Ruin

Isaac Hong's song 'Ruin' delves into the emotional turmoil and eventual catharsis that comes with the end of a relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with the darkness and confusion that follows a breakup. The repeated phrases 'I don't wanna leave you at all' and 'I don't wanna love you no more' highlight the internal conflict between holding on and letting go. This duality is a common theme in breakups, where the heart and mind are often at odds.

The chorus, with lines like 'Hey, it's over' and 'I'm gonna let you ruin,' signifies a turning point. The protagonist decides to stop clinging to the past and instead allows the memories and emotions to 'ruin' them, but in a way that leads to eventual healing. The use of the word 'ruin' here is metaphorical, representing the destruction of old feelings and memories to make way for new beginnings. The imagery of 'morachineun ginjang soge tteollineun summajeo' (trembling breath in nervous tension) and 'millyeodeuneun chorahan gieok' (pushing away miserable memories) further emphasizes the struggle and the release that follows.

Isaac Hong's musical style, often characterized by its emotional depth and introspective lyrics, adds another layer to the song. The melancholic melody and Hong's soulful voice amplify the sense of loss and the bittersweet relief of moving on. The song's structure, with its repetitive yet evolving lines, mirrors the cyclical nature of grief and recovery. By the end, the protagonist's resolve to 'let you ruin' signifies acceptance and the readiness to face the future, no matter how uncertain it may be.