Bicycle by RM Lyrics Meaning – Unveiling a Journey of Self-Reflection and Freedom
Lyrics
볼 수 없는 그댈 마주해
언제나처럼 날
맞아주는 몇 센치의 떨림
I wanna keep the bass down low
벌써 내 마음은 주말 mode
I don’t see no open cars, no open bars
나쁘지 않아 온전히 혼자인 road
섬처럼 떠있는 사람들의 마음
어쩌면 오지 않을 듯한 밤
지평선을 걸어가 또 굴러가
우리가 정한 저 소실점으로
슬프면 자전거를 타자
바람을 두 발 아래 두자
오 자전거를 타자
두 팔을 자유로이 벌리며
나 나나나 나나나
나나나나나
나나나 나나나 나나나
나나나나나 (yeah, yo)
가끔은 굴러가게 둬
자전거 바퀴처럼
찾을 게 있어
오후의 간식처럼
이 작은 순간을 위해 살아온 것 같아
두 바퀴 위에선 다 사사로운 한낮의 꿈
Feel the roof, smell the truth
멀지 않아 기적은
어떤 얼굴을 해도 지금은 괜찮아
진짜 소중한 건 눈에 보이지 않아
땅에서 발을 떼
저 새를 닮은 태
섬처럼 떠있기로 해
바람을 따라 춤춰
Yeah 울어도 돼
원래 행복하면 슬퍼
슬프면 자전거를 타자
바람을 두 발 아래 두자
오 자전거를 타자
두 팔을 자유로이 벌리며
나 나나나 나나나
나나나나나
나나나 나나나 나나나
나나나나나
(나나나) 나나나 (나나나) 나나나 (나나나)
라라라라라
(나나나) 나나나 (나나나) 나나나 (나나나)
라라라라라
In his soothing solo track ‘Bicycle,’ RM, the introspective leader of the global powerhouse BTS, takes us on a gentle ride through the avenues of self-discovery and the tranquil pursuit of personal freedom. Draped in melodic simplicity, the song pedals beyond its calming tune to reveal layers of poignant lyricism that map RM’s own contemplative journey.
At a glance, ‘Bicycle’ may appear as just another serene track riding the South Korean breeze. However, with each verse and chorus, RM invites listeners to delve into the pedal strokes of his mind, sharing a private reverie that transcends the act of cycling alone through a cityscape, moving towards a deeper existential ride.
The Poetic Pedal: A Symphony of Solitude
RM’s ‘Bicycle’ isn’t merely about the two-wheeled conveyance, but rather the experience it encapsulates. The opening lines immediately immerse us into a sense of solitude, ‘I wanna keep the bass down low,’ symbolizing the desire to diminish life’s overwhelming noise. ‘I don’t see no open cars, no open bars,’ points to the devoid distractions, leading to a ‘road’ that is metaphorically and literally his alone.
Here, the bicycle becomes RM’s vessel through which he navigates the waves of his own consciousness, relishing the ‘few centimeters of trembling’ that greeting the world always brings. It’s not loneliness that this ride conveys; it’s a blissful aloneness, a chosen isolation to ruminate and reflect amidst life’s relentless pace.
Cycling Through the Night: Embrace the Untouched Horizons
Nighttime, often evoking a sense of uncertainty or fear, is artfully wielded by RM to symbolize the unknown facets of life awaiting our exploration. ‘Maybe a night that seems like it won’t come,’ he croons, hinting at the unpredictability of existence, but with a willingness to traverse the darkness in pursuit of his ‘vanishing point,’ a metaphor for his goals and dreams.
The chorus, ‘If you’re sad, let’s ride a bicycle,’ is a masterful stroke underscoring the importance of motion, of continuing forward even amidst emotional turmoil. The underlying message is therapeutic and universal – in sorrow or joy, keep moving, for the action itself is a balm.
Unraveling the Hidden Meaning: The Wheel as Life’s Metaphor
Peering beneath RM’s lyrics, ‘Bicycle’ transforms into a philosophical musing on existence. The ‘bicycle wheel that rolls on its own’ could be seen as the journey of life, often propelling forward without deliberate input, guided by the forces of fate and circumstance.
‘Looking for something like an afternoon snack,’ RM alludes to the persistent quest for satisfaction, often as trivial and transient as a momentary indulgence. Yet, ‘On top of these two wheels, all are trivial daytime dreams.’ This line undercuts the gravity of life’s pursuits, suggesting that perhaps our daily struggles and triumphs are but small turns in the greater cycle of life.
Memorable Lines That Capture the Heart
Phrases like ‘Feel the roof, smell the truth’ puncture the everyday facade to reach for a more ethereal sensibility, urging the listener to embrace the candidness of their reality. ‘True precious things cannot be seen by the eyes,’ RM reflects, advocating for a vision that sees beyond the superficial, acknowledging the intangible worth of life’s experiences.
These lines resonate long after the song concludes, the simplicity of their delivery belies the depth of their impact, encapsulating the central themes of ‘Bicycle’: introspection and the appreciation of life’s unseen, often overlooked, treasures.
The Liberation Anthem: ‘Bicycle’ as a Manifesto
Ultimately, ‘Bicycle’ serves as a manifesto of liberation, an ode to the freedom found in the simplicity of a solo ride. ‘Ride a bicycle with the wind under both feet,’ RM declares, casting the wind as a symbol of natural freedom, and the act of cycling as a means to harness it. ‘Spreading both arms freely,’ he escalates this into a physical and emotional release, a flight without leaving the ground.
RM’s ‘Bicycle,’ with its rhythmic narrative and metaphoric richness, is more than just a song. It is a testament to the beauty in the ordinary, an introspective slice of life that refreshes the soul. It’s a reminder that sometimes, to move forward, all one needs to do is pedal to the rhythm of one’s own beat.
