Analysis of Stay Alive
After weeks of teasing, we finally have the full-length version of Stay Alive, Jungkook, and SUGA’s dramatic new song for the “7FATES: CHAKHO” soundtrack. Just as we expected, the song didn't disappoint with its vibrant, futuristic beat and Jungkook’s incredible vocal range. Let’s take a closer look at the lyrics and the promotion MV that goes with them.
Lyrics and the shadow connection
The beautiful and dramatic lyrics of Stay Alive have a dark but hopeful theme. Right from the start, Jungkook asks himself, “When did things start to go wrong?” As he looks around the dark and small room, he admits that he can’t remember. He wonders if he’s strange, as he stares at the blood-stained room he’s hiding in. “Please, somebody save me,” he begs. But soon he is singing of miracles, at first saying there are none to be found, and then realizing, “those few words” came like a miracle.
Soon, Jungkook (as the character Zeha), is singing to his friends, thanking them for their “salvation that saved a wearied me,” and also reminding them that he will continue to be by their side. According to HYBE, the lyrics are a “nod to the characters in the story as they try to survive in a vicious world,” a world that portrays the confrontations between the humans and the Beom.
Perhaps in recognition of Carl Jung’s work, the lyrics continue with, “The shadow is growing bigger, but it’s okay because you are my big light.” Jung’s work, famously studied by RM and others in BTS, includes the phrase, “The brighter the light, the darker the shadow.” As one of the main archetypes for our human psyche, the shadow represents the darkest part of our personality (desires, weaknesses, etc). As we progress through our lives, the shadow and the light begin to work together to formulate balance, a concept that is tackled in Interlude: Shadow.
As explained by SUGA at the BTS Global Press Conference for MOTS: 7, “It’s not the matter of facing your shadows and trying to fight it and win, but rather just acknowledging that it exists and accepting that it is a part of oneself. You can become more comfortable just by accepting this. The shadow may grow bigger and smaller at times, but ultimately it is something that will always be attached to you. You will be able to live comfortably just by acknowledging its presence. So it takes great courage to accept and understand that it will always be there. It is through this process that we are able to grow as humans.”
The song ends similarly to how it began, with Jungkook saying he doesn’t know if the nightmare will ever end, but that his friends will “raise me up every day,” and continue to be the miracle he needs.
Stay Alive (Prod. SUGA of BTS) Promotion Video
In just a couple of months, we have been showered with videos about "7FATES: CHAKHO" on the official YouTube Channel. The new promotional video for Stay Alive accompanies the Official Story Film (full version) to give us an immersive look into the fictional world. Though there is no new footage in the promotional MV, it combines scenes from the Official Story Film with a few from the webtoon itself.
Beginning with Cein, we watch as each character has his moment on screen in a scene that matches the teaser images posted on Twitter in early January. The MV culminates in Zeha turning to not only face the shadow, but to embrace it. Is he coming to terms with both sides of himself? Will he realize how to use his Beom half for good?
By the end of the MV, the seven boys are walking together down the street, seemingly ready to rid the world of the Beom. In a twist, though, it seems the Beom won’t go down that easily as it shows up one last time, its yellow eyes glowing. Look closely and you can spot the silhouette of Zeha, ARMY’s favorite half-human, half-tiger.
So what did you think of the song and video, ARMY? Gorgeous, isn’t it? We will see you next time. Until then, stream Stay Alive on your favorite platform.
Written by: Marcie Bridges
Edited by: Lisa K
Designed by: Lily
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