BTS Heals the Soul with "Life Goes On" Music Video

The highly anticipated self-written, produced, and directed album by BTS has finally arrived. BE features eight tracks, including wildly popular “Dynamite” and the title track “Life Goes On.” 

About the Song

If “Spring Day” had a cool big sister, this would be that song. The song has a very groovy feeling with the guitar mixed with smooth lo-fi beats. The subtle snappy percussion that can be faintly heard after the main beat adds another pop that is very fun for the ears to pick up on. The chorus of the song was made to be sung in a stadium full of voices with a simple melody that is very easy to follow. Part of the song that really sticks out is the harmonies that are created in the chorus. The lyrics illustrate the story of current events, with lines like, “streets erased of footprints,” sung by Jimin and, “There’s no end in sight, is there a way out?” sung by V, painting vivid pictures in the minds of listeners. The overall vibe of the song is one of healing; the song feels like a glimpse of spring in the midst of a long winter. While listening to the song, you can’t help but feel put at ease. While the pre-release “Dynamite” was meant to provide some happiness, “Life Goes On” lets you feel what you need to feel but reminds you that life keeps moving. 

The Music Video 

While on its own the song is healing, the music video adds to it. The music video was directed by Jungkook, and his artistic touch can be seen throughout the entire video. The music video has three main scenes. The first is the car that V is driving, the second is the members’ dorm, and the third is seen at the very end where they are on the set of the Map of the Soul ON:E concerts. The music video starts out with V driving and removing his mask once safely in the car. We are given some nice views of Seoul before the video transitions to Jungkook, Jimin, and RM inside the dorm. Jungkook is looking longingly as if he wants to leave while RM is on the balcony. RM actually wipes dust off his bicycle seat, pointing to the lack of use due to being stuck inside. RM has spoken on how he likes to ride his bike through parks, so this imagery really struck a chord. Soon the members all gather in the living room of the dorm where they are all piled together on a couch. They watch movies, play video games, and eventually all fall asleep in a tangled mess amongst each other.

Another pointed scene is of V as he drives past Jamsil Olympic Stadium. He glances out the window and then his face falls. They were supposed to perform there this year. Yet...life goes on. Spliced between scenes in the car and the dorm are clips of the members hanging out together. While we can't be sure where these clips are from, a good guess would be from their show In The SOOP. The last part of the music video many fans will recognize as the set from the Map of The Soul ON:E concerts. Although it's black and white, the ARMY bombs are easily identifiable in the background. What was great about the whole music video was that all the members were in comfy clothes, there were no jarring cuts, and best of all, no choreography. Director Jungkook made sure the entire music video was full of comfort for both the members themselves and the fans watching. 

Final Thoughts 

2020 has been filled with ups and downs felt across the globe and no one has been left unscathed. BTS encapsulated these feelings in a way that everyone can relate to in the only way they knew how. While they shared their feelings, they also gave us all a gentle reminder that life does (and will) go on. 

Check out the music video for "Life Goes On" below and stream BE on all major platforms.