Pain Or Death

Samuel Seo's 'Pain Or Death' delves into the profound and often unsettling themes of existential dread and the inevitability of life's end. The song opens with a reflection on the past, a time when life was simpler and filled with moments of joy and play. However, this nostalgic reminiscence is quickly overshadowed by the realization that the light in one's eyes, a metaphor for vitality and hope, has begun to fade. This fading light symbolizes the encroaching presence of despair and the loss of innocence as one confronts the harsh realities of life.

The recurring lines 'No way of going back' emphasize the irreversible nature of time and the changes it brings. The protagonist acknowledges that they have taken away someone's pain, but in doing so, they have also extinguished the light in their eyes. This act raises questions about the cost of alleviating suffering and whether it is worth the loss of one's essence and spirit. The song's chorus, with its repetitive 'Down down' refrain, mirrors the descent into a state of melancholy and resignation.

As the song progresses, it presents a stark choice: to cry for the past and endure the pain or to embrace death and lose the light entirely. This dichotomy reflects a deep existential crisis, where the fear of continued suffering is weighed against the finality of death. The lyrics suggest that everyone is heading towards an inevitable end, filled with doubt and uncertainty. The haunting question 'Will you cry for yesterday and feel the pain, or will you run to death today and lose that light?' encapsulates the central theme of the song, forcing listeners to confront their own fears and choices in the face of life's impermanence.