March

March serves as a thematic centerpiece for SEVENTEEN's album Face the Sun, representing the band's unyielding ambition and their willingness to confront challenges head-on. The song acts as a sonic metaphor for their career trajectory—a relentless journey forward despite obstacles.

At its core, the song explores the theme of passionate determination. The "Sun" in the album's concept represents ultimate success, power, and fears; "March" is the active pursuit of that sun. By adopting the persona of a cowboy, the group symbolizes freedom, grit, and the willingness to explore uncharted territory. The lyrics suggest that they are fully aware of the "heat" (pressure and scrutiny) that comes with their ambition, yet they choose to run directly into it rather than retreat.

Furthermore, the song touches on the idea of collective unity. A "march" implies a group moving together in rhythm. This reflects SEVENTEEN's identity as a large, synchronized group (13 members) moving as one entity toward a shared goal. The dismissal of naysayers in the lyrics signifies their confidence in their own path, regardless of external judgment.

The narrative begins with a bold declaration of arrival, setting a scene of intense heat and unyielding momentum. The protagonist introduces themselves with the persona of a "cowboy," a figure symbolizing rugged individualism and the spirit of a pioneer. There is an immediate rejection of hesitation; the lyrics describe a physical and mental state where the heart races in sync with a driving rhythm, and the body moves instinctively forward without looking back.

As the song progresses, the imagery focuses on the concept of the "march." This is not a somber procession but a fiery, energetic advance. The protagonist speaks of running on a burning road, ignoring the exhaustion or the stifling atmosphere. They acknowledge the mockery or doubt of others—likening it to laughter directed at them—but dismiss it entirely. Instead of being deterred, they embrace the heat and the intensity, determined to swallow the "sun" (symbolizing their massive ambition) regardless of the consequences.

The climax of the narrative reinforces this unwavering commitment to the path. The lyrics paint a picture of marching in unison, feet stomping on the ground to wake up the world. There is a sense of inevitable destiny; they are running toward a future that they are actively shaping with their own fervor. The song concludes on a note of perpetual motion, emphasizing that this journey has no pause, fueled by an internal fire that burns as brightly as the sun they chase.

March was released on May 27, 2022, as the fourth track on SEVENTEEN's fourth studio album, Face the Sun. The song was primarily written and composed by the group's vocal team leader and main producer, WOOZI, along with their long-time collaborator BUMZU. Member Vernon also contributed to the lyrics, adding his distinct stylistic flair. The track was arranged by BUMZU and Park Ki-tae.

The creation of Face the Sun marked a turning point for the group, as they aimed to shed their softer, "freshteen" image for something more mature, candid, and intense. WOOZI sought to incorporate stronger rock elements into the album to match this thematic shift. "March" was crafted to embody the energy of the album's narrative arc—specifically the phase of actively running toward one's fears and ambitions. The track quickly became a staple in their "Be The Sun" world tour, utilized to keep the energy high during the concert setlists.

The song is set in a driving 4/4 time signature with a fast tempo that encourages movement. The rhythmic structure is rigid and propulsive, mirroring the title "March." The drum kit emphasizes the downbeat, grounding the song in a heavy rock groove.

Lyrically, the song employs a mix of end rhymes and internal rhymes, particularly in the rap verses delivered by the hip-hop unit members. The phrasing is short and staccato in the verses to build tension, which releases into longer, more melodic, yet powerful phrases in the chorus. The interplay between the rhythmic guitar riffs and the syllabic rhythm of the Korean lyrics creates a percussive effect that propels the listener forward.

Musically, "March" is defined by its rock-heavy arrangement. It utilizes distorted electric guitars and a driving, punchy drum beat to create a sense of urgency and power. The genre leans towards alternative rock or synth-rock, diverging from the group's funk-pop roots.

Vocal Delivery: The members employ a more aggressive and gritty vocal style compared to their ballads. The chorus features gang vocals (group chanting), which enhances the anthemic feel and mimics the sound of a large group marching together.

Literary Devices: The lyrics use imperative verbs ("Run," "March") to create a commanding tone. There is also a strong use of repetition in the hooks to simulate the rhythmic footsteps of a march. The lyrics frequently switch between Korean and English, broadening the song's appeal and adding a modern, global texture to the "cowboy" aesthetic.

While "March" was not the title track (that was "HOT"), it holds a significant place in the Face the Sun era as a fan favorite due to its high energy. It played a crucial role in the setlist for the "Be The Sun" World Tour, often used as an opening or high-point track to hype up the crowd. The song contributes to the "Rock SEVENTEEN" sub-genre that fans (CARATs) highly appreciate, showcasing the group's versatility beyond pop and dance music. It reinforces SEVENTEEN's reputation as "performance kings" capable of tackling aggressive musical styles.

The lyrics of "March" rely heavily on kinetic and thermal imagery to convey their message:

• The Cowboy: Used as a metaphor for a free spirit and a pioneer. Unlike a soldier who marches under orders, a cowboy in this context rides freely across the plains, symbolizing the group's autonomy in the music industry.
• The Sun and Heat: Recurring motifs in the album. The "burning" road and the "hot" atmosphere symbolize the intense passion required to succeed, as well as the inherent dangers and pressures of stardom.
• The March: A symbol of organized, rhythmic, and unstoppable progress. It represents the group's synchronized movement toward their goals.
• Running/Racing: Represents the urgency of their ambition. They aren't walking; they are sprinting, suggesting that time is of the essence and their desire is overwhelming.

The most significant recurring motif is the word "March" and the associated command to "Run." These are repeated throughout the chorus, acting as a mantra for endurance. The phrase "Da-da-da" or similar rhythmic vocalizations are used to mimic the sound of running or gunfire (fitting the cowboy theme) and to create an earworm hook.

Another motif is the reference to the "Sun" or "Fire," tying this track to the broader conceptual framework of the album. The repetition of these high-energy words ensures that the intensity of the song never dips, maintaining a constant level of adrenaline.