eight (feat. SUGA)

IU's song 'eight (feat. SUGA)' is a poignant reflection on the nature of happiness, memory, and the passage of time. The lyrics, delivered with IU's emotive voice, touch upon the theme of cherishing memories and the desire to remain in a state of eternal youth. The song begins with a question about happiness, suggesting a sense of loss and the feeling that everything has left without a goodbye. This sets a tone of nostalgia and a longing for the past.

The chorus of 'eight' evokes a vivid image of dancing under an orange sun without shadows, symbolizing carefree moments and the absence of farewells. The reference to 'Forever young' and the desire to never wake from this 'nightmare' if it means losing those memories, indicates a deep yearning to hold onto the beauty of the past. The metaphor of an island created by two people serves as a representation of a personal and shared space of memory that is both beautiful and ephemeral, like a sandcastle.

The song's collaboration with SUGA of BTS adds depth to the emotional landscape of the track. SUGA's rap complements IU's verses with a similar sentiment of clinging to the past and the difficulty of moving on from cherished memories. The recurring theme of meeting in the beautiful memories, without sad endings or goodbyes, reinforces the desire to live forever in a moment of happiness, untouched by the inevitable changes that time brings.