Bad Reputation
Jini
Embracing Love Despite a Bad Reputation
Jini's song "Bad Reputation" delves into the complexities of love and the struggle to find balance in romantic relationships. The lyrics reveal a personal journey of self-awareness and growth, as the protagonist acknowledges their past mistakes and the pain caused by their inconsistent approach to love. The opening lines, "날 향한 온도가 다 변해가 / 닿은 말들은 모두 뜨거워 아프잖아," suggest a fluctuating emotional state and the hurtful impact of words, setting the stage for a narrative of redemption and change.
The chorus, "I’ve got a bad reputation with love / I love too little or a little too much," highlights the protagonist's self-awareness of their flawed reputation in matters of the heart. This line encapsulates the central theme of the song: the difficulty of finding the right balance in love. Despite this, the protagonist is determined to move forward, as indicated by the lines, "너 하나만 알면 되니까 / 밤새 떠나니던 아픔은 Goodbye." Here, the focus shifts to a specific person, suggesting that the protagonist believes this relationship is worth the effort to change and improve.
The song also emphasizes the importance of mutual exchange and healing. The lines, "더 소중한걸 너와 주고받아 / 푸른 상처로 물든 어제는 Goodbye," signify a desire to share something precious with their partner and leave behind the painful memories of the past. The repeated promise to stay and not run away, "I promise to stay / Won’t get in the way," further underscores the protagonist's commitment to making this relationship work. Jini's heartfelt delivery and the song's introspective lyrics create a powerful message about the challenges and rewards of love, making "Bad Reputation" a relatable and emotionally resonant piece.