Underwater

Red Velvet's 'Underwater' is a mesmerizing exploration of deep, immersive love. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love so profound that it feels like being submerged in water, enveloped and surrounded by the emotions and sensations that come with it. The recurring imagery of water and being underwater symbolizes the depth and intensity of the feelings involved. The lyrics suggest a sense of tranquility and peace, as well as an all-encompassing embrace that leaves no room for anything else.

The song opens with a plea for the lover to stay, emphasizing the uniqueness and irreplaceability of their love. The lines 'They can’t love you like I love you' and 'Who can love you like I love you?' highlight the exclusivity and depth of the narrator's feelings. The use of Korean phrases like '금세 사라져 그 파동 모두' (All those waves disappear quickly) adds a layer of cultural richness, suggesting that the love described is both universal and deeply personal.

As the song progresses, the lyrics delve into the physical and emotional sensations of being in love. Phrases like '낯선 온기 떨림' (Strange warmth and trembling) and '너를 깨운 감정 그 전부 true' (The emotions that awaken you, all true) convey the raw, unfiltered emotions that come with deep affection. The repeated invitation to 'take your time' and 'show me' suggests a desire for the lover to fully immerse themselves in the relationship, to explore and savor every moment without rush or hesitation.

The song's chorus reinforces the idea of being completely submerged in love, with lines like '넌 흠뻑 잠겨 내게 깊이' (You are deeply submerged in me) and '내 안에서 숨을 쉴 수 있는 걸' (You can breathe within me). This imagery of being underwater, yet able to breathe, symbolizes a love that is both overwhelming and life-sustaining. The song concludes with a sense of inevitability and surrender, as the lover is encouraged to 'lay your body on me' and 'breathe within me,' suggesting a complete and total union.