About Time (어제의 너, 오늘의 나)
D.O. (EXO)
A Heartfelt Reflection on Lost Time and Love
D.O.'s song "About Time (어제의 너, 오늘의 나)" is a poignant reflection on the themes of regret, love, and the passage of time. The lyrics convey a deep sense of nostalgia and longing for a past relationship that was once filled with warmth and understanding. The song opens with the memory of a tender moment where the other person extended a hand and offered comfort without asking for anything in return. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, which is a heartfelt apology and a wish to turn back time to cherish those moments more fully.
The lyrics delve into the realization that the singer took the other person's presence and love for granted. The lines "왜 늘 소중한 것을 잃고 나서야 깨달아 나는" (Why do I always realize the importance of something only after losing it) and "결국 잡았던 손을 놓고 나서야 알아봐 너를" (I only realized after letting go of the hand I held) highlight the regret and the painful awareness that comes with hindsight. The singer acknowledges the mistakes made, such as being too busy and making the other person feel lonely, and expresses a deep desire for forgiveness and a chance to make things right.
The chorus, with its plea to turn back time and the repeated phrase "어제의 너 오늘의 나 되돌려 줘" (Give me back yesterday's you, today's me), encapsulates the central theme of the song. It is a yearning to return to a time when the relationship was whole and to express love and gratitude that was left unspoken. The song ends on a bittersweet note, with the singer wishing they could go back and hold the other person tightly, thanking them for all the moments they shared. This emotional journey through the lyrics resonates with anyone who has experienced the pain of lost love and the desire to make amends.