Good Boy Gone Bad

⋆ Title Track

⋆ Genre [Source: Naver/BigHit]: Hip Hop (Rock)

⋆ Producing Credits: Slow Rabbit

⋆ Writing/Composing Credits: Slow Rabbit, Supreme Boi, Sunshine (Cazzi Opeia & Ellen Berg), Melanie Joy Fontana, Michel "Lindgren" Schulz, "hitman" bang, YEONJUN, BLVSH, Chris James

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ABOUT/MEANING: 'Good Boy Gone Bad' represents the 'anger' stage in Kübler-Ross' model of grief, focusing on the boys'* transformation after a painful breakup. The track conveys their intense frustration and emotional turmoil, which drive them to adopt a rebellious, defiant persona as they seek to shield themselves from further hurt. The lyrics reflect their struggle with the loss of their previous, more innocent selves, embracing a tougher exterior as a means of survival. Through this emotional shift, they attempt to reclaim power and control, but it comes at the cost of further internal conflict. The song marks a critical point in their journey, where they confront their emotions and begin to navigate personal growth amidst the anger and pain.

*For further context on the song check out the 'Minisode 2: Thursday's Child' album summary

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LYRICS - ENGLISH TRANSLATION (translations by @translatingTXT)

There are explanations of certain lyrics and references in the written lyrics below that aren't covered in the lyric video. Feel free to check them out if you're interested.

Woah-woah, Woah-woah, oh

Woah-woah, Woah-woah, oh

Put that nail in the coffin over the word 'forever'

You completely changed me when I was fragile

I spent hours in front of the mirror wanting to become you

Scratching my face

Swallowing my heart

You kept abandoning me

My tail wagged at you that's my past

SELF REFERENCE: In Cat & Dog, "the boys" express a desire to always be by someone's side, likening this feeling to wanting to be a pet that constantly receives attention and affection. However, this line marks a shift, symbolizing an active emotional distancing from their earlier "good boy" selves.

I just killed me with all that stress

But I just don't care anymore

This broken feeling isn't so bad

(Woah-woah, woah-woah, oh)

Better than those pathetic days

Watch, watch, gotta watch, watch me, yeah

(I kill that me, kill me)

Just throw it all away, good boys gone bad

Just throw it away, good boys gone bad

The good boys who loved you, gone bad

Now (break me more, just break mе)

A scar on my chest gone bad

Slash my heart, thеn gone dead

The good boys that you knew, gone bad

Now (I kill that me, kill me)

Good boy gone bad

(Good boy gone bad, good boy gone bad, good boy gone bad, good boy gone bad)

Good boy, gone bad

(Good boy gone bad, good boy gone bad, good boy gone bad, good boy gone bad)

Good boy, gone bad

Erase that boy inside of you (Yeah)

Then fill it with the wreck I've become

I'm like a zombie dead alive

Born atop the tomb of love

I honestly like it better now

This completely altered face of mine

I just killed me with all that pain

I just don't care about anything anymore

Somehow, this shut-eyed night of despair feels strangely sweet to me

(Woah-woah, woah-woah, oh)

I feel free now

Watch, watch, gotta watch, watch me, yeah

(I kill that me, kill me)

Just throw it all away, good boys gone bad

Just throw it away, good boys gone bad

The good boys who loved you, gone bad

Now (break me more, just break mе)

A scar on my chest gone bad

Slash my heart, thеn gone dead

The good boys that you knew, gone bad

Now (I kill that me, kill me)

Good boy gone bad

Gouge you out from my heart

Bleeding out the traces of you

Love is a lie, I loved that lie

Burn it, just burn it out

I give up on love, throw 'forever’ away to the dogs

TRANSLATION NOTE: In Korean, the word 개 (gae) means "dog," and when combined with other words, it often carries a derogatory or dismissive tone, suggesting that something is insignificant, worthless, or deserving of contempt. In the phrase 개나 줘 (gaena jwo), which translates to "give it to a dog," it expresses strong disdain. It suggests that love is so worthless or insignificant that it should be given to a dog, conveying a rejection and contempt for the concept of love and "forever."

I bleed monochrome diamonds instead of blood

Killed it, I killed it myself,

Plunging headfirst with broken wings

Even if I fall it doesn't hurt anymore

SELF REFERENCE: LO$ER=LOVER: "Jump off from this highway / Wings spread and broken / Flying toward forever / But can't help falling / with you even a fall is beautiful."

As seen above, in LO$ER=LOVER, falling is portrayed as part of a hopeful journey, even in the face of brokenness. The fall, though painful, is seen as beautiful and adventurous—especially when shared with someone. This reflects a romantic ideal where vulnerability and uncertainty are embraced as part of love, with solace found in that connection despite the pain. In contrast, Good Boy Gone Bad revisits the theme of broken wings, but with a significant tonal shift. Falling is no longer symbolic of hopeful love or shared adventure. Instead, it represents emotional detachment and resignation. "The boy" has grown numb to pain, signaling a shift away from vulnerable emotional openness toward a more hardened, indifferent state. Falling is no longer an act of love or connection; it becomes a symbol of emotional wounds that no longer provoke a strong reaction. The fall has lost its emotional weight, marking a departure from the hopeful vulnerability expressed in LO$ER=LOVER

(Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha)

I like being bad

Just throw it all away, good boys gone bad

Just throw it away, good boys gone bad

The good boys who loved you, gone bad

Now (break me more, just break mе)

A scar on my chest gone bad

Slash my heart, thеn gone dead

The good boys that you knew, gone bad

Now (I kill that me, kill me)

Good boy gone bad

Good boy gone bad

(Good boy gone bad, good boy gone bad, good boy gone bad, good boy gone bad)

Good boy, gone bad

(Good boy gone bad, good boy gone bad, good boy gone bad, good boy gone bad)

Good boy, gone bad

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Helpful Context (Album Summary): 'Minisode 2: Thursday’s Child' explores the emotional turbulence of adolescence, focusing on heartbreak, identity, and self-discovery. The love that once felt like salvation in 'The Chaos Chapters' ultimately proves unsustainable, leaving the boy* - who had relied on it for healing and guidance - feeling lost after his first breakup. Framed through Kübler-Ross’ five stages of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance - the album portrays his emotional journey, illustrating his transition from pain to growth. As the boy comes to terms with the end of the love that once defined him, he takes his first steps toward moving forward; no longer clinging to the past, he is finally ready to embrace what lies ahead. Acting as a bridge between 'The Chaos Chapters' and 'The Name Chapters,' the album sets the stage for his evolving understanding of himself and his place in the world. [*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): In between each series of chapters in TXT's discography,  'minisodes' are released. Minisodes serve as transitional bridges, between chapters, guiding the listener from one era to the next while introducing new themes and emotional turning points.