Trauma
EXO
Confronting Inner Demons: The Journey Through Trauma in EXO's 'Trauma'
EXO's song 'Trauma' delves deep into the emotional and psychological struggles of dealing with past traumas. The repetitive 'La la la' at the beginning and throughout the song sets a haunting tone, almost like a chant, reflecting the cyclical nature of painful memories that keep resurfacing. The lyrics describe the protagonist's internal battle with an 'old villain' that has left deep scars on their heart. This villain symbolizes past traumas that are so ingrained in their psyche that they feel almost impossible to forget.
The song explores the process of confronting these painful memories. The protagonist acknowledges the need to open the 'small door' of their memories, which they have tried to lock away. This metaphorical door represents the barriers they have built to keep their trauma hidden. However, they realize that to heal, they must face these memories head-on, even if it means experiencing the pain all over again. The lyrics 'drink the breath filled with memories' and 'erase the memories' suggest a cathartic process of purging these toxic memories from their system.
As the song progresses, there is a shift from despair to hope. The protagonist speaks of overcoming the 'endless darkness' and breaking through the 'wall' that has trapped them. This transformation is symbolized by the 'sun dragging me,' indicating a new beginning and a brighter future. The final verses emphasize resilience and the power of time in healing wounds. The protagonist's determination to 'erase the memories' and 'fill my heart anew' signifies a hopeful resolution, where they emerge stronger and ready to move forward, leaving their trauma behind.