School Of Tears (학교의 눈물)

BTS's 'School Of Tears' is a powerful commentary on the harsh realities of school life and the broader societal issues that contribute to it. The song opens with a stark declaration that everything is wrong—school, society, parents, teachers, victims, and perpetrators. This sets the tone for a deep dive into the complexities of school violence and bullying, where everyone, including bystanders, plays a role in perpetuating the cycle of abuse.

The lyrics delve into the 'good kid complex,' where the protagonist tries to be nice to everyone but ends up being hypocritical, pretending not to see the wrongs happening around them. The school is likened to a battlefield, a 'square ring,' where each student fights their own battles. The song criticizes the adults who easily dismiss these issues, highlighting the difficulty of taking a stand in such an environment. The protagonist acknowledges their own cowardice but questions the righteousness of those who judge them, pointing out the impossibility of extending a helping hand without becoming a target themselves.

The song further explores the cyclical nature of school violence, describing it as an inescapable 'vicious cycle' within the confined space of the classroom. It draws a parallel between the school and society, suggesting that the school is a microcosm of a larger, flawed system. The lyrics criticize the societal norms that create a hierarchy of power, where the strong dominate the weak. The song ends on a somber note, reiterating that in this 'square ring' of a classroom, there are no winners—everyone loses. This powerful message resonates with anyone who has experienced or witnessed the harsh realities of school life, making 'School Of Tears' a poignant critique of societal and educational systems.