Shall We?

Chen, a member of the popular South Korean-Chinese boy band EXO, brings a tender and introspective ballad with 'Shall We?'. The song delves into the emotions of longing and the desire for connection, set against the backdrop of a serene night. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a night filled with yearning and the hope to hold onto a fleeting moment with a loved one.

The song opens with a sense of regret and longing as the night progresses. The narrator expresses a desire to hold onto the moment, not wanting the night to end. This sentiment is beautifully captured in the lines 'aswiwo i bami ganeun ge / gaji mara butjapgo sipeoyo,' which translates to 'I regret that this night is passing / I want to hold onto it.' The warmth of the narrator's feelings is likened to a burning heart, emphasizing the intensity of their emotions.

As the song progresses, the narrator's plea becomes more urgent. They ask their loved one not to hide their feelings and to stay with them, as seen in 'andwaeyo gamchuji marayo / naman honja seodureumyeon seulpeoyo,' meaning 'No, don't hide it / If I'm left alone, I'll be sad.' The imagery of crossing a sparkling Milky Way and the scent of the night adds a dreamlike quality to the song, enhancing the sense of a magical, yet ephemeral, moment.

In the final verses, the narrator offers comfort and reassurance, promising to hold their loved one and urging them to come as they are. The repeated question 'i bameul uri eotteohge halkkayo,' or 'What shall we do tonight?' encapsulates the central theme of the song: the desire to make the most of a precious, shared moment. Chen's emotive delivery and the song's gentle melody create a poignant and heartfelt experience, resonating with anyone who has ever wished to pause time and savor a moment of connection.