MUSIC & LYRICS: SEA

Disclaimer:

Everything written is a personal interpretation by @btsanalysis on IG and @ayeshamusic on Twitter. Ayesha is enrolled in a music college & is also managing social media content for another entity. As part of AAP she will be providing her take on BTS’ music and lyrics.

Sea by BTS (Lyrical Musical Analysis)

Definitely one of my personal favourites. It carries so much meaning lyrically, and not only that, the instrumental/ musical arrangement describes the lyrics sonically.

Thematic Analysis

Ever wondered why the track was named that way? The sea, with its disconcerting width and depth, simple stands for life itself and its hardships. With its tranquility, and yet it’s ability to turn into a instant raging and deadly storm (representing the sudden obstacles life throws our way). The sea is symbolizes the idea of stability and the lack of thereof. While the sea is always there (showing stability), its unforeseeable events that happen in it/around it also portrays its instability and the element of surprise. BTS is using this a metaphor to describe their experience as idols and their fame. The sea depicts their hardships while trying to reach success and their (now) massive fame, but they are also still unsure/scared of their unforeseeable future, whether or not (or how long) it will last. A scary thought (for all of us), but I’m sure everyone has thought about it once or twice. However, the song mainly conveys the message that with every bit of success, there is always pain and struggle involved. There were many moments of uneasiness, BTS all doubted themselves (even as idols) in their talent and potential and struggled in seeing their real worth, and still do, sometimes. It wasn’t at all easy to reach the success BTS did, but with effort, perseverance and drive, anything is possible. While they have reached their success, it is definitely not their endpoint, there’s more to do and more hardships to overcome. You need to go through hardships before you get to where you want to go. I think that that’s main idea that our boys wanted all of us, new and old armys, to take away from the song.

Musical Analysis

Different elements of musical genre used: Melancholic rap, R&B, Folk, alt. rock/pop

How does BTS describe this theme sonically? Other than using the sound of waves crashing onto the shore in the intro and outro, there are other ‘sonic’ characteristics of ‘water’ shown in the track. The image of waves crashing onto the shore is shown in the looping of the electric guitar riff that repeats throughout the entire song, giving a sense of stability and security. There is also a reversed snippet of the riff that brings the audience into the first rap verse by RM, along with the embellishment of the shaker in the background that can either symbolize the cool ‘breeze’ or the ‘dry desert’ that J-Hope keeps comparing the sea to, lyrically. These three elements on it own creates a sonic image of the sea and the peaceful current. The R&B beat that was introduced is fairly simple, as it should be, adding to the tranquil characteristic of the sea.

While most of the rapline approaches the song in a calm manner, there are short moments of rage and despair, especially in J-Hope’s part, at 1:14, portraying his self-doubts and his struggle with being an idol. But he soon realizes, he is where he needs to be, and the positive mindset he knows he should maintain.

The chorus is a nice, airy-textured vocal motif (sung by the vocal line) that loops. It sounds kind of free and suspended. Why? It’s because they took away the R&B beat that was keeping the track grounded. Without it, the chorus floats freely, accompanied by the simple harmonies which give listeners a sense of serenity. The second half of the chorus, however, is where the beat is layered back in for 3 measures (of 4 beats per measure), before it’s taken away again for a single measure. We no longer feel that composure because the beat is now appearing at every beat for a duration of six measures, giving us a sense of drive in the music (portraying hope) that the listener feels it moving forward. Finally, everything but the vocals and backup harmonies are suddenly removed from the track with no notice. That single moment of emptiness, loneliness, and stillness is just so apparent– it’s beautiful.

The next verse and chorus follows a similar musical structure to the first bit, however, we are also introduced to different sound effects that portrays ‘drowning’ (the struggle). The impression of being underwater is also shown in the ‘underground filter’ that is used in the track (at 2:50) during Suga’s part where he does his ‘inner-thought-monologue’. It brings a tear to our eyes as we discover how self-conflicted and dark his thoughts are despite him always smiling through it all. They also used panning and reverb for different spoken lines to portray the multiple voices/questions he has in his head while the ‘underground filter’ fx fades out slowly.

Towards the end, RM carries out his monologue on top of the ambience (of waves crashing onto the shore) to paint a form of self-realization and self-awareness. The chorus then repeats itself, ending with the line, “We need to be in despair, for all our hardships” in Korean. BTS teaches their fans/audience a real and relevant life lesson. Not only do they make amazing music, but their lyrical content is always inspiring, motivational and educational!