Turtle (거북이)

TWICE's song 'Turtle (거북이)' is a sweet portrayal of a love that is developing at a gentle pace, much like the slow and steady turtle from the classic fable of 'The Tortoise and the Hare'. The lyrics express the feelings of someone who is falling in love and is aware that their emotions are progressing more rapidly than their partner's. The song captures the anxiety and excitement that comes with new love, as well as the willingness to wait for the other person to catch up emotionally.

The song begins by reflecting on the initial stages of the relationship where there were no strong feelings, but as time passes, the affection grows. The narrator is conscious of their deeper feelings and is slightly worried that their heart is moving too fast, as indicated by the lines 'I mean it, 내 마음이 너보다 앞서가' which translates to 'I mean it, my heart is getting ahead of you'. The repeated concern that their ballooning emotions might 'burst' like a balloon suggests a fear of overwhelming their partner or the relationship not being able to sustain the intensity of their feelings.

The chorus of the song is a request for the partner to stay by their side, regardless of the pace of their relationship. The narrator is patient and willing to wait, emphasizing that it doesn't matter if things are moving slowly. The metaphor of the turtle is used to convey the idea that a slow and steady approach to love can be just as fulfilling as a quick and passionate one. The song ends with a gentle nudge, asking the partner to hurry up just a little, highlighting the eagerness and anticipation of the narrator for what's to come in their relationship.