These B-Sides are Here to Help You
It’s easy to fall into bouts of sadness and depression when the world seems so uncertain and many of us find ourselves feeling isolated and alone, including staff members here at The Kraze. For some reason, I found myself in a dark place this past week and turned to some of my favorite tracks. So for this week’s B-Sides, here are some songs we hope help you with any troubles you may be having. Just know you’re not alone and The Kraze is here if you ever need to talk to somebody.
“Magic Shop” by BTS
Off of Love Yourself: Tear, this track by BTS is a favorite among ARMY and for good reason. The track is like coming home after being gone for years and your friends instantly greeting you with a hug. Hearing both Jin and Jungkook sing the line, “When I hate being myself, when I just want to disappear forever, I open one door and there I was in your heart,” followed by Jimin and Jin singing, “If you open that door and come in, I’ll be waiting for you there. It’s okay to believe. I’ll comfort you Magic Shop,” there’s just so much instant comfort. There’s also something incredibly cathartic about hearing all seven members sing, “You gave me the best of me, so you’ll give you the best of you.” When faced with all this support and love from a group, it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed, but BTS have shown time and time again that every ounce of strength they’ve gained from their fans, they return sevenfold.
“I Am Me” by GOT7
“I Am Me” is off of Present: YOU and features lyrics by member Jinyoung. If you’ve ever felt like the person you are isn’t good enough or had family members and peers make fun of you for something, let this song prove to you that you don’t need to change who you are. Each member of GOT7 takes turns saying that it shouldn’t matter what others think about them or where they’re going because they’re going their own way, creating their own paths, and it’s a wonderful reminder that fans can do the same thing. With all seven members chanting in the chorus, “‘Cause I am me, even if I’m a fool, idiot. ‘Cause I am free, even if I’m a fool, idiot,” followed by leader JB saying at the end of the track, “The star of this life is me.” It’s your life, so make sure to be unapologetically you.
“Still Alive” by BIGBANG
Originally a 50-second intro for their fifth mini-album Alive, “Still Alive” is the full-length version for the repackage Still Alive. With lyrics by members T.O.P. and G-DRAGON, this track is about moving on from past mistakes. Daesung sings, “The world tells me that I can’t, but the crying me of the past is now smiling,” right before the chorus, reminding us that it’s okay to leave the past in the past. The spitfire chorus from Taeyang is another reminder of this as well, with him singing, “I may be obviously falling till the end, I’m alive. But I have nothing more to lose, so I put the past behind me and jump out.” We’ve all done or said things that we regret, that we wish we could take back or redo, but time doesn’t work that way and we have to just keep moving on. Sometimes we just need a little reminder.
“One Day At A Time” by ATEEZ
“One Day At A Time” is the first full English track from ATEEZ and is a song of comfort to ATINY, a reminder that they will always be there for their fans and that they miss us just as much as we miss them. Yunho’s soft, “When it’s overwhelming, hold on tight. I’ll be here, don’t forget it,” followed by Jongho singing, “‘Cause in life sometimes we need a helping hand. You’ll be alright. Just take it slow. One day a time,” shows just how much they care and want to help ATINY. The track also does a good job at breaking down the notion that groups don’t actually care for their fans, with San singing, “If you think you’re trapped. You’re in that box you built yourself, I’ll help you break it,” followed by Seonghwa singing, “And I’m gon’ catch you when you fall or when you’re sinking.” While fans may not be able to get directly in touch with the boys, their music will always be there.
In a world where many of us are told not to rely on our K-Pop groups, biases, and ults for emotional support, it’s nice to be reminded that they want us to know that no matter when, where, or why, they are always there when we need them the most. Do you have any K-Pop songs you lean on when you’re upset? Feel free to let us know in the comments or on Twitter.