Depending on how well you know the group, you may or may not know that B.A.P has always considered it of paramount importance that they use their music to express themselves, address social issues, and push the envelope on musical expression. Beginning with their socially charged debut back in 2012, they have yet to release an album that doesn't have something new for them. Here, in order of release, is a list of 21 songs, spanning the nearly 6 years of their careers, that have either thoughtful social commentary or some kind of personal meaning to B.A.P and its members. Why 21 songs? Well, because image limits are 25, I need three cover photos, and one ending pic, so 21 it is! :joy:

But anyway, without further ado, let's dive in!

:black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square: Warrior :black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square:

Watch MV Here

Release Date: January 26, 2012

Warrior is B.A.P's debut song, and though it set the stage for their careers in many ways, one of the most important things it did was establish the group's socially conscious sensibilities.

The song itself is critical of the way that society tends to force harship upon those at the bottom of the social ladder, while favoring those already in power. It demands that the listener stop living resigned to this, but to rise up and become a warrior for justice and equality.

The MV also reflects this theme, though it is easy to miss if you aren't looking for it. At the end of the first chorus, the group begins to break down, with Zelo standing behind them. As Zelo begins to wave his arms, controlling them, and they respond like automotons. They obey his movements while slumping over with no life or power of their own. The song continues on, showing how powerful and strong the group is. This continues until the end, where they all turn on their oppressor (Zelo), and strike him down. This beautifully portrays not only how powerful every person is, but what can be accomplished if we all focus that power together against oppression.

-Favorite Lyrics-

"Rest in peace. This prayer is for truth, even if in this hidden system, the black shadows cover it up."

"Have you lived in the swamp of despair? Nightmares haunt me, I am a lost compass. With the devil's lips, will you say it easily? One by one they die, everyone's breath stopped by these hell-like words."

:black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square: Unbreakable :black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square:

Watch Lyrics Video Here

Release Date: January 26, 2012

Unbreakable is the other side of the coin on their debut. While Warrior spoke to their social consciences, Unbreakable spoke to the personal, and not only has nods to their journey to debut, but also to their determination to perservere. Both rap verses mention the difficulties that they faced to achieve their eventual dream of debut, while the rest of the song is a bold declaration of defiant confidence in their future.

One thing that strikes me, looking back on this song after everything B.A.P has been through (for those that do not know, B.A.P sued their company after two and a half years, for mistreatment, slave contracts, going unpaid, and shady business dealings), is how it almost feels prophetic. B.A.P most surely worked incredibly hard to get to their debut, and probably faced a lot of skepticism from the people around them for their chosen paths, but when you look at this song in the context of their lawsuit battle, it becomes even more poignant. It's amazing how we have always, every step of the way, seen them living up to this declaration to remain strong, driven, and unbreakable, even when their lives, health, and own company tried to beat them down.

-Favorite Lyrics-

"The drooping shoulders of six guys, underneath the streetlight, were the shadows of youthful days running towards our dreams. Remember the endless sweat and memories. Our one and only story, everything."

"In the beginning, when everyone said we would fail, we clenched our jaws and sharpened our wings. Even if it was dirty and upsetting, we held it all in. We fought and won all of our self-battles. No matter what anyone says, we became one, and now we are ready to fly above the sky."

"See if you can break me. Even if you press down on us, we will get up. For the lights at the end of the darkness, we will all fly."

:black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square: What the Hell :black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square:

Watch Lyrics Video Here

Release Date: April 27, 2012

Off their second single album, a mere 3 months after their debut, What the Hell has no MV, but it really doesn't need one.

In some ways, this song almost picks up where Warrior left off, but instead of focusing on the overarching issue of the powerful staying so at the expense of the weak, it specifically addresses the subtle ways the powerful manipulate the masses, and the ways that they deflect attention from their actions.

A full 5 years after the song came out, Yongguk revealed that the inspiration for these lyrics came from the outrage he felt watching a Korean film called Silenced, based on the true story of a school for the deaf where the children had been being physically and sexually abused by the staff, and the staff, police, media, and courts had been complicit in covering it up for the sake of the rich people wanting to keep it quiet. This became the first, but definitely not the last, track in which B.A.P condemns the media, and how it is used to breed complacency in the lower classes at the whim of the highest bidder.

-Favorite Lyrics-

"Their many silences cover the truth. They wear masks of pretense, saying words of indifference that gradually leave children alone, giving them scars."

"The strength that governs the world is a problem. What the hell is the law of the jungle anyway? Why are good and evil split by money? Why are the weak killed? This is a coward's war."

"Hey can you feel this? The invisible hands that are manuvering you according to their will, hiding the truths. TV and radio are putting a blindfold on me, hiding the scandals."

:black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square: One Shot :black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square:

Watch MV Here

Release Date: February 11, 2013

Man, where to start with One Shot? This song and MV pull exactly no punches with their messages. Putting it in the simplest terms possible, One Shot is a wake up call. It unapologetically forces the listener to turn and reflect on their own life, reminding us that this is the only chance at life and youth that we have, and we musn't waste it. To be entirely honest, this song can often make me feel guilty for not trying harder when I allow myself to be lazy or accept failure, and I velieve that's the point. It spurs the listener to get up and try again with everything they have, because if not now, when?

(This section contains ALL the MV spoilers, so I would suggest watching it first via the link above, if you have time!)

The music video relates on a tangential level, focusing more on a hypothetical scenario than the whole scope of a person's personal existence. When this MV was released it made a huge splash, because the kind of violence they depicted, and the immersive storyline, were bith very rare to find in kpop MVs. The storyline follows B.A.P, who are a gang. When Youngjae is kidnapped and beaten by a rival gang, B.A.P must rob a bank truck and steal the money they need to pay the ransom. When they meet for the exchange, they hand the money over, but the rival gang shoots Youngjae anyway, and in the ensuing firefight, everyone on both sides is killed. Doesn't seem like much of a connection to the song, huh? That is when the MV rewinds itself. We go to right before Youngjae is shot, and this time it doesn't happen. Instead, the cops come running in, and it is revealed that Youngjae is actually an undercover detective, who orchestrated this elaborate ruse to catch both gangs in the act and have them all arrested. The last shot we see is Yongguk getting pulled down by the SWAT team as he tries to get to Youngjae for betraying them, but Youngjae just walks away.

The point of this music video is to build on the message of the song. The song says to embrace and live life to the fullest, and not make excuses, while the MV warns that you still have to do the right thing in the process. No matter how hard you try, if you break the law or go about it the wrong way, there are only so many possible outcomes, so you have to take that into account. If, like B.A.P, you choose a life of crime, chances are it will end up going badly, whether you are killed, arrested, or something else goes wrong.

-Favorite Lyrics-

"There’s only one chance as you walk on this dark path. Shine the light like Martin Luther King. Get your mind out of the gutter. It’s too early for failure, you’re still young."

"Shake your head and say no to being a slave to laziness. All those who don’t try, wake up right now! You want a high position by just sitting in your room? This isn’t a game, so why can’t you separate it from reality?"

"The parts of you that are hidden by fog, burn yourself with passion that’s hotter than the sun. Run and go away, don’t look back. Don’t stop, go away, don’t let yourself go."

:black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square: 0 (Zero) :black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square:

Watch Lyrics Video Here

Release Date: February 11, 2013

0 (Zero) is about origins and the folly of fame. In it, the group talks about how they know that they came from nothing, and will never forget it. They denounce idols that begin to believe that popularity makes them special, or better than others. It implies fault in the kpop industry itself, saying that the glamorous nature, the flashiness if the outfits, makeup, and image, encourage the larger than life attitude that idols develop that lead to that feeling of superiority. It says that what really raises them and other idols like them above these divas is remaining grounded in reality and hard work. They affirm that they will never forget where they came from.

-Favorite Lyrics-

"This isn’t rap but a sharp warning: It’s an organization that divides based on name value. Since when did it start to deteriorate? Idols become princes and princesses. Every time you all mistakenly think that you became something, I learn I hate you."

"The foundation and eyeliner are all lies, and my insides are dirty. When sadly singing R&B, tears flow, I can’t speak. I don’t want to see the arrogance of becoming a hollywood star. I’d rather have you curse me."

:black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square: Badman :black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square:

Watch MV Here

Release Date: August 5, 2013

Yongguk said that he wrote this song one night at home, after watching the news and seeing nothing but crime and violence reported. It condemns criminal activity, and has the group vowing to become the "badman" that will fight back in kind against immorality and violence.

The MV shows this as well, with B.A.P in the midst of a violent battle between rioters and riot police in a broken down city, with no context behind it. It leaves no indication that either side of the battle is right or justified, but shows them all devolving into chaos and brutality. Interspersed with this battle are scenes of people enjoying normal life (basketball, the kissing couple, freerunning), but they are easily overwhelmed by the sheer scope of the battle. At the end, the city in flames, B.A.P are the only ones left standing. The rioters and riot police have wiped each other out, but this isn't a victory for B.A.P either. Instead it seems to indicate that we must take action to prevent this collapse of society, before it becomes too late.

-Favorite Lyrics-

"I will overthrow everything in this crazy world. I will change it. All of you who close your eyes over money and threats, get out."

"When you see us, run away, because we will never leave you alone. I’m a Badman. I will imprison you in darkness and see you ridden with fear."

:black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square: Excuse Me :black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square:

Watch Japanese MV Here

Release Date: August 5, 2013 (Korean) / September 3, 2014 (Japanese)

This one is kind of a combination industry commentary/declaration of musical freedom/diss track. It insults the industry's tendancy to follow trends and force concepts/styles/messages on groups for the sake of cashing in on them, while at the same time it is B.A.P celebrating making their own music because it is what they want to be doing. In a way, it's almost like the other half of 0 (Zero): 0 (Zero) focused on keeping one's personal integrity, while Excuse Me focuses on keeping honesty in one's professional endeavors.

On a personal note, though I appreciate the fervor and idea behind the song, I do not 100% agree with the lyrics fully. Though I tend to think of it as criticism of those that control kpop groups with no regard for their wishes in terms of musical freedom, the problem I have is that it phrases it in a directly "you" context, that appears to be directly dissing other groups. I believe the intended interpretation is to criticise those that intentionally fake for profit, though, while simultaneously encouraging groups and artists to be themselves. In any case, the lyrics don't pull any punches with their message, and the song is a straight up bop!

The MV is great also. The Korean version was a B-side on the Badman mini album, but they translated it to Japanese and released it as the group's 4th Japanese single. The MV seems to be pretty pointless, but when you take into account the lyrics, it actually contributes to the message. See, B.A.P is in some sort of museum, or a private collection of some sorts, surrounded by wealth and oppulence. They walk around, finding the things they like the most, and then they destroy them, obviously loving every minute. This is them showing that, while they can enjoy the wealth that comes from fame, it means very little to them. They do what they want because it's what they want, not because of a reward. By showing indifference to the riches before them, they are reaffirming that it is the journey and enjoyment that matters the most.

-Favorite Lyrics-

"Excuse Me. To you, music is all business. I’m sorry but the gap is too big. I know, it's disrespect. I throw up my hands in sudden fear of your showing off. No matter what you say, I say what I want."

"For all the talkative kids, I turn off the mic. Put down the fake certificate. Your music is an error of kpop. I couldn't do your fox-like acts even if I practiced."

:black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square: With You + B.A.B.Y :black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square:

With You Lyrics Video :black_small_square: B.A.B.Y Lyrics Video

Release Date: February 3, 2014

First off, yes, this is technically two songs, and yes, it technically brings the song count up to 22, but I had already made my cover photo when I decided to combine these two, and they're basically two perspectives on the same heartwarming sentiment, so fite me. :stuck_out_tongue_closed_eyes:

For most fandoms, songs dedicated to the fans are very special. They show the connection between fandoms and our groups, and are often touching and meaningful. With B.A.P, they released both of these songs on the same album, and they cover that relationship from two different angles.

B.A.B.Y is the song dedicated to us. It is framed as a love song, and it is, in actuality, but with BABYz being the subject instead of a single love. It talks about how they grew to love us, and how happy we make them every day, everywhere they see us. It is simple, and sweet, and lovely.

If B.A.B.Y is dedicated to us, With You is B.A.P's promise to us. Though it is unknown whether it started out as a song for BABYz, that is most definitely what it has become. During B.A.P's lawsuit, this was the song that the fans latched onto to communicate our unwavering support, come whatever may, and ever since they have treated it like that was its purpose all along. It echoes many of the sentiments given in B.A.B.Y, but also adds a vow to continue to work hard for us, to stay with us as long as possible. Ask any BABY, and they will tell you that it is one of the most precious songs that we have.

-Favorite Lyrics-

"I’ll always protect you, it’s gonna be alright. Every day seems like a dream, my BABY. I only need you by my side. Just know that I’ll be there for you, aight."

"When you’re tired and suffering, I’ll hold you. If no one’s on your side, I’ll embrace you. Trust me, so we can meet in our dreams. Only look at me, I’ll love you forever."

"You protected me in this sad darkness when you smiled brightly. Because of you, I’m here. I will protect all of you. Forever with you, I'll be by your side until always."

:black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square: AM 4:44 (Yongguk Solo) :black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square:

Watch MV Here

Release Date: April 3, 2015

This one is a solo song from Yongguk. It is far more of a personal, raw, and honest track, and Yongguk released while B.A.P was in the middle of their lawsuit battle with their company, having been horribly exploited, overworked, and unpaid for years. Yongguk talks about his fears, frustrations, guilt, and anger at both TS Entertainment and the situation they were put into. He talks about how greed drove those that had control over the group, and how naive and idealistic they had all been. He also makes a lot of references to his own despair and depression, and possible suicidal thoughts at the time, speaking of how he wanted to return to the arms of his grandfather, who had died a few years back. This song worried a lot of us when it came out, but it is powerful.

The MV is beautiful in its simplicity, and the stark contrast of the unshaded silhouette on a white background highlights the honesty and confession of Yongguk's lyrics. The only other shots at all are the watch at the beginning (which is supposedly the watch his grandfather gave to him), the red, heart-shaped record (the only color in the MV, showing his continued love for music, despite where that love had led him), and half second shots of him sitting alone in the dark. This song and MV still never fail to make me tear up.

If you watch it after reading this blog, please be sure to turn on the English captions on the official MV, because the lyrics are so, so, so important. I could honestly list the entire song in the favorite lyrics section here, but I will cut it down to only a few passages.

-Favorite Lyrics-

"Values surrounded with money their crooked compass. Don’t try to defend me until the end, I'd rather disappear than become like someone like them. Respect toward my dongsaengs who thought it was happiness and ran. Back to me, above the night sky with reverence for my grandfather in my heart."

"With a glass of soju I anesthetize the sadness, but in the end it’s all one thing. I don’t even remember any more just what a dumb shit like me is. I wanted to live without an ounce of shame to my hyungs and dongsaengs, no matter what I did. The assholes who ruined this are living with their bellies full. Just as they don’t pay attention to the victim mentality they have left behind, to try to forget all the ignorant ones like empty dust."

"Just like the pills in my left hand my love has also left me. My fans hold my two hands, hold me so I won’t fall. I know I want to leave and put down the weight of reality that trapped me and just cry. I think I need it. I’m my own refuge right?"

:black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square: No Title (Zelo Solo) :black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square:

Watch Lyrics Video Here

Release Date: May 22, 2015

This is Zelo's song from their hiatus, and it is angry. Like AM 4:44, it directly adresses the group's struggles with their company, and the ensuing lawsuit, and it marks the first time Zelo really spoke out for himself. The opening and closing line, "Before the world can straighten out my character, can't I become an example," is him acknowledging that someone as young as him challenging his elders may not be proper, but he feels the need to warn others by speaking out about his situation.

Something I truly appreciate about AM 4:44 and No Title is that, though they are about the specific situation that B.A.P was in at the time, and discussing the personal feelings of the members, they really do achieve the goal that that first line in No Titile expressed: They show an unflattering and raw picture of what the kpop industry can be like. I know we all love the bright colors, happy faces, and upbeat music, but it is highly important that we remember just how wrong things can go for the idols themselves, whether they're succumbing to public pressure, trying to live up to unrealistic standards, or being exploited by their contracts. Really and truly, both of these songs encompass the personal and social messages in an almost brutal, but necessary, way.

-Favorite Lyrics-

"Cash that is secretly rotating, covering one's mouth. Wishing for the truth is my true hope. You earned dirty? Okay, so play dirty. I may not know who bought it for me, but I have become a black crow in this industry."

"In a world with no responsibility, if it's custom that's the end of it. Wanting to take off from this reality, I am already standing at the end. Even though I'm afraid, I stand up to their high browed stares."

"Is it such a discourtesy to give your trust? Why do a couple sheets of paper make you treat truth like a grave?"

:black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square: Young, Wild & Free :black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square:

Watch MV Here

Release Date: November 15, 2015

"B.A.P is Back!" That is the message that this song communicates. It was their first release after returning from their lawsuit, and it is ALL about them taking control of their lives, both personally and professionally. The lyrics focus heavily on their determination and perseverance in the face of their mistreatment, and vow that they will continue on, stronger than before.

The MV is just stellar, too. It is chock full of so much symbolism, that I wrote a very long blog detailing all of it, and was still never satisfied that I covered it all adequately. There are two main themes in the MV, that of being trapped, and that of freedom. It communicates their difficult past and blends it with a strong sense of autonomy and self-agency that is beautiful to watch. I would suggest giving my analysis blog a read if you have time, so that you can see all of what they were truing to say with it.

-Favorite Lyrics-

"I’ll do what’s most like me, you do what’s most like you. Go get’em! Things like fear, all of them get away."

"We are young, wild, and free! I know we're better together. Even if the same hardships come you can’t stop us. Even if the sun sets and the darkness comes, keep running til the end. Shout it out, young and wild and free!"

"Young, wild, and free, we have confidence. We’ll make it, this isn’t the end. You have to break the prejudice to know it. So leggo, just go as the time flows. Our youth dangerously blooming, set it on fire."

:black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square: Monologue :black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square:

Watch Lyrics Video Here

Release Date: November 15, 2015

This, right here, is my favorite intro track in all of kpop, and even beats out a lot of full-length tracks. This was the intro for the Matrix mini album, and it describes, in no uncertain terms, the hardship and struggle that B.A.P faced to get through their lawsuit. It packs beautiful, raw emotion and atmosphere into an incredibly short space, and sets the stage for their triumphant return as a unit. They also included it on the MV for Young, Wild & Free at the beginning, and it adds poignancy and gravitas to the presentation. Because it is not very long, I am just going to put the full first half of the lyrics here instead of select quotes.

-Favorite Lyrics-

"The wind wailed as if the sky was breaking apart. Amidst endless hardships and tests, the world was not as we wanted it to be, as we thought it would be. However, we held hands again, the six of us together all on both feet so no one would fall. We got ready to run once again. Young Wild and Free. In the end, the world is made up of our stories."

:black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square: Kingdom :black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square:

Watch Japanese MV Here

Release Date: March 30, 2016

Kingdom is just bombastic! It is a strong and defiant shout of independence and perseverance that B.A.P is making to the world. They talk about facing their fears and doubts and continuing to push forward. In a lot of ways, it's similar to Young, Wild & Free lyrically, but that doesn't diminish the power it presents.

This was the title track for their first full length Japanese album, and though there is a Korean version of the song, the Japanese came out first. The music video shows the group coming together and confronting the overlord of their area, ultimately intimidating him and his lackeys with their strength and taking over as masters of themselves. Though I am unsure if it is what was intended, I like to think of the overlord as TS Entertainment, and B.A.P challenging them for their freedom. In any case, very definitely worth watching!

-Favorite Lyrics-

"Power, wisdom, patience and innovation. Do you possess all these? Thou who wishes to wear the crown shall bear its burden. This is our kingdom."

"Listen, in this place that we’ve made, we’re gonna go hard. B.A.P, we make the kingdom. A place we wanted so much, a place we hoped for so earnestly, paradise. I’ll show you a new paradigm, so follow me and I'll make you high."

"Those with a crown, endure the burden, that’s right. We’re gonna change this unjust world. Don’t need this selfishness, that’s only getting worse. Everyone is a representative here, so trust me, hold my hand, and shake off the loneliness."

:black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square: Back In Time :black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square:

Watch Lyrics Video Here

Release Date: March 30, 2016

I debated whether to add Back In Time to this list or not, but while it is a love song, it also has a societal commentary rolled up in it, so I eventually decided what the heck! The lyrics describe a man that wants to adequately express his love to a woman, but finds the rise of technology and homogeneity in society are preventing him from making the type of connection and impact thathe wishes. The song expresses a desire for simplicity and natural, fluid interaction, and displays frustration at the pervasive reality of progress. In that sense, he wants to go "back in time", to when love was organic instead of digital. This makes a societal statement about the dependency on technology that we have developed, and how, even if we have the means to connect at any given moment, that connection often lacks sincerity and depth.

-Favorite Lyrics-

"On SNS you can’t become my kisser. I can feel the closeness through the screen, but I still feel that there’s a distance between us."

"Lacklustre houses on the street trippin. If you can’t see anything, then the paths we walked together will disappear like sand."

"Don’t complicate it, the love with you has an analogue flavor. Deeply & hotly, so much that it can’t be shown digitally. It can’t be conveyed through electric waves."

:black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square: Blessing (Zelo Solo) :black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square:

Watch Live Fancam Here

Release Date: Unreleased

This song has only ever been performed twice, and no studio recordings or other forms of it are available at all. It is, if possible, even more personal and heartwrenching than No Title, because Zelo lays bare all of his insecurities and guilt regarding his career and family in the lyrics. He talks about being uncertain, about how worthless he feels, about failing, and about being unhappy, but how he still feels selfish for continuing despite the hardship that it has given his mother. It is incredibly powerful and raw, and it rips my heart out every time.

-Favorite Lyrics-

"Every time, every night, you say I'm a blessing, but wait. Every time, every night, I wonder if anyone is having it as hard as I am. Why is my heart crumbling? Now that everything is falling through, why must it be me, coming all at once? You say I'm a blessing, but why?"

"That woman is unrivaled. Sadly, if my things are solved, hyung slips up again. There is a premise to the casual conversations we had recently, that is to pretend not to understand a mother's heart after her tears have dried."

"Me, who left home and seem only to be a burden, provided enjoyment through concerts. A desk is too much, and I'm packing my suitcase. Living a normal life is already wrong, and rebellion has left only scars and a lost feeling. What other words can I say? I'm a failure of a son, Mom."

:black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square: Ribbon In the Sky :black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square:

Watch Lyrics Video Here

Release Date: November 6, 2016

Another track about the media, but specifically calling out the way that the government will use the media to cover for their own failings and corruption. The title and chorus are also references to the Sewol Ferry tragedy, where yellow ribbons represent mourning and remembrance. The song is both a tribute to the lost, and also a condemnation of the government that attempted to divert attention away from it and their inadequate response to the tragedy and following investigation.

-Favorite Lyrics-

The discussion about their strength makes me mad. Replay the game. The controlled mass media is fiction that covers your eyes. Corruption and decay are options everywhere, so shut your mouth."

"Fly to the sky and don't forget. Even if you're behind the clouds, I know. Remember, oh ribbon in the sky."

:black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square: Pray (Yongguk & Zelo) :black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square:

Watch Lyrics Video Here

Release Date: November 6, 2016

This just may be my favorite B.A.P song as of now, and is rapline only. Yongguk composed and produced it, and both he and Zelo wrote the lyrics, which they said are about suicide and trying to find hope when it feels like nothing is left. It is especially powerful, as Yongguk's personal struggles with depression have hinted at suicide before, and Zelo also relates to the song in his struggles with self-confidence and inadequacy. Their delivery is absolutely top notch as well, with Yongguk sounding tired and raw, and Zelo's tone ranging from uncertainty and bitterness to anger and desperation. It brings an element of sincerity that lyrics alone cannot provide, and really drives home the personal nature of a message intended for everyone that lives with the same feelings.

-Favorite Lyrics-

"'I'm alive, but why isn't there an answer?' I'm asking this world that says it is without guilt. You know my life. I'll pray for myself, be brave for my last."

"If you want to feel my existence, say it clearly. Set your own direction, so you can escape the brutality of these nights and freely blossom like a flower. We're standing on the edge if a cliff, but we can see the light beating down on us."

"Forgive my evil sins. Do you know that, you know that? Give me courage, love, and wisdom. Please give me the light so I can breathe. Rely on something so you can live, and guide the me that is slowly turning off. Please give me the light."

:black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square: Wake Me Up :black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square:

Watch MV Here

Release Date: March 7, 2017

Wake Me Up's message is both very apparent and multi-layered. The primary and easiest to see theme is that of mental illness, and both the lyrics and the MV describe and depict the invisible struggles those that suffer face. The song came out right after Yongguk returned from a personal hiatus, having had to take time to get his anxiety and panic disorder under control, which only adds weight to this theme.

However, going farther into the lyrics and video, we also see (surprise surprise!) societal criticism. The MV spends the first 2/3 of the song focusing on people from all races and walks of life, but who share the common thread of their minds working against them. We then cut to a man standing in front of a broken car, holding a sign that says "Emotion Revolution", yelling at passerby that completely and utterly ignore him. This is critical of society, in that it highlights the way that people ignore, avoid, or outright disbelieve in mental illness. Our society is in desperate need of an "emotional revolution", where we acknowledge and help those whose minds betray them, but, like the man in the MV, the screams and anguish of those that struggle with mental illness continue to be ignored. The MV does, however, end on a hopeful note. The crowd ends up hearing what B.A.P has to say and coming together to support each other, expressing the grpup's hope that they can help bring awareness to the issue.

Another thing that I love about this song is that even the dance (you can watch the dance practice here!) is both personal and thematically relevant. Like I have mentioned, this was the first song that B.A.P released after Yongguk's return from his hiatus, and the dance shows that journey and struggle. It starts out with onlythe younger five members, with Yongguk nowhere to be seen, showing the way that the group completed Skydive promotions even though he couldn't be there. It is a full halfway through the song before Yongguk comes in, walking from the back at the beginning od his verse, while everyone else stops dancing and lets him come through. When his verse ends, he integrates seamlessly with the dance, as if he had always been there, showing how he was both welcomed back by the group and belongs there. However, by the last chorus, he is in the back, standing with his back turned, then completely blocked from view by the rest of the group when he resumes dancing. This symbolizes that his illnesses are not ones to be easily eliminated, and are still a part of him, but at the very end of the song, the group stops, walks back, and stands beside him, showing their unwavering support for their leader. It is truly beautiful.

-Favorite Lyrics-

"Get a grip on your mind, the illusion that has swallowed you. In this gray colored city, the hazy air and cold temperature infects the rotten brain and spine."

"The answer that the world wants is blind to its desperation. Having a voice, spreading myself out. Even if I get delayed, keep walking. In that reality, the benefits are like butter. Yeah, wake me up, and spread them with the new me."

:black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square: Dystopia :black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square:

Watch Lyrics Video Here

Release Date: March 7, 2017

I adore this song. Not only is it a full-blown, headbanging, distorted guitars rock song, but it may be the only kpop song I know of with a main theme of calling out privilege. The lyrics call for those that live comfortable lives to look outside themselves, to realize that their little personal bubble of utopia is a facade. It tells them to wake up, shed that comfortable illusion, and see the true dystopic face of the world. It says we must realize that life for the less fortunate still exists and must be addressed, not ignored.

-Favorite Lyrics-

"In front of the faded line, stop right there. Look at this stained illusion, everything has broken down. There's no utopia, that's just an escape. Now wake up, wake up, wake up."

"The truth isn't the truth, and everything you knew is a lie. In this place where reality crumbles, the only idea left is a place of gamble, with the name of justice."

"Change everything. What's real has darkness."

:black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square: Yamazaki (Yongguk Solo) :black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square:

Watch MV Here

Release Date:

Yamazaki is Yongguk's solo song from this summer, and it has a lot of lyrical content to unpack. At it's core, it is a metaphor, linking harsh reality/truth to Yongguk's dedication to spreading that message, and comparing it/himself to the harshness of whiskey. It's about standing up and fighting against those that benefit from injustice and the lack of balance across both generational and social status lines, as well as tradition for tradition's sake. In the context of the song, the challenge itself is given physical form. It IS Yamazaki. There are a lot of difficult to translate bits in the lyrics for this song, so the passages I am going to add are missing much of the nuance. If you would like my full analysis of both the song and MV, you can read it here.

-Favorite Lyrics-

"For the fear of the old bastards, I/we take a shot. There, voice goes up! The wicked worldwide walk. The challenge you guys can’t do, even if you came back from death. We’re still young. Every night, pour alcohol in."

"To the soul that has become dark red because of the devils that have stuck on: Draw the curtain and hide, look at another me. The sense and realization that have nearly fully burned. Don’t fool around with evil."

:black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square: Honeymoon :black_small_square: :black_small_square: :black_small_square:

Watch MV Here

Release Date: September 4. 2017

Honeymoon is truly beautiful, and another song that works with the MV to build one whole. The lyrics are self-empowering, encouraging one to accept the negatives that they cannot change and to instead focus on what makes life worth living. It uses the term "Honeymoon" to convey this, referring to the "honeymoon" stage of a relationship or interest, where you overlook minor flaws and enjoy it for all it is worth.

The MV plays into this by depicting a breathtakingly beautiful landscape, but showing in each scene an obstacle. As the MV progresses, we see B.A.P moving past and/or escaping these obstacles while singing about how beautiful life is. In Yongguk's rap he even possibly alludes to the group itself, saying that despite what they've faced, they're free.

-Favorite Lyrics-

"I feel good, it is true, life is colorful. With your own light, paint the world."

"Same shit, different day. The origin of the word 'reality', if you can't change it, just dance."

"We're beautiful. I know you hate it, but I'm freer than I've ever been."

That's it folks! I know it was quite a hefty read and it took me hours upon hours upon hours to type, but if you took the time to read it all, thank you so much! Hopefully this has helped provide a deeper look into B.A.P for you. And remember, it is always worth it to

~EDIT~

Thank you so much to the Amino team for the feature. It means a lot to me! I also am having issues with commenting on here since I updated my app, and every action I try to take involving comments takes about 20 seconds to actually register. I replied to some of the earlier comments, but it is taking huge amounts of time just to read and like things, so even if I don't respond, know that I am seeing and appreciating all the wonderful things you all have to say abouy B.A.P and my blog. Thank you everyone. :two_hearts: :two_hearts: :two_hearts:

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