⋆ Genre [Source: Naver/BigHit]: Brit pop
⋆ Producing Credits: Slow Rabbit, BEOMGYU
⋆ Writing/Composing Credits: Slow Rabbit, YEONJUN, BEOMGYU, ADORA, HUENINGKAI, SOOBIN, TAEHYUN
ABOUT/MEANING: ‘Maze in the Mirror’ explores the boys' internal struggle with confusion and self-doubt as they search for their identities in an unfamiliar world. The metaphor of being trapped in a maze captures the disorientation and uncertainty they feel, further intensified by the isolation they experience. Written by Beomgyu during his trainee days, with contributions from the other members inspired by their own trainee experiences, the track reflects their collective journey of self-discovery. Despite the emotional challenges they face, their longing for reassurance and clarity shines through, suggesting a deep desire to overcome their doubts. The boys' resilience emerges in their determination to face obstacles head-on, with hope woven throughout the song as they navigate the complexities of adolescence in the pursuit of their dreams.
“[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.” - Beomgyu
If you're interested in another song that reflects TXT's trainee days, check out Sweat - a secret track released the same day as The Dream Chapter: ETERNITY. Like Maze in the Mirror, Sweat was initially written by the members before their debut (with some final touches added after) and captures the relentless hard work and perseverance they poured into chasing their dreams. The two songs hold deep significance and are closely connected, with Maze in the Mirror even subtly referencing Sweat in its lyrics. Releasing both tracks as The Dream Chapter came to a close feels fitting, as they beautifully encapsulate how TXT learned to dream together—and ultimately made those dreams a reality.
LYRICS - ENGLISH TRANSLATION
I try to run, wondering where the end is
But in the mirror, it's a maze
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 secret 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 complexities of adolescence, capturing the internal conflict, pain, and fear of separation that often come with growing up. As the boys* navigate misunderstandings and experience cracks forming in their once-unbreakable bond, they begin to confront the harsh reality that not everything is permanent. Yet, despite these challenges, they hold onto the hope that their time together can last forever. The album reflects the emotional weight of change, emphasizing both the inevitability of growing apart and the enduring desire for connection. Drawing from TXT’s own experiences as trainees and rookies, it resonates with the struggles of pursuing dreams while navigating the difficulties of youth, perseverance, and the passage of time. [*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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