How do You do
SF9
Navigating the Island of Regret: SF9's 'How do You do'
SF9's song 'How do You do' delves deep into the emotional turmoil that follows a breakup. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person struggling to move on, haunted by memories and regrets. The opening lines set the tone, with the protagonist unable to erase the past, filling their glass with alcohol in a futile attempt to drown their sorrows. The fear of expressing their longing keeps them in silence, highlighting the internal conflict between wanting to reach out and the fear of rejection or further pain.
The song's chorus, 'how do you do 어떻게 지내 난 아무래도 괜칞 지는 않은 가 봐,' translates to 'How are you? I guess I'm not doing well.' This line encapsulates the essence of the song, where the protagonist admits to not being okay, trapped on an 'island of regret.' This metaphorical island represents the isolation and self-imposed exile that comes with heartbreak. The protagonist is neither alone nor with their loved one, stuck in a liminal space filled with remorse and what-ifs.
As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the protagonist was unprepared for the breakup and didn't fully understand the depth of their love until it was too late. The lyrics '이별이 올줄도 모르고 사랑임뭔 지도 몰랐던 거야나는' translate to 'I didn't know a breakup was coming, I didn't know what love was.' This realization adds another layer of sorrow, as the protagonist grapples with the missed opportunities and unspoken words. The song concludes with a poignant image of the protagonist crying alone in a dark room, emphasizing the profound sense of loss and the struggle to find solace in a world without their loved one.