What I Wanted To Say
Lee Hong Gi
Unspoken Longing: The Heartfelt Confessions in 'What I Wanted To Say'
Lee Hong Gi's song 'What I Wanted To Say' is a poignant exploration of unexpressed emotions and the pain of longing. The lyrics delve into the heartache of missing someone deeply and the struggle to move on. The repeated phrases 'Bogo shipeojimyeon andoenayo' (I can't if I miss you) and 'Geuriumyeon andoenayo' (I can't if I long for you) emphasize the singer's inability to let go of their feelings, despite the passage of time and the attempts to suppress them. This repetition underscores the persistent nature of their yearning and the emotional turmoil it causes.
The song is rich with metaphors that convey the depth of the singer's emotions. For instance, the lines 'Ireohge son kkeute daheul deushi' (As if I could reach you with my fingertips) and 'Ireohge nun kkeute daheul deushi' (As if I could reach you with my eyes) illustrate the closeness yet unattainability of the person they miss. These metaphors highlight the frustration and helplessness of being so near yet so far from the one they love. The imagery of tears hidden in the heart ('Nae gaseum han guseoge / Nunmul dwie sumeo isseo') further emphasizes the internalized sorrow and the difficulty of expressing these deep-seated feelings.
Culturally, the song taps into universal themes of love and loss, resonating with anyone who has experienced the pain of unspoken words and unfulfilled desires. Lee Hong Gi, known for his emotive vocal delivery and heartfelt performances, brings these lyrics to life with a sincerity that makes the listener feel the weight of every word. His ability to convey vulnerability and raw emotion is a hallmark of his musical style, making 'What I Wanted To Say' a powerful ballad that speaks to the soul.
The song also touches on the regret of not having expressed gratitude and love when there was a chance. The lines 'Ajig haji mothan mari itjyo / Gomawoseo mothan mal / Mianhaeseo ajig mothan mal' (There are still words I haven't said / Words of thanks I couldn't say / Words of apology I haven't said yet) reflect the lingering remorse and the desire to convey these unspoken sentiments. This adds another layer of complexity to the song, as it not only deals with longing but also with the regret of missed opportunities to communicate one's true feelings.