Don't Make Me Dream

Ji Chang Wook's song 'Don't Make Me Dream' delves into the complex emotions of longing, heartache, and the struggle for emotional stability. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who is on the brink of reaching out to a loved one but is held back by the comfort found in sadness. This paradoxical comfort in sorrow is a poignant theme, as the protagonist finds it easier to lean on sadness than to face the uncertainty of hope and dreams. The line '다시 슬픔에 기대는 게 너무 편안해 보여서 그게 아파' (It looks so comfortable to lean on sadness again, and that hurts) encapsulates this inner conflict beautifully.

The song also explores the idea of living in darkness and becoming accustomed to it, to the point where light is no longer necessary. This metaphor extends to the emotional state of the protagonist, who has grown so used to their sorrow that the idea of hope or change feels almost foreign. The lyrics '어두운 곳에 오래 머무르면 내겐 굳이 빛이 필요 없는데' (If I stay in the dark for a long time, I don't really need light) highlight this resignation. Despite this, there is an underlying acknowledgment that everyone has their own way of coping and living, suggesting a sense of empathy and understanding.

The chorus brings forth the theme of weariness from waiting and the desire for a stable, unshaken daily life. The protagonist expresses a wish for a life without the turmoil of intense longing, as seen in '간절한 모든 건 나를 슬프게 해' (All desperate things make me sad). This longing for stability is juxtaposed with the buried dreams that the protagonist carries in their heart, indicating a hope that is not entirely extinguished. The song concludes with a plea for understanding, even if it comes in the future, encapsulating the enduring hope that one day, their feelings and struggles will be comprehended.