20 (스물)

BOYNEXTDOOR's song '20 (스물)' delves into the complex emotions and experiences of transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. The lyrics reflect a sense of nostalgia and confusion, capturing the essence of what it feels like to be on the cusp of adulthood. The artist reminisces about the simplicity of childhood, where dreams seemed easily attainable, symbolized by the 'gold medal' that once appeared within reach. This contrasts sharply with the present reality, where the pressures of education, career, and societal expectations weigh heavily.

The song poignantly addresses the internal struggle of feeling unprepared for adulthood. The repeated line 'Ready to be twenty? I don't think so' encapsulates the uncertainty and apprehension that many young adults face. The artist reflects on how the playgrounds of childhood, once vast and full of potential, now seem trivial. This metaphor extends to the broader realization that the challenges and milestones of youth, such as parental nagging, are now seen in a more appreciative light.

The chorus, with its repetition of 'When I was younger, I was foolish,' underscores a common sentiment of looking back at one's younger self with a mix of regret and understanding. The song also touches on the societal pressures to grow up and conform, with lines like '사는 게 거기서 거기 모두 다 똑같지 뭐' (Life is the same everywhere, everyone is the same). Despite the struggles and the 'ugly' and 'foolish' aspects of being twenty, the song ultimately embraces the freedom and potential of youth, even if the answers to life's questions remain elusive.