Run Away (9 and Three Quarters)

(Title Track)

⋆ Korean Title: Waiting For You At Platform 9¾

⋆ Genre [Source: Naver/BigHit]: New Wave, Synth Pop

⋆ Producing Credits: Slow Rabbit

⋆ Writing/Composing Credits: Slow Rabbit, Supreme Boi, Melanie Joy Fontana, Michel "Lindgren" Schulz, Andreas Carlsson, "Hitman" Bang, Pauline Skött, Peter St James

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ABOUT/MEANING: ‘Run Away,’ the title track of TXT's first comeback, captures the longing for escape and the search for belonging during adolescence. The song evokes the boys'* desire to find solace in a world of their own creation, drawing inspiration from magical realms like Harry Potter. It reflects their yearning to escape the pressures of growing up and retreat into a space where they can thrive together. The track beautifully embodies the spirit of adventure, friendship, and shared refuge that empower the boys. This pivotal song marks the realization that they are strongest when united, with magic symbolizing the boundless possibilities they can explore together, transcending the challenges of youth.

*For further context on the song check out 'The Dream Chapter: MAGIC' album summary

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LYRICS - ENGLISH TRANSLATION

It feels like everyone is happy except me

It hurts more when I laugh than when I cry

Although I try to hold it in, endure it every day

It doesn’t work, I need your hand right now

In those times when tears fill your eyes

Hold my hand tight, shall we run away?

We've gotta be together to get to the hidden 9¾

CONTEXT/EXPLANATION: Platform 9¾ is a magical platform in Harry Potter, hidden between platforms 9 and 10 at King's Cross Station. It is where students board the train to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Bibbity boppity

CONTEXT/EXPLANATION: Bibbity-boppity is a reference to Bibbity-boppity-boo, the magic spell sung by the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella, which transforms Cinderella's rags into a beautiful gown and a pumpkin into a carriage (this transformation is referenced in Cat & Dog: "Feel like Cinderella, I change"). In Run Away, this phrase reinforces the theme of magical escape, suggesting that "the boys" are leaving behind their struggles and entering a fantastical world, much like Cinderella does when she is whisked away to the ball. It symbolizes transformation, hope, and the power of believing in magic to change one's reality. This reference also ties back to TXT's debut title track CROWN, where the spell "abracadabra" is used to “stop the loneliness” and helps "the boy" find friendship, transforming his "horn" into a crown. In Run Away, the introduction of a new spell (Bibbity-boppity) marks a progression in the storyline, as "the boy" no longer feels the need to magic away loneliness; instead, he invites his friends to leave behind the hardships of the world and embark on a new journey together.

The train is departing

CONTEXT/EXPLANATION: Continuing the reference to Platform 9¾ above, this is a nod to the Hogwarts Express – the train that transports Harry Potter to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. For Harry, the train symbolizes his escape from his miserable life with his Uncle and Aunt, offering him a chance to leave behind his troubles and enter a world where he truly belongs.

Bibbity boppity

Our magic island

SELF-REFERENCE: 'Magic Island'

When we pass through this tunnel

When we open our eyes

Our dreams become reality

Be my eternity

Please call my name

Run away, run away, run away with me

At the end of the world

Forever together

Run away babe

Please give me an answer

Tell me “yes”, "no" is a no

Don’t wanna stay, now let’s go

Together you and I can run across the sky

Tell me “yes”, "no" is a no

Don’t wanna stay, now let’s go

Please take me away now to the magic named ‘us’

I don’t, I don’t wanna wake up

My wand is an alarm breaker

We swim through the universe

Becoming two comets,

And bungee

It’s okay, don’t be afraid

We’re together

When the end of the night is near

Turn back the clock, rewind now

The forbidden games and this magic hour

The blue flame blooms

I want to color the classroom with this sky-colored magic

So that the summoning spell can connect you and me

When we pass through this tunnel

When we open our eyes

Our dreams become reality

Be my eternity

Please call my name

Run away, run away, run away with me

At the end of the world

Forever together

Run away babe

Please give me an answer

Tell me “yes”, "no" is a no

Don’t wanna stay, now let’s go

Together you and I can run across the sky

Tell me “yes”, "no" is a no

Don’t wanna stay, now let’s go

Please take me away now to the magic named ‘us’

On that dark night under the stairs

CONTEXT/EXPLANATION: This line is likely another references to Harry Potter, as Harry was forced to live in a cupboard under the stairs by his neglectful relatives, the Dursleys. The cupboard symbolizes his isolation and mistreatment, but it is also where his journey truly begins - because from this dark place, he is eventually invited into the magical world of Hogwarts. In the song, "under the stairs" could represent a low point in life, a place of sadness or hardship, but also the moment before something magical begins. Meeting someone special, much like Harry receiving his Hogwarts letter, could be the spark that transforms their world.

Magic began the moment I saw you

Let's create a spell with your tears

So that you won’t cry again

Be my eternity

Please call my name

Run away, run away, run away with me

At the end of the world

Forever together

Run away babe

Please give me an answer

Tell me “yes”, "no" is a no

Don’t wanna stay, now let’s go

Together you and I can run across the sky

Tell me “yes”, "no" is a no

Don’t wanna stay, now let’s go

Please take me away now to the magic named ‘us’

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Helpful Context (Album Summary): ‘The Dream Chapter: MAGIC’ continues the journey of the five boys* as they embrace the thrill of new experiences and the boundless possibilities of imagination. Fueled by curiosity and defiance, they break free from societal expectations, discovering love, adventure, and their own limitless potential. In this newfound world, they create a magical space - both a playground and a refuge - where they can be their true selves. However, their journey is not without challenges, as they must navigate the trials of growing up and the uncertainties that come with it. Through it all, their bond strengthens, proving that friendship and resilience can turn even the most daunting obstacles into moments of transformation. Ultimately, the album captures the essence of adolescence: a time of wonder, rebellion, and self-discovery, where magic is not just an escape, but a reflection of the dreams and struggles that shape them. [*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.]