Yesterday, I discussed the significance of song lyrics while expressing my curiosity about the musical composition of A Journey with the Clouds, intrigued by the composer behind the music. (Incidentally, I noticed some have pointed out that the English title listed on lyrics websites and Apple Music is With the Clouds. Well, the official version I purchased from a Korean music store is titled solely in Korean: 구름과 함께 하는 여행 (구름과 (with clouds), 함께 하는 (doing together), 여행 (journey/travel). With no official English title in my version, I wasn’t aware of any alternatives. Thus, I had translated the title as faithfully as possible. However, since With the Clouds is the official English title, I have updated my analysis and translation post to reflect this official version.)

For today’s song as well, my original translation of the title differed from the official English title. Mine was To Today’s Me, while the official English title is To Me, Today. At first glance, these titles seem nearly identical, but to someone attuned to the nuances of language, the distinction is significant, especially in tone, emphasis, and emotional direction. To Today’s Me places the emphasis on the present self—the “me” as I exist right now, shaped by today’s circumstances and emotions. The tone is reflective and grounded in the present, acknowledging who I am, what I feel, and what I need at this moment, distinct from my past or future selves.

In contrast, To Me, Today shifts the focus to the time the message is delivered, rather than the specific version of the self receiving it. The Korean title 오늘의 나에게 translates literally to “to the me of today” or “to today’s me” (오늘 = today, 의 = possessive, 나 = me, 에게 = to). To Today’s Me is therefore the more faithful and contextually accurate translation, capturing the emotional intention behind the song: it addresses the self shaped by the day, conveying what is needed now. Nonetheless, I have no choice but to use the official English title, To Me, Today.

Forgive me for digressing. As I was saying, I was also struck by this song’s composition from the very first listen; for a moment, I wondered if Chris Martin had collaborated again. The song’s alternative rock sound, beginning andante with just guitar and keyboard before building in a crescendo to an allegro with heavy percussion, evokes the style found in many of Coldplay’s works and their collaboration with Jin on The Astronaut. Yet Martin’s name is absent, and Jin is not credited as a lyricist this time, unlike with With the Clouds. 

Still, Jin personally approved the lyrics, and it’s easy to see why. The song is pure encouragement—uplifting and supportive, urging listeners to find strength to get through the day and give their best. Knowing Jin as we do, it’s quintessentially his, a perfect closing track for an album that longs for hope even amid hardship.

The lyrics capture a message of self-encouragement and embracing the present. Through imagery of sunlight, flight, and letting go of worries, the song speaks to overcoming fears and anxieties by trusting in oneself and living fully in the moment. It encourages the listener to cherish each day as unique and unrepeatable, to open their heart, pursue their true desires, and rise above doubt, reminding us that, with courage and self-belief, we can soar to where our hearts lead us.

The lyrics are written in very plain language. Anyone fluent in Korean could translate them with ease. However, there are two expressions that merit closer attention.

In the first verse, the phrase 거슬린 어제의 나 uses the word “거슬리다 (guh-seul-lih-dah),” which literally means “slightly burned or scorched.” Here, it serves as a metaphor for having had a rough or difficult day, capturing the feeling of being worn down or marked by yesterday’s hardships. Thus, I translated this line as “Yesterday’s me had a rough day.”

In the pre-chorus, the expression 어깨를 펴고 (uh-kke-leul pyuh-go) translates literally as “spread one’s shoulders.” But the expression is also commonly used when encouraging someone who is feeling discouraged or down; parents might say to a child, “야, 어깨 펴,” meaning “stand tall” or “be confident.” In the context of the song, it carries the same encouragement: lift your spirits, hold your head high, and move forward with confidence.

Live (thank you An Nguyễn for uploading this on Youtube)

Lyrics:

Verse 1:

A sun-filled morning.
Yesterday’s me had a rough day.
Like a mayfly, living for just today.
One day I could fly.

No needless thoughts.
No letting fear holding me back.
Leave all that to the me of tomorrow
and just let myself go.

Pre-chorus:

Now, set aside all my worries
and be faithful to the present.
Stand tall and take flight,
right in this moment.

Chorus:

Let’s go, high into the sky.
With complete trust in myself,
I fly to where my heart leads.
I fly, letting myself go.

This moment comes only once.
Open my heart.
Today’s me (the one),
spread my wings (the one).
Now I fly to where my heart beats.

Verse 2:

Under the starlight, shine the light.
Light a fire deep within me.
What a life, what a life—
my heart burns full and bright.

Pre-chorus:

Now, lay down all my worries
and be faithful to the present.
Stand tall and take flight,
right in this moment.

Chorus:

Let’s go, high into the sky.
With complete trust in myself,
I fly to where my heart leads.
I fly, letting myself go.

This moment comes only once.
Open my heart.
Today’s me (the one),
spread my wings (the one).
Now I fly to where my heart beats.

Bridge:

Do whatever my heart desires.
Live the day I wish for most.
Cherish this moment—
a time I will only have once.

Chorus:

Let’s go, high into the sky.
With complete trust in myself,
I fly to where my heart leads.
I fly, letting myself go.

This moment comes only once.
Open my heart.
Today’s me (the one),
spread my wings (the one).
Now I fly to where my heart beats.

Outro:

Let me fly away
Let me fly away
Let me fly away with you, no one else
What do you say? (the one)
What do you say? (the one)
I will shine resplendently.

Let me fly away
Let me fly away
Let me fly away with you, no one else
What do you say? (the one)
What do you say? (the one)
Today is given to me only once.