⋆ Genre [Source: Naver/BigHit]: Hip Hop
⋆ Producing Credits: Pdogg, Slow Rabbit
⋆ Writing/Composing Credits: Pdogg, Supreme Boi, Slow Rabbit, Melanie Joy Fontana, Michel "Lindren" Schulz, "Hitman" Bang, Peter Ibsen, Naitumela Masuku
ABOUT/MEANING: ‘Angel or Devil’ captures the inner turmoil of making choices, particularly in the face of emotions that feel overwhelming and unfamiliar. The boys wrestle with two opposing voices—one urging them to act fearlessly, the other advising caution—framing this conflict through the lens of a romantic pursuit. While the lyrics focus on love, this dilemma mirrors a larger theme within their journey: the tension between following expectations and forging their own path. Adolescence is filled with uncertainty, where every choice feels significant, and the push and pull between impulse and hesitation shape the path to self-discovery. Through this struggle, the boys must learn to navigate the complexities of growing up, realizing that the choices they make ultimately define them. [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 - ENGLISH TRANSLATION
❗This song contains several references and Korean phrases that require explanations of their meanings and nuances. While some of these are covered in the lyric video, others are not. If you'd like to explore these references further, feel free to check out the written lyrics below.
Tell me what should I choose
Between an angel and a devil
This fight inside my head
Just you, you be the judge
Woo babe
I wanna touch your heart, heart
Woo babe
I wanna be engaged to you inside your heart
Just cast aside your worries
Love is like a lottery
If you want it to win, you have to scratch first
Just push forward like a 'real man'
‘Real Man’ [상남자] is the Korean title of BTS’s song ‘Boy in Luv’
"Why are you shaking my heart?"
Continuing the reference from above, this line is the refrain of BTS's ‘Boy in Luv’
A confession sung in the candlelight
If you're going to love, let it burn hotter than the hell
Sweet words like an angel? No way
I am that angel, but first, slow down
What if you lose it all forever?
“It has to be you”, “You’re the one love”
My hands are shaking from the handwritten letter
Endless fight, devil angel
This repeating march without an answer
Tell me how can I make it stop
Round and round and round and round and round and round
Finer than heaven
Fire hotter than hell
Can you tell me your mind?
Tell me the way to your heart
Love ya 300
I'm running towards your heart now
Love ya 3000
The phrase “love ya 3000” is a reference to Avengers: Endgame, where it symbolizes an immense, unconditional love (expressing "I love you more than anything" or "I love you 3000 times over"). In 'Angel or Devil,' “love ya 300” appears first, creating a playful buildup to the more intense "3000." This shift mirrors the internal struggle between hesitation and commitment in the song's theme. The character’s love grows stronger over time, moving from a lighthearted "300" to a profound "3000," reflecting a deepening and overwhelming devotion.
I'm running towards your heart now
Tell me what should I choose
Between an angel and a devil
This fight inside my head
Just you, you be the judge
Woo babe
I wanna touch your heart, heart
Woo babe
Please tell me, what should I choose
Hey hey, what are you doing?
Make the call now, hurry
Hey hey, please do stop
Take it a little slower
Two loud, loud voices in my head,
Spinning round and round again
The dilemma of Mobius
This line references the mathematical concept of a Mobius loop. Despite its twisted surface, if you trace a Mobius loop with your finger, you’ll eventually return to your starting point. In this context, the loop symbolizes the endless, cyclical conflict between the angel and the devil, where each voice constantly pulls the person back to the same internal dilemma, creating an unresolvable loop.
Just cast aside your worries
Even if it’s a bit much, call her ‘you’
The use of ‘you’ here is said in an informal manner which is typically reserved for younger individuals or those with whom one is very close to - referring to 'her' informally implies a sense of familiarity/closeness
Lemme try something from a K-drama
Study the trendy grammar of romance
If you don’t like that, then how about this?
I'll appeal my charm at karaoke
“Don’t want to be apart from you
Can I be your pet?
Be by your side for 24 hours”
Reference to TXT's song ‘Cat & Dog’
Again the angel says to slow down
What if you lose it all forever?
From a 'noona' and 'dongsaeng,' relationship, slowly growing
Noona (누나) refers to an older sister or an older female, while dongsaeng (동생) refers to a younger sibling or a younger person; in the context of the song it suggests a close, platonic relationship that has the potential to develop into something more.
These days everyone gets "talks" before dating
This is a naturalized English equivalent of the Korean slang phrase ‘요즘 사귀기 전엔 모두 삼귀어,’ which describes a stage in a relationship where people are more than friends but not yet officially dating (similar to a 'situationship' or 'talking' phase). The Korean phrase plays on the word ‘사귀’ (saguida) for dating, where ‘사’ means ‘4.’ In the slang phrase ‘삼귀다’ (samguida), ‘삼’ (3) replaces ‘사’ (4) to indicate this earlier, less-defined stage of the relationship.
Endless fight, devil angel
This repeating march without an answer
Tell me how can I make it stop
Round and round and round and round and round and round
Finer than heaven
Fire hotter than hell
Can you tell me your mind?
Tell me the way to your heart
Love ya 300
I'm running towards your heart now
Love ya 3000
I'm running towards your heart now
I need your answer now
Black or white, pick a color
Which will it be, the horns or a halo?
Whichever you want, I’ll pull up
You got it, you got it, of course, your highness
Black or white, pick a color
It’s harder than studying
Now stop, show me your love
You got it, you got it, of course, your highness
Finer than heaven
Fire hotter than hell
Can you tell me your mind?
Tell me the way to your heart
Love ya 300
I'm running towards your heart now
Love ya 3000
I'm running towards your heart now
Tell me what should I choose
Between an angel and a devil
This fight inside my head
Just you, you be the judge
Woo babe
I wanna touch your heart, heart
Woo babe
Please tell me, what should I choose
Helpful Context (Album Summary): ‘The Dream Chapter: MAGIC’ continues the journey of the five boys* as they embrace the thrill of new experiences and the boundless possibilities of imagination. Fueled by curiosity and defiance, they break free from societal expectations, discovering love, adventure, and their own limitless potential. In this newfound world, they create a magical space - both a playground and a refuge - where they can be their true selves. However, their journey is not without challenges, as they must navigate the trials of growing up and the uncertainties that come with it. Through it all, their bond strengthens, proving that friendship and resilience can turn even the most daunting obstacles into moments of transformation. Ultimately, the album captures the essence of adolescence: a time of wonder, rebellion, and self-discovery, where magic is not just an escape, but a reflection of the dreams and struggles that shape them. [*Within TXT's discography-based narrative the 'boys/boy' can be interpreted as representing the TXT members, but they also serve as generalized protagonists used to convey the broader experiences of youth.]
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 friendship, the trials they face, and their growth as individuals. Set in a dreamlike world, the trilogy reflects their pursuit of aspirations, capturing both the hope and struggles that shape their path. Additionally, the Dream Chapter series serves as a metaphor for TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s own journey, from trainees to debut artists, highlighting their shared experience of self-discovery and the challenges they face in chasing their dreams. [*Within TXT's discography-based narrative the 'boys/boy' can be interpreted as representing the TXT members, but they also serve as generalized protagonists used to convey the broader experiences of youth.]
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