Still Lonely
SEVENTEEN
Navigating Loneliness in a Sea of Popularity
SEVENTEEN's song "Still Lonely" delves into the paradox of feeling isolated despite being surrounded by people and success. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the artist's internal struggle, likening their emotions to ocean waves—constant and overwhelming. The repetition of phrases like "Geunyang honjaseo" (just alone) and "Gyejeol taneun geonji" (changing seasons) emphasizes the cyclical nature of their loneliness, suggesting that no matter how much time passes or how many people they encounter, the feeling of emptiness persists.
The song explores the dichotomy between external success and internal emptiness. Despite living a life that many might envy, filled with daily activities and surrounded by admirers, the artist feels a profound sense of isolation. This is highlighted in lines like "Nae sokmaeumeun binjip" (my inner heart is an empty house) and "Bakkeseoneun nopajineun eokkaeui wichi" (outside, my shoulders rise higher). These metaphors illustrate the disconnect between their public persona and private feelings, where external achievements do not translate to internal fulfillment.
Cultural references to the changing seasons and the cold morning wind further deepen the sense of solitude. The artist's loneliness is not just a fleeting emotion but a persistent state, exacerbated by the passage of time and the changing environment. The song's introspective nature invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences with loneliness, making it a poignant and relatable piece. SEVENTEEN's ability to convey such complex emotions through their music is a testament to their artistry and the universal nature of the themes they explore.