⋆ Korean Title: Puma That Escaped the Zoo.
⋆ Genre: Trap, Hip hop
⋆ Producing Credits: Sam Klempner
⋆ Writing/Composing Credits: Sam Klempner, Supreme Boi, Melanie Joy Fontana, Michel "Lindgren" Schultz, Slow Rabbit, Krysta Youngs, Julia Rossn
About: 'PUMA' is a powerful track that uses the metaphor of a puma escaping captivity to symbolize the boys’ yearning for freedom while grappling with the dangers and uncertainties that lie beyond their comfort zones. Inspired by a real-life incident in Korea where a puma escaped from a zoo, only to be tragically killed shortly after its escape, the song explores the thrill and fear associated with breaking free from constraints. It captures the conflicting emotions of wanting independence while simultaneously fearing rejection and the potential consequences that come with newfound freedom.
Within the narrative of The Dream Chapter: ETERNITY, 'PUMA' illustrates the risks and courage required to step out of familiar worlds, embodying the raw energy of adolescence and the thrill—and fear—that accompanies decision-making during this formative period. The puma's perspective is also used as a parallel to TXT's own journey in the idol industry, where they faced intense scrutiny and criticism debuting as BTS's “little brother group" (For a breakdown of how the lyrics illustrate this, click here). The track serves as a poignant reflection on the harsh realities and sacrifices involved in pursuing dreams, emphasizing the emotional turmoil of fear and rejection that accompanies the quest for personal freedom and identity. [Please note that this is our interpretation of the song's meaning, based on the ongoing narrative of TXT's discography and insights from the members and official press releases. It's perfectly fine to have a different interpretation—after all, that's the beauty of music ♡]
LYRIC VIDEO: (Be sure to check out the written lyrics below for additional explanations of any lyrics or references not covered in the lyric video)
LYRICS
Yeah, west side, east side
Didn’t know where to, where to go, no
Tonight we ride, the noise of this still night
In the darkness, that door opens
Who will stop me? No one, oh
West side, east side
It don't matter anymore
Hot hot hot hot
My feet are scorched, it's so hot
Open my eyes, feel, breathe, dream
The world I've dreamed of
The grandest night sky of my life (night sky)
My feet are already at mach speed
Mach speed is when an object moves faster than the speed of sound
That green light in front of my eyes
Nothing, nothing scares me
They came, catch my back
Must never get caught
They came, catch my friends
That thick fog is settling in
It’s pitch black all around (It's coming)
Through the tension (turn it up, turn it up)
All I hear is bang bang bang (I have to run)
But somehow, I feel happy (I'm PUMA)
This feeling I’ve never felt before
Now that I've met freedom for the first time
Somehow I’m happy
My choice is my leader
I'm my own believer
(Whoa, whoa, whoa)
My heart is pounding
(Whoa, whoa, whoa)
My own blood I see for the first time
(Whoa, whoa, whoa)
It spreads little by little
(Whoa, whoa, whoa)
This blood that keeps me running, running
After escaping the zoo
The world I faced is so unfamiliar
No one welcomed me
Every day's a race, "my feet save me!"
When night falls, in that moon
The face of the mother I've missed
A saddened heart
My second baby step
I told ya (Told ya)
Too young to be on my own
This world is a jungle full of warriors
The scope zeroes in on your neck
Thousands of eyes on the internet
Watch out, your enemies will spread in an instant
“How much longer till I reach my dream?”
Only gunshots ring out at that question
Again, I run up so I can keep on breathing
But somehow, I feel happy (I'm PUMA)
This feeling I’ve never felt before
Now that I've met freedom for the first time
Somehow I’m happy
My choice is my leader
I'm my own believer
My heart is pounding
(Whoa, whoa, whoa)
My own blood I see for the first time
(Whoa, whoa, whoa)
It spreads little by little
(Whoa, whoa, whoa)
The blood that makes me run, makes me run
Yeah, west side, east side
Didn’t know where to, where to go, no
Tonight we ride, the noise of this still night
In the darkness, that door opens
Who will stop me? No one, oh
West side, east side
It don't matter anymore (More, no)
Helpful Context (Album Summary): ‘The Dream Chapter: ETERNITY’ delves into the more complex emotions of adolescence, focusing on conflict, pain, and the fear of separation. The album portrays the struggles of growing up, maintaining friendships, and dealing with misunderstandings. It highlights emotional turmoil and feelings of isolation but also emphasizes perseverance and hope for reconciliation. This introspective chapter captures the bittersweet reality of maturing and the enduring nature of true friendships. As the boys confront emotional conflicts and complex relationships, they find strength in unity and reaffirm their commitment to their dreams and each other. By addressing the challenges of growing up and achieving their dreams, many of the songs also reflect the difficulties TXT faced during their trainee period and rookie days.
Helpful Context (Album Series Summary): The "Dream Chapter" trilogy chronicles the journey of five boys* transitioning from childhood to adolescence, united by a common dream. As they navigate this pivotal period of youth, the albums explore the evolution of their friendships, the trials they face, and their growth as individuals. Set in a dreamlike world, the trilogy reflects their quest for dreams and aspirations. Additionally, the "Dream Chapter" series serves as a metaphor for TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s own experiences, from trainees to debut artists, highlighting their shared journey of discovery and challenges in pursuit of their dreams.
* These five boys can be interpreted as representing the five TXT members, but they also serve as generalized protagonists used to convey the broader experiences of youth.
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