Let Me In

EXO's 'Let Me In' is a poignant exploration of longing and emotional vulnerability, wrapped in the metaphor of the ocean. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone yearning to be embraced and accepted by their beloved, who is symbolized as the vast, deep, and sometimes tumultuous ocean. The recurring imagery of water and waves underscores the fluidity and depth of emotions involved in this relationship.

The song opens with a sense of desperation and a plea for the beloved not to hide in the darkness. The protagonist feels incomplete and unfulfilled without their significant other, likening their absence to a lack of purpose in both day and night. This emotional void is further emphasized by the desire to be enveloped by the beloved's presence, much like being submerged in the ocean's waves. The lyrics '너 없이는 별 볼 일 없어져' (Without you, there's nothing to see) and '공허한 맘을 파도에 눕힌 채' (Laying my empty heart on the waves) highlight the depth of this longing.

As the song progresses, the protagonist's yearning intensifies. They express a willingness to be swept away by the beloved's emotions, even if it means facing uncertainty and potential heartache. The lines '이미 여긴 저 태양 빛도 닿지 않아' (The sunlight doesn't reach here anymore) and '너라는 바다 날 이끄니까 부디 날 삼켜' (The ocean that is you leads me, so please swallow me) convey a sense of surrender and a deep desire to be consumed by the relationship. The repeated plea '날 안아 let me in' (Hold me, let me in) serves as a powerful refrain, encapsulating the core message of the song.

In 'Let Me In,' EXO masterfully uses the ocean as a metaphor for the complexities of love and emotional connection. The song's lyrics delve into themes of longing, vulnerability, and the desire for acceptance, creating a rich and immersive emotional experience for the listener.