First Love
BTS
The Melody of Nostalgia: Unpacking BTS's 'First Love'
BTS's 'First Love' is a poignant track that delves into the intimate relationship between the artist and a brown piano, which serves as a metaphor for the artist's passion and journey in music. The lyrics, rich with emotion and personal reflection, recount the artist's evolving connection with the piano from childhood to adulthood.
The song begins with a nostalgic recollection of a brown piano that was once larger than the artist as a child. This piano symbolizes the artist's initial encounter with music and the awe it inspired. As the artist grows, the relationship with the piano changes; it becomes neglected as other interests and aspects of life take precedence. However, the piano remains a steadfast presence, a symbol of the artist's first love for music. The lyrics express regret for taking the piano for granted and acknowledge its significance in the artist's life.
As the song progresses, the artist revisits the piano during adolescence, rekindling the old passion. The piano, despite being neglected, accepts the artist without hesitation, reinforcing the idea that music is an unconditional and forgiving love. The artist's teenage years are marked by an intense bond with the piano, which becomes a source of comfort and encouragement during times of struggle and self-doubt. The piano is personified as a supportive friend who believes in the artist's potential even when the artist is on the brink of giving up.
'First Love' is not just a song about a piano; it's a metaphorical journey through the artist's life, with the piano representing the enduring love for music. It's a story of growth, nostalgia, and the realization that one's first love, in this case, music, remains a core part of one's identity. The song ends with a promise that the piano, and by extension music, will witness the entirety of the artist's life, from birth to the end, highlighting the everlasting bond between the artist and their first love.