Yun (feat. Erykah Badu)
RM
The Quest for Authenticity in RM's 'Yun'
RM's song 'Yun,' featuring Erykah Badu, delves into the philosophical and existential quest for authenticity and the essence of being human. The lyrics open with a reference to the Korean concept of '진선미' (truth, goodness, and beauty), suggesting a yearning for a return to these fundamental values. RM challenges the idea of following trends and the pressure to conform, expressing a desire to revert to a simpler time when he was nine, a time when things seemed more black and white, and perhaps more 'human.'
The chorus of 'Yun' emphasizes the importance of being human before engaging in the act of creating art. RM seems to argue that true art comes from a place of genuine human experience and emotion. He associates true beauty with true sadness, indicating that the most profound art is born from deep emotional truth. The song's contemplative mood is further enhanced by the repeated assertion that one should 'keep the silence' before taking action, suggesting a need for introspection and authenticity in one's endeavors.
Throughout the song, RM grapples with the tension between the artist's desire to remain true to oneself and the external pressures to conform. He pays homage to those who have lived and created on the boundaries, acknowledging the struggles and sacrifices made in the pursuit of truth and beauty. The lyrics also touch on the inevitability of death and the legacy one leaves behind, with references to writing poetry on ashes and the things left on this earth, hinting at a desire to be a better adult and a more authentic human being.