International Music Day🎼
International Music Day is celebrated annually on October 1. It was first established by the International Music Council in 1975 to honor musicians and musical styles worldwide.
“The intention of this day is to encourage:
- the promotion of our musical art among all sections of society;
- the application of the UNESCO ideals of peace and friendship between peoples, of the evolution of their cultures, of the exchange of experience and of the mutual appreciation of their aesthetic values;
- the promotion of the activities of the International Music Council, its international member organizations end (sic) national committees, as well as its programme policy in general.”
This year, I thought I would discuss my newly purchased book ‘BTS Lyrics Inside’.[1] The book was first published in 2022 in Korea, and completely sold out, so it is being re-published. If anyone has a first edition, please let me know if there are any differences. I note also that a second volume will be issued in March, 2027 (yes, I have preordered it).[2]
What that means is that this book of selected songs will not include any discussion from their new (2026) album.
It provides lyrics and comments from the members, on ten selected songs, as follows:
Boy With Luv (feat. Halsey), ON, Life Goes On, IDOL, FIRE, Magic Shop, We Are Bulletproof: the Eternal, Mikrokosmos, Spring Day, and Yet to Come.
The songs are split into 4 sections with Boy With Luv, ON, and Life Goes On in the Opening Section. Dance includes IDOL and FIRE. Obviously, knowing BTS, there is a section FOR ARMY, which includes discussions on Magic Shop and We Are Bulletproof: the Eternal. The Closing includes the final three songs: Mikrokosmos, Spring Day, and Yet To Come.
Below, I’ve shared an example from Spring Day.[3]
“봄날 (Spring Day) is a song that lets you feel our heartwarming sentiments, and it’s personally more meaningful to me as I sing the last part when we perform it on the stage. I hope that listening to this song will help you realize that you are that person by someone’s side and that you being there for them gives them comfort and enables them to feel happy.”
I really enjoyed reading the member’s remarks and seeing some of the old photographs. My only criticism is the fonts used are really small and don’t contrast well with some of the background colours. It makes it difficult to read for anyone with visual impairments. While I get the use of blank space, it would be better, IMO, if the fonts were a bit larger. Still, I’m looking forward to Volume 2.
The book provides lyrics in Hangeul, romanization and English, and explanation of the choice of some words or rhyming, and quotes by members about each of the songs. The book also helps English readers by providing an introductory section on Hangeul and the Pronunciation of the Korean Language, as well the Pronunciation and Grammar of the Korean Lyrics in BTS Songs. It is full of wonderful anecdotes and photos - and will be a treasured part of my collection about BTS!
For a discussion about the lyrics for the new Arirang album, I suggest the following video, where Kim Namjoon (RM) gives background about the tracks: RM Weverse Live After Las Vegas Concert | ARIRANG Full Breakdown (Translation & Reaction) by Hybe Boy.
Have a great International Music Day! 💜
[1] Bighit Music Co., Ltd. (2026) BTS Lyrics Inside. Running Press. ISBNs: 979-8-89414-433-7
[2] BTS Lyrics Inside Volume 2 - will cover the following songs: I NEED U, RUN, EPILOGUE: Young Forever, 2! 3!, MIC Drop, FAKE LOVE, UGH! (욱), 00:00 (Zero O'Clock), Run BTS, and For Youth. I plan to write another blog about this volume after I receive it in the spring. 00:00 Zero O’Clock was one of the surprise songs during the Arirang concert in Toronto - Day 2, that I attended, so it has become extra special to me.
[3] I chose Spring Day as the example, because I had studied to memorize the Korean lyrics prior to the concert in Toronto this past August. It was supposed to be sung as part of a fan-chant.
