Whether you are one of the many Kpop “armys” or not, I am sure someone has introduced the song “Life Goes On” by BTS to you. If no one has, I suggest listening to it because it will leave you feeling wholesome and hopeful for the coming year.
“Life Goes On,” released on November 20th, is the first track of BTS’ mini album – BE – and is personally one of my favorites to relax to at the end of a long day. The song accurately captures the past year, saying: “어느 날 세상이 멈췄어, 아무런 예고도 하나 없이 [One day, the world stopped, Without any warning].” Immediately, the beginning draws listeners in and relates to their feelings of loss. Many of us have felt like the world stopped, and with it the lives we were looking forward to. We feel robbed of a year…but “Life Goes On” gifts it back to us.
The song continues: “끝이 보이지 않아, 출구가 있긴 할까? [There’s no end in sight, Is there a way out?]” I personally resonate with these lines. 2020 has been like the photo calendar you hang on your wall or keep at your desk. Except, instead of seeing pictures of kittens or Harry Potter characters at the start of each month, we saw wildfires, police brutality, illness, homelessness and political instability. The government has not been as forgiving as I would like in response to these events, and unfortunately there are many people who lack decent empathy towards those affected by 2020. I often asked myself if the cycle of events would ever end so I could return to my normal life. However, after listening to this song, I do not doubt that the cycle will.
“Like an echo in the forest, 하루가 돌아오겠지, 아무 일도 없단 듯이 [The day will come back around, As if nothing happened].” Towards the end of the song, BTS sings these lines and I am not an optimist, but I believe in what they sing. With Covid-19 vaccinations underway, the world will eventually return back to normal. I will be able to go to Quickway with my friends and sit in the lounge, drinking sweet, mango slushies with them. And you will be able to stop scrolling through TikTok and go outside to experience the world we have neglected in our time at home.
That being said, I disagree with the line that it will be “[as if nothing happened].” Society, particularly the medical and science fields, will remember this. People who have been forced onto the streets, or work multiple jobs, or struggle with maintaining their food supply will remember this because it will be a struggle to go back to “normal.” Although this is not a political article, I will say that I do not believe the US government is doing enough to help those affected by Covid-19; by a virus that was created naturally and spread because the government did not respond fast enough. But I digress, “Life Goes On” gives me hope for a better future. This year has been a struggle for sure, but with lows comes the highs and I think we are all due for a good year.
– Ava