Sea
BTS
Navigating the Seas of Hope and Despair: BTS's 'Sea'
BTS's song 'Sea' is a poignant reflection on the journey of life, particularly the struggles and triumphs that come with pursuing one's dreams. The lyrics use the metaphor of an ocean and a desert to represent the duality of hope and despair, success and hardship. The song begins with the narrator arriving at a sea, but instead of seeing a vast expanse of water, they see a desert. This imagery suggests that what one desires or expects is not always what one encounters. The thirst that intensifies even after reaching the sea symbolizes the unending pursuit of dreams and the realization that achieving one goal often leads to the discovery of new desires and challenges.
The chorus repeats the idea that where there is hope, there will also be trials. This refrain serves as a reminder that the path to success is never easy and is often fraught with obstacles. However, the song also carries an underlying message of resilience and determination. The lyrics 'I know, I know' affirm the belief that the narrator and their companions can overcome the trials they face. The mention of the Namib Desert, known for its beauty despite its harsh conditions, further emphasizes the idea that there is beauty and worth in the struggle.
Towards the end of the song, the lyrics reflect on the group's past as a small idol group facing numerous setbacks and the disbelief of others in their potential. The transformation of the mirage into reality and the desert into a sea through their 'blood, sweat, and tears' is a testament to their hard work and success. Yet, even amidst happiness, there is fear—a recognition that the desert, representing hardship, was always a part of their journey. The song concludes with the notion that life is cyclical, with hope and despair existing in tandem, and that one must embrace both to truly live.