Monologue (모놀로그)

Tei's 'Monologue (모놀로그)' is a poignant ballad that delves deep into the emotional turmoil of a breakup. The song's lyrics are a monologue of regret and self-reflection, where the protagonist acknowledges their shortcomings and the pain they have caused their partner. The repeated apologies and the plea for their former lover to never return to someone like them highlight a profound sense of guilt and unworthiness. This is a common theme in many of Tei's songs, where he often explores the complexities of love and heartbreak with a raw, emotional intensity.

The lyrics convey a sense of resignation and acceptance of the end of the relationship. The protagonist admits to lying about their feelings and acknowledges that their clumsy love drove their partner away. The line '너무 많이 울려서 잡을 용기조차 낼 수 없었죠' (I made you cry so much that I couldn't even muster the courage to hold you back) encapsulates the depth of their remorse. The protagonist's self-deprecating tone and the repeated insistence that their former lover should never meet someone like them again underscore their belief that they are unworthy of love.

Culturally, the song taps into the universal experience of heartbreak and the self-blame that often accompanies it. Tei's emotive delivery and the melancholic melody enhance the song's emotional impact, making it a relatable and cathartic experience for listeners. The song's message is clear: sometimes, the most loving thing one can do is to let go, even if it means enduring immense personal pain. This act of self-sacrifice is portrayed as the ultimate expression of love, as the protagonist believes that their absence will lead to their former lover's happiness.