⋆ Genre: Brit pop
⋆ Producing Credits: Slow Rabbit, Beomgyu
⋆ Writing/Composing Credits: Slow Rabbit, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, ADORA, Hueningkai, Soobin, Taehyun
About: ‘Maze in the Mirror’ captures the boys’ feelings of confusion and self-doubt as they search for their true identities while chasing their dreams in a world that often feels unfamiliar. This song likens their journey to being trapped in a maze, expressing the sense of being lost and unsure of how to move forward amidst isolation and uncertainty. Originally written by Beomgyu during his trainee days, he later shared the song with his members who added lyrics inspired by their own experiences. This collective reflection brings an intimate perspective to the track, making it a poignant expression of the boys’ struggles with self-discovery during their journey as trainees. ‘Maze in the Mirror’ aligns with The Dream Chapter: ETERNITY’s overarching themes of personal struggle and growth, portraying the boys’ determination to overcome doubts and obstacles as they strive toward their dreams. It adds depth to the narrative by exploring the emotional battles of adolescence and the boys' journey to find strength in pursuit of their dreams. [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
I try to run, wondering where the end is
But in the mirror, it's a maze
BEOMGYU: “[As a trainee] I started to see somebody else from my own reflection in the mirror. It didn't seem like the 'me' I used to know. I felt like I was trapped in a maze. That's how 'Maze in the Mirror' came to be.”
Protection confines me like a control
Even though it hurts, I shouldn't complain
This world, the world that keeps me hidden
Please don’t give up on me
We’ll be going up, don’t fall
Inside the mirror above me,
Trying to fit myself in this large frame
But still, I feel so very small
Please, please find me
In front of the mirror, I surrender again
It’s so dark here
My fragile shoulders
They can’t hide or stand tall
At the end of the maze, at the end of the maze
Beyond the mirror on the other side
Please, please find me
Please don’t give up on me
No oh oh oh oh oh oh
No oh oh oh oh oh oh
So my fragile shoulders
They can lean on and rest
So they can rest
No oh oh oh oh oh oh
No oh oh oh oh oh oh
Please, please find me
I reach my hand following the light
In the mirror I push myself
In that broken and fragmented form
I can’t even find the real me
Please, please find me
I surrender in front of the mirror again
It’s too dark here
My fragile shoulders
They can’t hide or stand tall
At the end of the maze, at the end of the maze
Beyond the mirror on the other side
Please, please find me
Please don’t give up on me
I want to fly now
Like Peter Pan flying for eternity (fly fly fly)
The story of Peter Pan and Neverland is deeply intertwined with TXT's lore, especially in their 2023 album 'The Name Chapter: Temptation' which uses Neverland as a narrative device to tell the boys' journeys of personal growth during this stage of their lives.
I want to become a star
Like that pure sweat, I shed for the first time
Reference to TXT's hidden track 'Sweat' which was another song the members wrote about their trainee period. (Sweat was released as a secret track the same day as 'The Dream Chapter: ETERNITY' album came out)
I surrender in front of the mirror again
It’s too dark here
My fragile shoulders
They can’t hide or stand tall
At the end of the maze, at the end of the maze
Beyond the mirror on the other side
Please, please find me
Please don’t give up on me
No oh oh oh oh oh oh
No oh oh oh oh oh oh
So my fragile shoulders
They can lean on and rest
So they can rest
No oh oh oh oh oh oh
No oh oh oh oh oh oh
Please, please find me
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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