Black Swan: BTS’s Artistic Exploration of Passion and Numbness
Published February 14, 2025
We talk about BTS a lot—chart-topping records, sold-out stadiums, and industry impact. But sometimes, the conversation strays too much toward commercial success rather than what truly matters: their art. Their music isn’t just entertainment; it’s a reflection of human struggles, emotions, and the things we rarely discuss openly.
Let’s take a deep dive into Black Swan, a BTS masterpiece that remains one of their most haunting and introspective works.
The Inspiration: Martha Graham’s Words of Wisdom
Black Swan takes inspiration from Martha Graham, one of the most influential choreographers in history.
She famously said, “A dancer dies twice—once when they stop dancing, and the first death is the most painful.” This idea of losing passion, of feeling detached from one’s craft, became the foundation of the song. But BTS didn’t stop at this thought; they took it further, transforming it into a deep exploration of emotional numbness and artistic burnout.
If you’re a Jimin bias (or just appreciate his dance style), I highly recommend looking into Martha Graham’s work. Her foundational techniques, especially contraction and expansion, play a huge role in the way Jimin moves. Studying her approach can give you a whole new level of appreciation for his performances.
Losing Passion: When the Dream Becomes a Routine
BTS wrote Black Swan during a time when they felt like they were losing their passion for music. On the surface, they had everything—global recognition, packed arenas, countless awards. But success also brought overwhelming pressure, expectations, and, eventually, numbness.
One of the song’s most powerful lines is: “If this no longer resonates with me…”
The word used in Korean, ullida, has a double meaning: “to resonate” and “to cause pain.” This small linguistic detail deepens the meaning of the song—does music no longer make their hearts race, or does it no longer even have the power to make them feel anything at all?
Suga’s opening verse is another critical moment: “My heart isn’t beating anymore.”
But what’s interesting is that in Korean, the phrasing suggests that someone had to tell him this—he didn’t even realize it himself. It’s a chilling realization: what happens when you’ve been so consumed by routine that you don’t even notice you’ve lost yourself?
The Sound of Descent
The structure of Black Swan reflects its themes. Instead of following a standard pop format, the song builds in layers, using vocal harmonies, synths, bass, and distortion to create an overwhelming atmosphere. The more the song progresses, the more distant it sounds. Even the rap line, which usually features raw and powerful delivery, is distorted to sound robotic—especially in the confrontation between Suga and J-Hope. This shift mirrors their emotional state, sinking deeper into numbness as the song continues.
One of the most repeated lines is: “Do your thing, do your thing with me now.”
This could be interpreted as them surrendering to their circumstances, no longer caring what happens to them. It’s not just about music—it’s about a complete loss of self.
The Bigger Picture: Beyond Music
While Black Swan is deeply personal to BTS, it also speaks to universal experiences. It’s about the way passion fades—not just for music but for anything we once loved. It applies to relationships, careers, and even our dreams.
How many times have we felt stuck in a routine? When something that once excited us now feels like an obligation? Maybe it’s a job we once loved but now dread. Maybe it’s a relationship that used to be filled with love but has now become stagnant. The tragedy of Black Swan isn’t just that BTS lost their passion—it’s that we’ve all been there in some way.
And yet, Black Swan doesn’t end in despair. It’s a reflection, but also a reminder. Passion can be rekindled, but first, we have to acknowledge that we’ve lost it.
Reflecting on Black Swan: Beyond Success and Into Art
BTS is often discussed in terms of commercial success, but their music deserves deeper exploration. Black Swan isn’t just a song; it’s an artistic statement about the highs and lows of pursuing a dream. It forces us to confront our own relationship with passion, routine, and self-worth.
So, the next time you listen to Black Swan, take a moment to reflect—on the song, on BTS’s journey, and maybe even on your own.
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