon tree' symbolizes the bitterness and frustration of their situation, contrasting sharply with the 'blue, blue sky' mentioned in the past, which represents a time of hope and possibility.

The song delves deeper into the emotional state of the protagonist, who feels trapped and lonely. The lines 'I'm driving too fast, I'm driving too far' suggest a desperate attempt to escape their current reality, but ultimately, they find themselves back in the same place, with nothing changing. The repetition of 'nothing ever happens' underscores the stagnation and helplessness they feel. The reference to 'Andy in Shawshank' alludes to the character from 'The Shawshank Redemption,' who is imprisoned and dreams of freedom, further highlighting the theme of entrapment.

The chorus, with its catchy yet melancholic melody, reinforces the sense of circularity and futility. The protagonist's world is reduced to the 'yellow lemon tree,' a symbol of their unchanging and sour reality. The song's bridge, sung in Korean, adds another layer of depth, expressing the protagonist's frustration and longing for change. The mention of 'isolation' being 'not good for me' is a poignant reminder of the detrimental effects of prolonged loneliness. Overall, 'Lemon Tree (HONGJOONG)' is a powerful exploration of the human condition, capturing the pain of feeling stuck and the yearning for something more.