"Moving On"

We all know that in BTS’ discography there’s nothing short of a masterpiece. Whether the lyrics are in Korean, Japanese, or English, they always hit the nail in the head.

Their songs are catchy, not just in the sense of staying in your head for hours on end, but also in a way that clings onto you—sometimes because it makes you happy, other times it brings you memories, and at times they help you overcome the hardships of day to day life.

“Moving on” is one of the latter for me. I can’t label this track as my favourite BTS song—because really, who can choose one?—but I can categorise it as one of the pieces that help me overcome hard times and negative feelings.

The song is a review of their hardships and feelings as they move onto a new chapter. It has a laid-back vibe—soothing bass and guitar music that contrast with the raspy voices of the three rappers and blends perfectly with the sound of the four singers during the chorus. At the end, RM gives his band members and life partners a few words of encouragement, reassuring that moving on is part of life and, although scary, they are together whatever the circumstances—and that’s what matters the most.

Hearing them sing about their experiences, about how it feels to overcome the obstacles that life throws your way by fighting tirelessly for your dreams brings my soul a sense of ease and calmness. Although, of course, sometimes you can feel tired and fall, but always getting back up and running again after.

While the rap line seems to transmit the turbulence of thinking about the past, the singers answer with soothing voices and reassuring lyrics. For me, it's like listening to some members talking about their struggles, while the others are there to support and comfort them.

Even though the whole song—specially the chorus—is very meaningful and tranquilizing, it’s RM’s line “Let’s not forget these things, but put them aside,” the one that brings me peace the most.

Such a simple, but wise advice: these things that happened, good and bad, are part of us—we shouldn’t let them go, just store them on the side. These words have become essential for me, helping me pack up the experiences that make me me, store them as what they are—a small piece of my being—and keep on running towards whatever expects me next.

Recieving the controversial news of their hiatus—the members mentioned having "off time", HYBE says it's not hiatus... as one of my favourite ARMYs on TikTok (@i_have_no_think_) said, let's call it a "sabbatical"—was a big shock for, if not all, of ARMY. Seeing some of the members cry over fear of disappointing us fans was heartbreaking and painful.

But then I remembered, after grieving for a day or two, that BTS is following their own advice—and for that I am immensely proud and happy. Lyrics like the ones in "Moving On" or "Paradise" remind us that it's okay to take a break, to stay healthy so you can continue being happy. BTS is only packing up all those (heavy) experiences that are part of them, and putting them aside, so they can continue running after taking a breather.

Isn't seeing your idols following their own advice, the words that helped so many, rewarding and comforting? Considering everything BTS told ARMY during their 2022 Festa Dinner, I am excited for what's yet to come.

What do you think of the news? Were you surprised about their decision? If you also have a song that you use for comfort, feel free to share it!