“Darl+ing” by Seventeen
As we have pointed out in the past, it is standard for K-pop acts to show love to their fans in song. In the case of more popular outfits like Seventeen, they have their own particular fandom, which in their case are called Carats. And according to Woozi, it is they whom this song is dedicated to.
Therefore, even though “Darl+ing” may sound a lot like a standard love song, based on Woozi’s explanation it is not actually about romance. Perhaps that would explain why this piece is a bit difficult to fully comprehend, because the vocalist(s) is straddling that line between romantic affection artistically but friendship actually.
Also, this is the first track Seventeen has ever dropped completely in English, which is not their native language. And that becomes sorta obvious as the song progresses also – that the way the lyrics connect is found wanting.
But that is not to say that Seventeen doesn’t do a sound job of getting the basic point across. And the said basic point is a mutual-emotional dependency being shared between the narrators (Seventeen) and addressee (CARATS).
Facts about “Darl+ing”
As of the release of this track on 15 April 2022, Seventeen is one of the top K-pop groups in the world and has been for some time. And “Darl+ing” marks a momentous occasion in the band’s history, as it is the first song they’ve ever dropped completely in English.
As to be expected this track was instantly successful upon issuance. It topped a number of iTunes charts around the globe.
Seventeen member Woozi had a hand in composing this track. He accomplished that goal alongside Shannon Bae and Bumzu, the latter also being signed to Pledis Entertainment, the label that put this song out.
According to Woozi, the plus sign in the title of this song alludes to “the ongoignness” of the band’s relationship with their fandom.
According to band member Joshua Hong, this song is akin to a gift to fans of Seventeen (CARATS) all over the world. It is for this reason they chose English as the sole language of the song. According to him, English was chosen in order for all CARATS all over the world to understand the song’s message.
