Butter

"Butter" is a celebratory and lighthearted song that revels in the confidence, charisma, and global superstar status of BTS. The central theme is one of effortless charm and the ability to captivate an audience, summed up by the core metaphor 'Smooth like butter'. The lyrics are a playful boast about their magnetic appeal, portraying the members as so charming and charismatic that they can 'melt your heart into two'. According to member Jimin, the song was intentionally created to be 'easy listening' without a 'heavy or profound message', aiming to be a 'cute song, sort of a confession' of their captivating power. The song is a cheeky admission of their position at the pinnacle of global pop, relishing the view from the top with no intention of stopping. It's designed to be a fun, summer anthem that brings joy and positive energy to listeners, especially during challenging times like the pandemic. The lyrics also serve as an ode to their dedicated fanbase, known as ARMY, with a direct shout-out acknowledging their loyal support as a source of the group's strength.

The song unfolds as a confident and playful declaration of irresistible charm. The narrator, with a smooth and captivating presence, compares themselves to butter, effortlessly melting into people's hearts. They liken their heart-stealing abilities to that of a 'criminal undercover,' suggesting a slick and stealthy operation of winning affection. This charm is presented as natural and innate, a quality inherited and owned with a cool, stunning demeanor. They acknowledge the powerful effect they have on others, making them sweat with excitement as if it were a hot summer day.

The chorus is an invitation to join in this vibrant energy, a call to dance along to their beat with simple, rhythmic side steps. The feeling is one of elevation and euphoria, being 'high like the moon' and rocking together. There's a promise of genuine heat and excitement, a reassurance that their captivating presence is real and not just empty words. The invitation to 'get it, let it roll' is a carefree encouragement to embrace the moment and enjoy the infectious groove.

Further verses reinforce this theme of unmatched charisma. The narrator asserts that no one else can sweep someone off their feet in the same way. They reference iconic figures of suave performance, suggesting that their own appeal is so potent it needs no external validation. The lyrics also contain a direct address to their dedicated fanbase, acknowledging their unwavering support as a source of strength and a key element of their power. This shout-out solidifies the bond between the artist and their followers, making them a part of this confident assertion of global stardom.

Throughout the song, there's a recurring motif of a 'superstar glow,' an inner radiance that is undeniably attractive. The narrator knows their own worth and the effect they have, confidently stating they can melt hearts in two. The track culminates in a final, energetic breakdown, a last call to let loose and move to the music, solidifying its status as an anthem of pure, unadulterated joy and self-assured charisma.

"Butter" was released on May 21, 2021, as BTS's second English-language single, following the massive success of "Dynamite". The song was written and produced by a team including Rob Grimaldi, Stephen Kirk, Ron Perry, Jenna Andrews, Alex Bilowitz, Sebastian Garcia, and BTS's own member, RM, who contributed significantly to the rap verses to better fit the group's style. According to co-writer Jenna Andrews, the creation process was intensive, involving around 50 rewrites to perfect the track. The initial idea came from a hook and melody sent by Rob Grimaldi. Ron Perry, the chairman of Columbia Records, suggested a Michael Jackson "Smooth Criminal" concept, which led to the iconic opening line being freestyled by Andrews. RM revealed that the group received the demo when it was already quite complete and felt it was a perfect choice among many they considered. The band hadn't initially planned to release another single, but the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and their inability to tour prompted them to share a fun summer song with their fans. The recording took place at Dogg Bounce in Seoul and Larry and George in New York.

"Butter" is characterized by a strong, danceable rhythm and a cleverly constructed rhyme scheme that contributes to its overall catchiness. The song is set in common time (4/4) with a tempo of 110 beats per minute, creating a steady, head-bopping groove that's perfect for its dance-pop genre. The rhythm is driven by a prominent, funky bassline and a chugging beat that propels the song forward with infectious energy. This creates a rhythmic foundation that is both easy to follow and engaging, encouraging listeners to dance along as instructed by the lyrics, 'Side step, right, left to my beat'.

The rhyme scheme in "Butter" is expertly crafted to be memorable and smooth. It utilizes a combination of techniques, including:

• End-of-line rhymes: The lyrics feature clear rhyming couplets and patterns that make the verses flow seamlessly (e.g., 'undercover' / 'mother', 'trouble' / 'bubble').
• Internal rhymes: The writers also use rhymes within lines to add complexity and rhythm to the lyrics (e.g., 'Cool shade stunner / Yeah, I owe it all to my mother').
• Alliteration and Assonance: The repetition of consonant and vowel sounds adds to the song's sonic appeal, making the lyrics more pleasing to the ear and easier to sing along to.

"Butter" employs a variety of musical and literary techniques to create its infectious and charismatic feel.

Musical Techniques:

• Retro Sound: The track is heavily influenced by 80s and 90s pop and funk, featuring a groovy, rubbery bassline, crisp synth sounds, and a driving beat that evokes a sense of nostalgia.
• Dynamic Instrumental Arrangement: The song builds dynamically, starting with a funky backbone and gradually adding layers of synths that explode in the chorus. It features a euphoric, brass-kissed breakdown and an exhilarating guitar riff in the final section.
• Vocal Delivery: The vocal performance is a key element, showcasing the unique timbres of each member. The arrangement is described as brilliant, with clear vocals and a mix of high registers, smooth singing, and witty, old-school-style rap verses that are perfectly attuned to the song's flow. The use of ad-libbed freestyle dances in the music video's elevator scenes also adds a layer of spontaneous charm.

Literary Techniques:

• Metaphor and Simile: The song is built around the central simile 'Smooth like butter' and the metaphor of being a 'criminal undercover' stealing hearts. Other examples include 'Hot like summer' to describe their appeal.
• Allusion: There are direct and indirect allusions to pop culture icons like Michael Jackson ('Smooth Criminal', 'Rock with You') and Usher ('U Got It Bad'), which ground the song in a larger pop music tradition.
• Repetition: The recurring phrase 'Smooth like butter' and the 'Side step, right, left to my beat' chorus line act as memorable hooks, reinforcing the song's central themes and making it incredibly catchy.
• Call and Response: The song features engaging call and response elements between the lead vocals and shouted background vocals, which enhances its energetic and participatory feel.

"Butter" had a monumental cultural impact upon its release, solidifying BTS's position as global pop superstars. The song was a massive commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and remaining there for multiple weeks. This achievement made BTS the fastest act to accumulate four number-one singles in the US since Justin Timberlake (2006-2007) and the first group to do so since the Jackson 5 in 1970. The song broke numerous streaming and viewing records. Its music video became the biggest premiere in YouTube history, achieving over 3.9 million concurrent viewers and garnering 108.2 million views in its first 24 hours, surpassing the record previously held by their own song, "Dynamite". On Spotify, it set the record for the biggest single-day streams with 20.9 million. "Butter" topped charts in numerous countries worldwide, including Japan, South Korea, India, and Mexico, as well as Billboard's Global 200 chart. The song's success was seen as a significant moment in the continuing global expansion of the Hallyu (Korean Wave). A popular remix featuring American rapper Megan Thee Stallion was also released, further extending its reach and cultural relevance. The song's upbeat and positive message was widely embraced as a source of joy during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its catchiness and classic summer vibe.

The lyrics of "Butter" are rich with playful symbolism and cultural references that enhance its themes of charm and confidence.

• Butter Metaphor: The central metaphor of the song is being 'smooth like butter'. This imagery conveys effortless charm, a smooth and easy way of captivating people and 'melting' their hearts. It represents their polished performance and magnetic personalities.
• Criminal Undercover: The line 'Like a criminal undercover' is a playful metaphor for their ability to steal hearts stealthily and effectively. It's a nod to Michael Jackson's 1988 hit "Smooth Criminal," framing their charm as a smooth, unstoppable operation.
• Pop Culture Homages: The song intentionally includes references to pop music icons to appeal to a wide audience. Besides the Michael Jackson nod, there's a direct reference to Usher with the line, "Don't need no Usher / To remind me you got it bad," cleverly playing on Usher's song titles. These references pay homage to artists who have influenced them while also positioning BTS within the same lineage of pop royalty.
• Superstar Glow: This recurring image symbolizes their star power and inner confidence. It's a visual metaphor for their charisma that is so bright and powerful it can't be ignored.
• ARMY Tribute: The direct mention of their fanbase, "Got ARMY right behind us when we say so," and the act of spelling out 'ARMY' in the music video, is a significant symbol of the symbiotic relationship between BTS and their fans. It represents their acknowledgment that their global power is fortified by their fans' unwavering support.

"Butter" is built around several key recurring phrases and motifs that anchor its meaning and make it exceptionally memorable.

• 'Smooth like butter': This is the song's central and most iconic phrase, appearing in the opening line and repeated throughout. It functions as a powerful simile that encapsulates the song's entire theme of effortless charm, slick confidence, and irresistible appeal. Its repetition turns it into a confident mantra of self-affirmation.
• 'Criminal undercover': This phrase, often paired with the 'butter' motif, playfully frames their charm as a stealthy, effective mission to steal hearts. It's a recurring image that adds a layer of suave mystique.
• 'Side step, right, left to my beat': This lyrical hook in the chorus is a direct, recurring instruction to the listener, reinforcing the song's identity as a dance track. It's a simple, memorable call to action that makes the song feel interactive and participatory.
• 'Get it, let it roll': This recurring phrase acts as an energetic ad-lib and a carefree exclamation. It enhances the song's joyful and spontaneous atmosphere, encouraging listeners to let loose and enjoy the moment.
• 'Superstar glow': The motif of having a 'superstar glow' appears in the pre-chorus, symbolizing the innate star quality and powerful charisma that the members exude. It's a recurring visual idea that reinforces their status as global icons.