Still Love You (사랑했었다) (feat. Yoo Hwe Seung)
Lee Hong Gi
The Heartache of Letting Go: Lee Hong Gi's 'Still Love You'
Lee Hong Gi's 'Still Love You (사랑했었다)' is a poignant ballad that delves into the emotional turmoil of a person grappling with the end of a significant relationship. The lyrics express a deep sense of loss and longing, as the protagonist implores their former lover to remember their parting and to find happiness without them. The repeated refrain of '사랑해, 사랑해, 내가 더 사랑해' (I love you, I love you, I love you more) underscores the intensity of the protagonist's feelings, highlighting the pain of expressing love that can no longer be reciprocated or acted upon.
The song's narrative is one of a painful farewell, where the protagonist is caught between the desire to hold on and the necessity to let go. The lyrics suggest a struggle to move on, as the protagonist tells themselves to hate their former lover in an attempt to forget them, revealing the complexity of emotions that come with a breakup. The metaphor of the lover being etched in the protagonist's heart like a tattoo illustrates the indelible impact of the relationship, suggesting that some loves leave a permanent mark, impossible to erase.
Lee Hong Gi's vocal delivery, often filled with raw emotion, adds to the song's impact, conveying the heartache and sincerity of the lyrics. The collaboration with Yoo Hwe Seung enhances the song's depth, as their voices blend to express the shared experience of love and loss. 'Still Love You' resonates with anyone who has experienced the bittersweet process of letting go of someone they still love, making it a relatable anthem for the heartbroken.