ON

"ON" is a powerful and multifaceted manifesto from BTS about their journey, struggles, and ultimate acceptance of their destiny as global artists. The song's core meaning revolves around the concept of confronting and embracing one's 'shadow'—a term borrowed from Jungian psychology that represents the darker, unacknowledged parts of the psyche, including fears, insecurities, and past traumas. For BTS, this shadow is intrinsically linked to the immense pressures, sacrifices, and loss of normalcy that have accompanied their success.

Rather than succumbing to this pain, "ON" is a declaration of war against it, but not through suppression. The recurring chant, "Bring the pain on," is a cathartic invitation to adversity, reframing suffering as a necessary element for growth and strength. It signifies a shift from running from their fears to facing them head-on, allowing the pain to become a part of them, their 'blood and flesh.'

The song also serves as a thematic sequel to their 2013 track "N.O," which was a rebellious anthem against societal pressures on youth. "ON," the reverse of "N.O," shows their evolution. They are no longer just rebelling against external forces; they are now confronting the internal battles that come with the path they've chosen. It's a vow to accept their predestined path, no matter the obstacles, and to 'keep going on' with unwavering resolve.

The song opens with a sense of disorientation and confusion, questioning one's location and purpose amidst global fame—be it in Seoul, New York, or Paris. This uncertainty is coupled with the growing presence of a 'shadow,' a metaphor for their past selves, fears, and the burdens that accompany their success. As the members get to their feet, they feel unsteady, a representation of the precariousness of their position. The narrative then shifts to a direct confrontation with this shadow. It's acknowledged as a part of them, and the fear it induces is palpable. Despite the trembling and the admission that not everything is okay, there's a resolution to move forward, to 'fly together with that black wind.' This marks a pivotal turn from running away to facing the fear head-on.

A central theme emerges: the necessity of embracing a certain level of insanity to remain sane in a chaotic world. The lyrics advocate for throwing oneself completely into the experience, navigating 'both worlds'—the public persona and the private self. This is a conscious decision to engage with the struggle, to descend into the 'dark abyss' willingly. The song transforms into a powerful declaration of strength with the recurring line, 'Can't hold me down 'cause you know I'm a fighter.' This isn't just a boast; it's a statement of fact forged through past hardships. The 'beautiful prison' they find themselves in is their career—a gilded cage of success that comes with immense sacrifice. Instead of seeking escape, they choose to live with it, to find and 'bleed with' their true selves within this confinement.

The chorus is a direct, defiant challenge: 'Bring it, bring the pain, oh yeah.' This is the song's core message. It's an invitation to all forms of hardship, a welcoming of adversity as a catalyst for growth. The imagery of pouring rain and a falling sky symbolizes unending challenges, a daily reality they are prepared to face. The pain is reframed not as a deterrent, but as something that will become their 'blood and flesh,' an integral part of their being that fuels their strength. They no longer fear the path because they have found their way. The small things—their breath, their light in the dark—become sources of power, the very essence of what makes them who they are. The song concludes by reiterating this unwavering resolve, a commitment to keep going on and on, continuously facing whatever comes their way, solidifying their path not as one of suffering, but of conscious, powerful endurance.

"ON" was released on February 21, 2020, as the lead single from BTS's fourth Korean-language studio album, Map of the Soul: 7. The album's concept heavily explores Jungian psychology, and "ON" serves as a climactic expression of confronting one's shadow self. The song's title was reportedly suggested by member Jungkook during a concept meeting, intended as a direct inversion of their 2013 song "N.O." This idea was then expanded upon by leader RM, who layered it with additional meanings like 'bring it on' and 'keep on,' solidifying the song's defiant theme.

The track was a collaborative effort, with songwriting credits including BTS members RM, Suga, and J-Hope, alongside Big Hit's in-house producer Pdogg and a team of international writers such as August Rigo, Melanie Fontana, Michel 'Lindgren' Schulz, and Antonina Armato. The group's label, Big Hit Entertainment, also organized a collaboration for a remix version featuring Australian singer Sia, which was included on the digital release of the album. The song's powerful, percussive sound was enhanced by the inclusion of the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music's Bruin Marching Band and a live gospel choir, which were recorded for the album version to give it a grand, anthemic feel.

"ON" is rich with symbolism, both in its lyrics and its accompanying music videos, which add layers of meaning to the song's narrative of struggle and triumph.

• The Shadow: The most prominent metaphor, drawn from Carl Jung's theories, is the 'shadow.' It represents the artists' fears, past selves, and the hidden burdens of fame. Lyrics like "With each step then again grows the shadow" and "The shadow resembles me" illustrate this inescapable part of their identity. The song is about integrating this shadow, not defeating it.
• The Beautiful Prison: This oxymoron describes their life as superstars. It is 'beautiful' due to their success and the love they receive, but a 'prison' because of the immense pressure, scrutiny, and lack of freedom. Choosing to "live with ya" in this prison is a metaphor for accepting their fate.
• War and Battlefields: The official music video opens on a war-torn landscape, symbolizing the constant internal and external battles BTS faces. This isn't a literal war but a metaphorical struggle for their identity and sanity.
• The Wall/Gate: In the music video, massive gates open for the members, reminiscent of films like The Maze Runner. This symbolizes breaking through self-imposed limitations and fears to enter a new, more accepting phase of their journey.
• The Dove: Jin is seen protecting a dove struck by an arrow, a classic symbol of peace and hope being wounded by conflict. His act of caging and protecting it, leading to its eventual revival, represents their refusal to let hope die even amidst despair.
• The Cliff (Pride Rock): The final scene of the music video, where the members ascend a cliff overlooking a new paradise, is a direct visual reference to The Lion King. This powerfully symbolizes their triumph, their acceptance of their place in the 'circle of life' of their career, and the beginning of a new chapter as self-aware rulers of their own destiny.

The emotional atmosphere of "ON" is a complex and powerful blend of defiance, triumph, and raw catharsis. It is fundamentally a song of empowerment, but it achieves this by first acknowledging deep-seated pain, fear, and struggle. The predominant tone is not one of simple happiness, but of hard-won victory. There is an undercurrent of tension and aggression, especially in the driving percussion and the forceful rap verses, which conveys the intensity of the fight they are describing.

The song creates this emotional landscape through a masterful combination of elements. The thunderous marching band drums and the soaring gospel choir create a sense of grand, epic struggle. The vocal performances are filled with raw emotion; from the desperate edge in the verses to the soaring, liberated power in the chorus. There are clear emotional shifts throughout the track. It begins with a feeling of disorientation and anxiety ("I can't understand what people are sayin'"), moves into a phase of determined confrontation ("Awkwardly I flow, I fly together with that black wind"), and finally erupts into a full-blown anthem of triumphant defiance in the chorus ("Bring the pain on"). This emotional arc mirrors the journey of facing one's fears: moving from confusion to acceptance, and ultimately, to empowerment.

"ON" was released as the lead single from BTS's critically and commercially successful album Map of the Soul: 7, marking a significant moment in their career. The song had a major cultural impact, solidifying their status as global superstars with a message that resonated deeply with millions. It debuted at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming their highest-charting single in the country at the time and their first to enter the top five.

The song's release was accompanied by two massive visual projects: the "Kinetic Manifesto Film: Come Prima" and the official music video. The Manifesto Film, featuring a large troupe of dancers and a marching band, was a powerful performance piece that immediately went viral. The official music video, released a week later, was a cinematic production filled with allegorical and pop culture references, from the Bible (Noah's Ark) to films like The Lion King, The Maze Runner, and Narnia, sparking widespread discussion and analysis among fans and critics.

"ON" represents a key part of BTS's legacy, showcasing their artistic maturity and their commitment to exploring complex psychological themes like self-love and acceptance of one's shadow. The song and its parent album were seen as a culmination of the first seven years of their career, a bold declaration of their identity and their readiness to face the future, no matter the challenges. Its global success further paved the way for non-English language music to be accepted in mainstream Western markets.

The rhyme and rhythm of "ON" are crucial to its identity as a powerful, driving anthem. The song's rhythmic structure is relentless, built upon a tempo of approximately 106 beats per minute. The foundation is a powerful, quasi-militaristic drumline, reminiscent of a marching band, which gives the song a feeling of forward momentum and unyielding progression. This percussive force directly supports the lyrical theme of perseverance and facing challenges head-on.

The lyrical rhythm varies significantly between the rap verses and the vocal sections. The rap verses, delivered by RM, Suga, and J-Hope, feature complex, syncopated flows with intricate internal and multisyllabic rhymes. This creates a sense of tension and aggression. In contrast, the pre-chorus and chorus transition to a more melodic and anthemic rhythm. The phrasing here is broader and more declarative, designed for call-and-response and mass chanting, which reinforces the song's role as a collective manifesto.

The rhyme scheme is not a simple, repeating pattern but rather a sophisticated mix of perfect rhymes, slant rhymes, and assonance, particularly within the rap verses, which is characteristic of BTS's hip-hop roots. The recurring chorus provides a strong, memorable rhythmic and lyrical hook that anchors the entire track, making the defiant message of "Bring the pain on" unforgettable.

"ON" utilizes a range of powerful musical and literary techniques to create its anthemic and confrontational atmosphere.

Musical Techniques:

• Percussive Emphasis: The song is built on a foundation of intense, driving rhythms, heavily featuring a marching band (the Blue Devils Marching Band in the Kinetic Manifesto Film). This creates a militaristic, powerful, and relentless energy that mirrors the theme of marching forward against adversity.
• Gospel Choir Vocals: The inclusion of a gospel choir in the bridge and final chorus adds a layer of raw, human emotion and grandeur. It elevates the song from a personal struggle to a universal, almost spiritual declaration of perseverance.
• Dynamic Contrast: The song shifts between the aggressive, rapid-fire rap verses of RM, Suga, and J-Hope and the soaring, melodic vocals of Jin, Jimin, V, and Jungkook in the pre-chorus and chorus. This contrast highlights the dual nature of their struggle—the fierce fight and the emotional vulnerability.
• Vocal Delivery: The vocal performance is raw and powerful, often pushed to the edge of straining, conveying a sense of catharsis and desperation turned into strength. Jungkook's ad-libs and Jimin's high notes in the final chorus are particularly notable for their emotional intensity.

Literary Techniques:

• Direct Address and Imperative Mood: The repeated line "Bring it, bring the pain, oh yeah" uses the imperative mood, creating a tone of direct, defiant challenge rather than passive suffering.
• Metaphor: The central concept of the 'shadow' is an extended metaphor for their internal struggles, derived from Jungian psychology, which provides a deep intellectual and emotional framework for the song.
• Imagery: The lyrics employ powerful imagery of falling skies and pouring rain to evoke a sense of constant, overwhelming hardship, making their defiance in the face of it even more impactful.

What is the main message of the BTS song 'ON'?

The main message of 'ON' is about bravely confronting your fears and hardships instead of running from them. It's a declaration of accepting one's 'shadow'—the painful parts of your past and personality—and using that pain as fuel to become stronger and keep moving forward.

What does the 'shadow' symbolize in BTS's 'ON'?

The 'shadow' is a concept from Jungian psychology that BTS uses to symbolize the darker, repressed parts of oneself. In 'ON', it represents their fears, insecurities, past struggles, and the negative consequences of their fame. The song is about accepting this shadow as a part of them.

How is the song 'ON' connected to BTS's earlier song 'N.O'?

The title 'ON' is a direct reversal of their 2013 song title, 'N.O.' While 'N.O' was about saying 'no' to external societal pressures, 'ON' is about turning that defiance inward and saying 'yes' or 'bring it on' to their own internal struggles and destiny. The idea was suggested by member Jungkook.

What movies are referenced in the 'ON' music video?

The official music video for 'ON' contains numerous visual references to popular films. Fans have identified strong parallels to 'The Maze Runner' (the large closing walls), 'The Lion King' (the final cliff scene), 'Narnia' (the fantastical world), and biblical stories like Noah's Ark.

Who wrote the song 'ON' by BTS?

The song was a collaborative effort. BTS members RM, Suga, and J-Hope have songwriting credits, along with their long-time producer Pdogg and a team of international songwriters including August Rigo, Melanie Fontana, and Antonina Armato.

What is the significance of the marching band in 'ON'?

The powerful sound of the marching band creates a militaristic, anthemic feeling, like a battle cry. It musically reinforces the song's lyrical themes of fighting, marching forward despite obstacles, and facing challenges with unwavering strength and determination.