⋆ Genre: Electronic pop
⋆ Producing Credits: Alex Hope, Slow Rabbit
⋆ Writing/Composing Credits: Alex Hope, Salem Ilese, Slow Rabbit, hitman bang, danke, Song Jae Kyung
About: ‘Anti-Romantic’ opens The Chaos Chapter series by delving into the boys’ complex relationship with love and vulnerability. Haunted by past hurts and disappointments, the song reveals a deep-seated fear of intimacy, with the lyrics expressing a reluctance to embrace love. This emotional numbness and hesitancy highlight an inner conflict, as the protagonist resists and fears the warmth of connection in a world that feels cold and unforgiving. Marking a shift from TXT’s previous, idealistic portrayals of love, ‘Anti-Romantic’ sets the stage for The Chaos Chapter's exploration of the emotional challenges that come with maturing in an increasingly chaotic, cold world. [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 (translations by @translatingTXT)
I don’t know who loves me
And I don’t care, it’s a waste anyway
This romantic feeling
Scares me a little
Sweet and bitter chocolate
The aftertaste is always the same
Like the saddest movies
In my eyes, there are only tears
I know
That sweet love song
The vows that were made
But in the end,
That someone turns into a stranger
Sorry I’m an anti-romantic
I want to run far away
My heart, already chasing you
Burns up in a small flame
Sorry I’m an anti-romantic
I no longer believe in it, romantic
I'm afraid my heart will all burn away
And only black ashes will remain
La-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la
Ah-ah-ah , ah-ah-ah
I know that you love me
You make me deeply drunk again
You're like champagne
It can't be like this
I can see it all, the end
It’s worse than a hangover
It will be difficult
So let’s end it here and now
So stupid
This sweet love song
A wasteful rom-com
As happy as it was
There's a red line on the final bill
Sorry I’m an anti-romantic
I want to run far away
My heart, already chasing you
Burns up in a small flame
Sorry I’m an anti-romantic
I no longer believe in it, romantic
I’m afraid my heart will all burn away
And only black ashes will remain
La-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la
Ah-ah-ah , ah-ah-ah
Sorry I’m an anti-romantic
I want to run far away
My heart, already chasing you
Burns up in a small flame
Sorry I’m an anti-romantic
I no longer believe in it, romantic
I’m afraid my heart will all burn away
And only black ashes will remain
La-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la
Ah-ah-ah , ah-ah-ah
Helpful Context (Album Series Summary): Following the complexities and challenges that threatened the boys’ dreamlike world at the end of 'The Dream Chapters' and 'Minisode 1,' the 'Chaos Chapters' capture the disruption of this idyllic world as the boys confront the harsh realities and responsibilities of the world that begin to challenge their dreams and relationships. Their daily lives are thrown into turmoil, leaving them feeling frozen and overwhelmed until a transformative presence, represented as 'you,' appears before them. This series marks a transition from the nostalgic themes of earlier chapters to a deeper, more introspective examination of internal and external conflicts. Influenced by real-world events, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, the 'Chaos Chapters' reflect the broader chaos and struggles inherent in youth.
Helpful Context (Album Summary: The Chaos Chapter: FREEZE): 'The Chaos Chapter: FREEZE' portrays a world where the warmth of friendship and youthful dreams is disrupted by sudden coldness and isolation. The album delves into the emotional freeze experienced when facing the harsh realities of growing up, such as alienation, heartbreak, and confusion. It reflects TXT's efforts to navigate personal and external conflicts amidst the chaos of adolescence. The narrative conveys a sense of being stuck in time, grappling with changes and challenges. Yet, amidst this emotional coldness, the appearance of 'you,'* a special someone, symbolizes warmth and connection, offering moments of hope and resilience.
*The character of 'you' is intentionally broad, allowing for various interpretations. 'You' can be seen as a platonic figure (as depicted in the MVs), a romantic interest (which ties into the transitional chapter Minisode 2), or MOA, TXT’s fans (building on the Dream Chapters, which narrate TXT’s journey from trainees to debut). This broad interpretation of 'you' enables a wide-ranging illustration of TXT’s personal experiences as well as the experiences of youth more broadly.
Helpful Context (Album Summary: The Chaos Chapter: FIGHT OR ESCAPE): 'The Chaos Chapter: Fight or Escape' sees TOMORROW X TOGETHER build upon the narrative of 'The Chaos Chapter: FREEZE,' by delving deeper into their internal and external struggles. The album’s title reflects the crucial choices they face: whether to confront their challenges directly or seek escapism. As a repackage of 'The Chaos Chapter: FREEZE,' this edition introduces two new tracks that expand on the themes of the original album, exploring the tension between facing adversity and the allure of escape. It emphasizes their ongoing battle with fears and uncertainties, showcasing their determination to navigate obstacles and find their path forward while underscoring the value of supportive relationships. The album captures the essence of choosing between fighting against the chaos or finding solace together.
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