A Thing Called Happiness

Kim HyunJoong's song "A Thing Called Happiness" delves into the profound and often elusive nature of happiness, particularly in the context of love. The lyrics express a deep yearning for a happiness that seems unattainable without the presence of a loved one. The repetition of phrases like "Tangshin om-neun haeng-bogiran is-seul su opt-ja-nhayo" (There is no happiness without you) underscores the central theme of the song: the inseparability of true happiness and the presence of a significant other.

The song employs metaphors of life and breath to emphasize the intensity of the singer's feelings. Lines such as "I saeng-myeong ta ba-chyeo-seo, Tangshi-neul sarang hari" (I will love you with all my life) and "I mogsum ta ba-chyeo-seo, Yongwo-nhi sarang hari" (I will love you with all my breath) highlight the depth of commitment and the all-encompassing nature of this love. The use of life and breath as metaphors suggests that the singer's existence is intertwined with their love for the other person, making the absence of this love akin to a loss of life itself.

Culturally, the song taps into universal themes of love and loss, resonating with anyone who has experienced the profound impact of a significant relationship. The plea to avoid separation, "Ibyeolma-neun marajweoyo, Nae gyote isseo-jweo-yo" (Please don't say goodbye, stay by my side), adds a layer of vulnerability and desperation, making the song a poignant reflection on the human condition. Kim HyunJoong's emotive delivery further amplifies the emotional weight of the lyrics, making "A Thing Called Happiness" a touching exploration of love's power to define our sense of happiness.