Round&Round

NCT U's 'Round&Round' delves into the emotional turmoil of unrequited love, capturing the essence of longing and frustration. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who is deeply infatuated with a friend, yet unable to express their feelings. The recurring theme of 'going round and round' symbolizes the endless cycle of thoughts and emotions that the protagonist experiences, as they are caught in a loop of yearning and hesitation. This metaphor of orbiting around the object of their affection, much like a planet around the sun, highlights the gravitational pull that love can have, even when it is not reciprocated.

The song's imagery of seasons and time further emphasizes the depth of the protagonist's feelings. Phrases like '내 사계절은 너로 피고 진다' (My four seasons bloom and wither because of you) and '내 낮과 밤을 전부 너로 채운다' (My days and nights are filled with you) illustrate how the person’s entire existence revolves around their love interest. Despite this intense focus, there is a palpable sense of distance and unattainability, as expressed in lines like '잡힐 수 없는 너와 나의 간격' (The distance between you and me that can't be closed).

The emotional weight of the song is further amplified by the repetitive nature of the chorus, which mirrors the protagonist's incessant thoughts and the futility of their situation. The use of the word 'waste' in '오늘도 난 waste my time' (Today, I waste my time again) underscores the sense of hopelessness and the internal conflict of wanting to be closer but being unable to take that step. This song resonates with anyone who has experienced the pain of loving someone from afar, encapsulating the bittersweet nature of unspoken love and the endless cycle of what-ifs and missed opportunities.