Old Town Road (Seoul Town Road Remix)
RM
Riding Through Seoul: A Fusion of Cultures and Independence
The song 'Old Town Road (Seoul Town Road Remix)' by RM, a member of the globally renowned K-pop group BTS, is a unique blend of Western and Korean cultural elements. The remix of Lil Nas X's hit song 'Old Town Road' retains the original's catchy, rebellious spirit while infusing it with RM's distinctive style and cultural references. The lyrics depict a journey of independence and self-assurance, symbolized by the act of riding a horse through Seoul, a bustling metropolis that contrasts with the rural imagery of the original song.
The chorus, 'I'm gonna take my horse to the Seoul town road, I'm gonna ride 'til I can't no more,' signifies a relentless pursuit of one's path, undeterred by obstacles or societal expectations. This theme of perseverance is further emphasized in the lines 'Can't nobody tell me nothin', you can't tell me nothin',' which echo a defiant stance against naysayers and critics. RM's addition of 'homis,' a term referring to traditional Korean farming tools, highlights his cultural roots and the strength derived from them, blending seamlessly with the Western cowboy imagery.
RM's verse also touches on themes of camaraderie and loyalty, as seen in 'I got the homis in my bag, have you heard of that? Homis made of steel, from Korea, they the be-e-est.' This line not only showcases pride in his heritage but also emphasizes the unbreakable bond with his friends and fellow countrymen. The juxtaposition of riding a horse and grabbing corn in a modern urban setting like Seoul creates a vivid metaphor for blending tradition with modernity, a recurring theme in RM's music and BTS's broader discography. Through this remix, RM bridges cultural gaps and asserts his identity, making a powerful statement about individuality and cultural pride.