Tinnitus (Wanna Be A Rock)

⋆ Genre: Afropop

⋆ Producing Credits: Daniel "JUNE NAWAKII" Celestin, Supreme Boi

⋆ Writing/Composing Credits: Ebby, Dystinkt Beats, Smash David, David Cabral, Taehyun, Jeon Jieun, Yeonjun, Lee Seu Ran, Stella Jang, Cho Yoon Kyung, danke, January 8th

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CONTEXT: Tinnitus is a medical condition characterized by a persistent ringing or buzzing sound in the ears, often creating a sense of disorientation and distraction.

ABOUT/MEANING: 'Tinnitus' delves into the overwhelming feelings of emptiness and confusion as the boys* struggle to find their true identity amidst the distractions that impede their growth. The condition of tinnitus, symbolized by a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears, becomes a metaphor for the internal noise that clouds their ability to focus and find clarity. As the euphoria of Neverland* begins to fade, they face the disillusionment of feeling lost, torn between their past and the uncertainty of the future. The track conveys a deep longing for stability, contrasting the chaos with the desire for inner peace, like the stillness of a rock amidst the noise. 'Tinnitus' reflects the emotional turbulence of growing up, emphasizing the challenge of silencing the distractions and finding true direction in an overwhelming world.

*For further context on the song check out 'The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION' album summary

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LYRICS - ENGLISH TRANSLATION (translations by @translatingTXT)

Yeah yeah, buzzing sound

윙

TRANSLATION NOTE: The Korean word "윙" (pronounced "wing") is onomatopoeia for a sharp, high-pitched, and piercing whining sound - much like the ringing experienced with tinnitus. There is not really a close English equivalent which is why it's left untranslated in these lyrics.

Baby I just wanted to be

Wanted to be hot stuff (you know?)

Party every day like the weekend

Like a fish that met water, raise the volume higher

At the end of the day, feed is a disaster,

Last night was overflowing with filters (ah)

A sigh slips out for a moment

I know that I can’t be a rockstar (rockstar)

Even if I block my ears,

The daze, it only gets louder

The empty noise, it’s deafening

As if trapped inside a fishbowl

Daze, my tinnitus fills it up

CONTEXT/EXPLANATION: Tinnitus is a condition characterized by a persistent ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. It can create a sense of confusion and distraction, leaving individuals feeling dazed or unsettled.

In the empty noise, feel so lonely

Take ‘star’ out of "rockstar"

Just a rock, okay?

I dreamed without knowing anything (oh, yeah)

The dawn was noisy

But at the end it was nothing but silence

Tinnitus fills my ears

I’m trapped in it, it feels deafening

Yeah I want it, want it, want it,

Want it, want it, want it yeah

I’m just lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely yeah

Just a rock

I don’t have that kind of talent, a deep story

I admit, I’m not a ‘born to be’

Even when I look at myself I know there's nothing special about me

My dream that used to shine bright

Has been cut off long ago

Wasting every second, no

I just wanna be a rock

After the party ends,

The daze, it only gets louder

The empty noise, my ears feel blocked

As if trapped inside a fishbowl

Daze, my tinnitus fills it up

In the empty noise, I feel so lonely

I want to live a new life

But I’m a bit lazy

What is my existence?

Give me an answer

I think being a rock would be nice

Just rolling around

My own kind of rock ‘n’ roll

Yeah I want it, want it, want it

Want it, want it, want it yeah

I’m just rollin’, rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ yeah

Just a rock

Want it, want it, want it, want it, want it yeah

I’m just rollin’, rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ yeah

Just a rock

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Helpful Context (Album Summary): 'The Name Chapter: Temptation' draws inspiration from Peter Pan, exploring the seductive allure of Neverland: a dreamlike realm of eternal youth and carefree freedom. After the chaos and heartbreak of earlier chapters, the boys* stand at a crossroads, torn between the fantasy of staying in this idealized world and the call to grow up. The pull of Neverland is strong, but temptation cannot last forever; even the sweetest dream fades when reality calls. The album’s songs trace their internal conflict, reflecting the universal fear of change and the comfort of avoidance. Ultimately, they realize that to discover who they truly are, they must leave Neverland behind. Trading illusion for growth and fantasy for the future, the boys take their first steps toward self-defined identity and the challenges that come with it.

Helpful Context (Album Series Summary): The Name Chapters explore the journey of discovering and defining one’s true self amid internal doubt and societal pressure. Building on the emotional aftermath of The Chaos Chapters and Thursday’s Child, these albums follow the boys as they transform pain into personal growth. Focused on self-acceptance and authenticity, the series marks a pivotal step in the transition from adolescence to adulthood: the search for who they are, and who they aspire to become.

*In the context of TXT’s discography, the term ‘boy’/‘boys’ are used to represent both the members themselves as well as serve as generalized protagonists embodying the universal experiences of youth.