⋆ Korean Title: Balance Game
⋆ Genre: Hip hop
⋆ Producing Credits: Slow Rabbit
⋆ Writing/Composing Credits: Ebenezer, Magnus, Yeonjun, danke, hitman bang, Taehyun, Jo Yoon Kyung, Beomgyu, January 8th, LUTRA
About: 'What If I Had Been That PUMA' delves into the anxiety and regret that comes with making significant decisions as the boys grow up. This track directly connects to their earlier song PUMA, where the members likened themselves to a puma that escaped captivity, symbolizing the pursuit of freedom and the thrill of new possibilities. However, in this new track, the boys reflect on the consequences of that freedom, questioning the choices they might have made had they been in the puma's position. The song explores the weight of responsibility that accompanies growing up, contrasting the initial excitement of breaking free with the sobering realization that every choice carries potential regret, particularly amidst the icy constraints of reality that The Chaos Chapter: FREEZE presents.
[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 (translations by @translatingTXT)
Pick your answer A or B,
In front of a balance game with a puma
In Korean, "Balance Game" refers to the game commonly known as "This or That," where participants are asked to choose the more favorable option between two choices.
Uh, do I really have to choose?
In front of that question
I’m mute as if I've eaten honey
The Korean idiom used here is "꿀 먹은 듯 벙어리," which literally translates to "a mute who has eaten honey," and is used to describe someone who typically speaks easily but has chosen not to speak in certain situations. The closest English equivalent is "has a cat got your tongue?"
Among this tricky palette of choices, I don’t know my color
This continuous dilemma ends in darkness
I need you to tell me if you feel the same
I need you to tell me
My EXP is still zero (zero)
In gaming, "EXP" stands for "experience points."
I hate unfamiliar places never ever (ever)
What should I choose, what’s good for me?
A matter with no answer
A sense of freedom lingers outside that door
(Run away!)
Ay, ay, the moment I face it
(Throw it up!)
All around me are my chasers
Be careful, it'll spread in an instant
Try choosing: believer or saver
Jaded by this endless game
Feeling a headache now
Whatever the result, I don’t care
I just wanna skip it
Pick your answer A or B
In front of a balance game with a puma
Uh, do I really have to choose?
In front of that question
I’m mute as if I've eaten honey
Among this tricky palette of choices, I don’t know my color
This continuous dilemma ends in darkness
This game of freeze tag repeats in my head
I just want an answer
At this crossroads, I’m clumsy
The odds are fifty-fifty
My choice becomes reality
Neither side I'm sure of
Close my eyes and guess it, guess it
My choices of either A or B
It might be better, but it's a hit-or-miss
As it sounds, it's not easy
What can it be? There might be no answer
Asking reveals no reasons
I speak well and make it all sound convincing
Then come and bet, if it’s life, can you?
There’s no right answer,
So why insist on a conclusion
I keep falling into this dilemma
I can’t live like this, low-key
Please stop, my mind is already overloaded
Maybe if it were me, I’d stay in the zoo
But I can’t guess back then
What were the puma’s feelings
I don’t know, just skip it
Pick your answer A or B
In front of a balance game with a puma
Uh, do I have to choose?
In front of that question
I’m mute as if I've eaten honey
Among this tricky palette of choices, I don’t know my color
This continuous dilemma ends in darkness
This game of freeze tag repeats in my head
I just want an answer
At this crossroads, I’m clumsy
The odds are fifty-fifty
My choice becomes reality
Neither side I'm sure of
Close my eyes and guess it, guess it
My choices of either A or B
It might be better, but it's a hit-or-miss
As it sounds, it's not easy
Maybe tomorrow I’ll escape reality
Still indulging in imagined doping
I don’t want to choose, I don’t care
I just wanna skip it
Pick your answer A or B
In front of a balance game with a puma
Uh, do I have to choose?
In front of that question,
I’m mute as if I've eaten honey
In this palette of tricky choices, I don’t know my color
This continuous dilemma ends in darkness
This game of freeze tag repeats in my head
I just want an answer
On this crossroads, I'm clumsy
The probability is fifty : fifty
My choice will then be reality
Either one, I’m not sure of it
Close my eyes and guess it, guess it
My choices of either A or B
It might be better, but it's a hit-or-miss
As it sounds, it's not easy
Helpful Context (Album Series Summary): Following the complexities and challenges that threatened the boys’ dreamlike world at the end of 'The Dream Chapters' and 'Minisode 1,' the 'Chaos Chapters' capture the disruption of this idyllic world as the boys confront the harsh realities and responsibilities of the world that begin to challenge their dreams and relationships. Their daily lives are thrown into turmoil, leaving them feeling frozen and overwhelmed until a transformative presence, represented as 'you,' appears before them. This series marks a transition from the nostalgic themes of earlier chapters to a deeper, more introspective examination of internal and external conflicts. Influenced by real-world events, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, the 'Chaos Chapters' reflect the broader chaos and struggles inherent in youth.
Helpful Context (Album Summary: The Chaos Chapter: FREEZE): 'The Chaos Chapter: FREEZE' portrays a world where the warmth of friendship and youthful dreams is disrupted by sudden coldness and isolation. The album delves into the emotional freeze experienced when facing the harsh realities of growing up, such as alienation, heartbreak, and confusion. It reflects TXT's efforts to navigate personal and external conflicts amidst the chaos of adolescence. The narrative conveys a sense of being stuck in time, grappling with changes and challenges. Yet, amidst this emotional coldness, the appearance of 'you,'* a special someone, symbolizes warmth and connection, offering moments of hope and resilience.
*The character of 'you' is intentionally broad, allowing for various interpretations. 'You' can be seen as a platonic figure (as depicted in the MVs), a romantic interest (which ties into the transitional chapter Minisode 2), or MOA, TXT’s fans (building on the Dream Chapters, which narrate TXT’s journey from trainees to debut). This broad interpretation of 'you' enables a wide-ranging illustration of TXT’s personal experiences as well as the experiences of youth more broadly.
Helpful Context (Album Summary: The Chaos Chapter: FIGHT OR ESCAPE): 'The Chaos Chapter: Fight or Escape' sees TOMORROW X TOGETHER build upon the narrative of 'The Chaos Chapter: FREEZE,' by delving deeper into their internal and external struggles. The album’s title reflects the crucial choices they face: whether to confront their challenges directly or seek escapism. As a repackage of 'The Chaos Chapter: FREEZE,' this edition introduces two new tracks that expand on the themes of the original album, exploring the tension between facing adversity and the allure of escape. It emphasizes their ongoing battle with fears and uncertainties, showcasing their determination to navigate obstacles and find their path forward while underscoring the value of supportive relationships. The album captures the essence of choosing between fighting against the chaos or finding solace together.
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