Glasses

IU's song 'Glasses' delves into the complexities of human perception and the emotional toll of seeing beyond the surface. The lyrics suggest a reluctance to delve too deeply into the true intentions and hidden aspects of others. The opening lines, '웃고 있는 그 표정 너머에 진심까지 꿰뚫어 볼 순 없어요,' translate to 'Beyond that smiling face, I can't see through to the sincerity.' This sets the tone for a narrative that questions the value of seeing everything clearly, both the good and the bad.

The metaphor of glasses is central to the song. Glasses, which typically aid in seeing more clearly, are rejected by the narrator. This rejection symbolizes a desire to avoid the additional burden of understanding every nuance and hidden truth. The lines '나는 지금도 충분히 피곤해' ('I am already tired enough') and '더 작은 글씨까지 읽고 싶지 않아' ('I don't want to read even smaller letters') emphasize the exhaustion that comes with overanalyzing and overthinking. The narrator prefers to live with a certain level of ignorance, finding peace in not knowing every detail.

Culturally, the song resonates with the modern-day struggle of information overload and emotional fatigue. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with information and expected to understand and empathize with everyone's struggles, 'Glasses' offers a counter-narrative. It suggests that sometimes, it's okay to not see everything clearly, to not dig too deep, and to protect one's own mental and emotional well-being. IU's gentle yet poignant delivery of these lyrics adds a layer of sincerity and relatability, making 'Glasses' a reflective piece on the limits of human perception and the importance of self-care.