(translated in 2020)

In their discography, BTS has frequently drawn inspiration from the cosmos, using celestial metaphors to express deep emotional connections and intricate human relationships. A prime example of this is 134340 from their Love Yourself: Tear album, where RM’s lyrics explore themes of isolation and identity through the symbol of Pluto. Moon revisits this astronomical motif. It illustrates the loving and loyal relationship between Jin and ARMY through the metaphor of the Moon and the Earth.

The Earth and Moon serve as perfect metaphors for this bond, much like the way these two celestial bodies are interdependent. The Earth’s gravitational pull prevents the Moon from drifting into space, symbolizing how ARMY’s support keeps BTS grounded and safe. Conversely, the Moon’s gravitational influence is crucial for life on Earth. It moderates the planet’s axial wobble, which stabilizes the climate, conveying BTS’s influence in bringing peace and joy to ARMYs’ lives.  

One of the fascinating aspects of the Moon is its synchronous rotation. Due to this phenomenon, in which the Moon rotates around the Earth at the same speed as it rotates around its axis, people on Earth can only see one side of the Moon. Jin uses this to depict his duality. He equates the visible side, which also changes its shape each day during the Moon’s 27.3-day rotation around the Earth, to his BTS persona: the Jin who tries to be charming and to show different, dynamic sides to his fans at all times.

The invisible side is his authentic self, Kim Seok-jin, a diffident, reserved human being with wounds. He is afraid that his fans may see this dark side of him in the lyrics (chorus):  “문득 생각해/ 너도 날 지금 보고 있을까/ 내 아픈 상처까지 네게 다 들키진 않을까 (moon-deuk sang-gahk-hae/ nuh-doh nahl ji-geum bo-go itt-eul-kka/ nae ah-peun sahng-chuh-kka-jih neh-geh dah deul-kyi-jihn ahn-eul-kka) (It suddenly occurs/ Whether you’re also watching me/ Whether you’d see right through my pain)).” These lines reflect his worry that ARMY might be able to see his true self (his pain and wounds) behind the charming and dynamic persona he presents. It conveys a sense of vulnerability and the fear of being exposed emotionally.

The imagery continues in the second pre-chorus, where Jin likens the crescent moon to eyes that are shut and the full moon to eyes that are wide-open: “In the crescent moon night/ 두 눈을 감아도/ 넌 파랗게 내게 몰려와 (doo noon-eul gahm-ah-doh/ nuhn pah-laht-geh nae-geh mohl-lyuh-wah) (Even when I shut both eyes/ You (the Earth) flood me with blue hues).” “In the full moon night/ 두 눈을 뜨고서/ 널 담아도 괜찮은 걸까 (doo noon-eul tteu-goh-suh/ nuhl dahm-ah-doh gwen-chahn-eun guhl-kka) (With my two eyes open/ May I capture you?).” This poetic depiction also highlights Jin’s stylistic flair and the song’s emotional depth.

Furthermore, Jin’s role within BTS and towards ARMY is akin to that of a protective older sibling, a “Hyung,” an “Oppa,” who looks out for his younger members and fans. This nurturing aspect is evident in his previous songs like Awake, Epiphany, and Tonight, where he imparts messages of resilience, self-love, and appreciation for the present. In Moon, he continues this theme, a genuine reflection of his feelings towards ARMY, highlighting the symbiotic bond in which BTS and ARMY draw strength and support from one another.

Despite the melancholic undertones in the lyrics, Jin chose a bubbly, bright melody for Moon. This choice puzzled some of us, as the music contrasts with the song’s deeper, somber meanings. However, it seems Jin wanted to present the song as a joyous love letter to ARMY, focusing on the positive, visible side of the Moon rather than the darker, hidden aspects of his emotions. Moon will forever stand as a beautiful ode to the interdependence and unwavering support between Jin, BTS, and ARMY. 

Lyrics:

Verse 1:
When did the Moon and Earth
Started their bond this way.

You can shine all by yourself,
But may I remain near you.
You’re my Earth,
I’m just a Moon,
A little star that brightens your heart.
You are my Earth,
And all I see is you.
I can only stare at you from afar.

Pre-Chorus:

All sees me as something lovely,

But my sea is rayless.

A planet with flowers and blue sky,

It’s you who’s beautiful.

Chorus:
It suddenly occurs, 

Whether you’re also watching me,

Whether you’d see right through my pain.
I’ll circle around you.
I’ll stay by your side.
I’ll be your light.
All for you.

Verse 2:
I was anonymous,

Until you came into being.
You offered me love.
You’re now my reason for existing. 

You’re my Earth,
I’m just a Moon,
A little star that brightens your heart.
You are my Earth,
And all I see is you.
I can only stare at you from afar.

Pre-Chorus 2:

In the crescent moon night,

Even when I shut both eyes,
You flood me with blue hues.
In the full moon night,
With my two eyes open,
May I capture you?

Chorus:
It suddenly occurs, 

Whether you’re also watching me,

Whether you’d see right through my pain.
I’ll circle around you.
I’ll stay by your side.
I’ll be your light.
All for you.

Bridge:
On sunny afternoons,
And on dark nights,
You’re by my side.
In times of sadness,

In times of pain,

You shed your lights.

More than any words,

More than saying gratitudes,

I’ll just stay by your side.
In the dark night,

I’ll shine even brighter,

Protecting you.

Final Chorus:
It suddenly occurs,
Whether you truly know yourself:
The loveliness of your existence.
I’ll circle around you.
I’ll stay by your side.
I’ll be your light.
All for you.