⋆ Korean Title: Puma That Escaped the Zoo.
⋆ Genre [Source: Naver/BigHit]: Trap, Hip hop
⋆ Producing Credits: Sam Klempner
⋆ Writing/Composing Credits: Sam Klempner, Supreme Boi, Melanie Joy Fontana, Michel "Lindgren" Schultz, Slow Rabbit, Krysta Youngs, Julia Rossn
ABOUT/MEANING: 'PUMA' uses the metaphor of a puma escaping captivity to symbolize the boys' desire for freedom, while grappling with the risks and uncertainties of stepping beyond their comfort zones. Inspired by a real-life incident in Korea where a puma escaped from a zoo and tragically lost its life shortly after, the song reflects the tension between the thrill of breaking free and the fear of rejection and its potential consequences. It explores the emotional turmoil of pursuing independence, self-expression, and identity, while navigating unfamiliar, often unwelcoming terrain. As they confront isolation and external pressures, the boys' journey mirrors the struggles of adolescence, where one must balance the desire for freedom with the fear that comes with it. Despite the fear, there's a sense of exhilaration in embracing their choices, demonstrating resilience in overcoming obstacles in the pursuit of their dreams. Additionally, the song parallels TXT's own journey within the idol industry, facing high expectations, comparisons to their seniors, and intense scrutiny. In this way, ‘PUMA’ encapsulates the emotional complexity and struggles they endured while navigating their own path to self-realization (for a breakdown of how the lyrics illustrate this, click here). [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 ♡]
LYRICS - ENGLISH TRANSLATION
Yeah, west side, east side
Didn’t know where to, where to go, no
Tonight we ride, the noise of this still night
In the darkness, that door opens
Who will stop me? No one, oh
West side, east side
It don't matter anymore
Hot hot hot hot
My feet are scorched, it's so hot
Open my eyes, feel, breathe, dream
The world I've dreamed of
The grandest night sky of my life (night sky)
My feet are already at mach speed
Mach speed is when an object moves faster than the speed of sound
That green light in front of my eyes
Nothing, nothing scares me
They came, catch my back
Must never get caught
They came, catch my friends
That thick fog is settling in
It’s pitch black all around (It's coming)
Through the tension (turn it up, turn it up)
All I hear is bang bang bang (I have to run)
But somehow, I feel happy (I'm PUMA)
This feeling I’ve never felt before
Now that I've met freedom for the first time
Somehow I’m happy
My choice is my leader
I'm my own believer
(Whoa, whoa, whoa)
My heart is pounding
(Whoa, whoa, whoa)
My own blood I see for the first time
(Whoa, whoa, whoa)
It spreads little by little
(Whoa, whoa, whoa)
This blood that keeps me running, running
After escaping the zoo
The world I faced is so unfamiliar
No one welcomed me
Every day's a race, "my feet save me!"
When night falls, in that moon
The face of the mother I've missed
A saddened heart
My second baby step
I told ya (Told ya)
Too young to be on my own
This world is a jungle full of warriors
The scope zeroes in on your neck
Thousands of eyes on the internet
Watch out, your enemies will spread in an instant
“How much longer till I reach my dream?”
Only gunshots ring out at that question
Again, I run up so I can keep on breathing
But somehow, I feel happy (I'm PUMA)
This feeling I’ve never felt before
Now that I've met freedom for the first time
Somehow I’m happy
My choice is my leader
I'm my own believer
My heart is pounding
(Whoa, whoa, whoa)
My own blood I see for the first time
(Whoa, whoa, whoa)
It spreads little by little
(Whoa, whoa, whoa)
The blood that makes me run, makes me run
Yeah, west side, east side
Didn’t know where to, where to go, no
Tonight we ride, the noise of this still night
In the darkness, that door opens
Who will stop me? No one, oh
West side, east side
It don't matter anymore (More, no)
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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