Then (feat. Villain)
Gaho
Nostalgia and Regret: A Journey Through Time in 'Then (feat. Villain)' by Gaho
Gaho's song 'Then (feat. Villain)' is a poignant exploration of nostalgia, regret, and the passage of time. The lyrics reflect on past mistakes and missed opportunities, with the narrator expressing a deep longing to return to a time when things were simpler and relationships were intact. The opening lines, '갔금 참 철이 없었지 / 의미 없이 활을 막 냈으니,' suggest a period of youthful recklessness and thoughtlessness, where actions were taken without considering their consequences. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, which is steeped in a sense of remorse and a desire to make amends.
The chorus, '그때로 한번 miss you / 그때로 다시 miss you / I don't wanna miss you / I just wanna bless you,' captures the essence of the song's emotional core. The repetition of 'miss you' underscores the narrator's yearning for the past, while 'I just wanna bless you' indicates a wish to offer well-wishes and perhaps seek forgiveness. This duality of missing someone while wanting the best for them adds a layer of complexity to the emotions being conveyed.
Villain's verse introduces a pragmatic perspective on life, touching on themes of financial responsibility and the influence of parental guidance. Lines like '돈은 쓸 만큼만 벌어 / 쓸 만큼만 쓰고 더러 / 아버지를 보고 배워 / 보고 배운 대로 살어' emphasize the importance of living within one's means and learning from one's parents. However, this practical advice is juxtaposed with the emotional turmoil of the narrator, who feels like '속이 빈 인형 같아' without the presence of a loved one. This contrast highlights the multifaceted nature of human experience, where practical concerns coexist with deep emotional struggles.
The song's closing lines, '멀어지는 너의 뒷모습에 / 난 제자리에 서서 가만히 / Still I feel like the same / Just don't know who to blame,' encapsulate the lingering sense of loss and confusion. The narrator is left standing still, unable to move on, and grappling with feelings of emptiness and uncertainty. This powerful ending leaves listeners with a profound sense of the enduring impact of past relationships and the difficulty of finding closure.