When I Grow Up

SEVENTEEN's song 'When I Grow Up' delves into the themes of longing, growth, and the complexities of understanding love and relationships. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who feels the weight of time and the distance it creates between them and a loved one. The opening lines, '늦어진 저 하늘만 마냥 바라 보다가 (보다가) 아무도 없는걸 느낄 때면 다시 생각나는 너,' set a melancholic tone, reflecting on the emptiness felt when thinking about the person they miss.

The song captures the essence of youthful innocence and the struggle to grasp the intricacies of emotions and relationships. The repeated phrase '내가 어른이 되면' (When I grow up) signifies a hope that maturity will bring clarity and understanding. This longing for growth and the belief that becoming an adult will solve their emotional turmoil is a central theme. The lyrics '난 아직 어린아이라 손이 닿지 않을 널 알기에 더 조금만 더' express a sense of helplessness and the desire to bridge the gap between their current self and the person they aspire to be.

As the song progresses, it becomes evident that growing up doesn't necessarily provide all the answers. The lines '내가 어른이 되면 달라질 줄 알았던 모든 것 그 모든 것들이 자꾸 나를 괴롭혀' reveal the disillusionment that comes with age. The realization that maturity doesn't automatically resolve all issues is a poignant reminder of the complexities of life and love. The song ends on a note of continued waiting and longing, encapsulated in 'I'm waiting just for u 널 기다리다 일허버린다 난 여전히 그 자리에,' highlighting the enduring nature of their feelings despite the passage of time.