BTS’s ‘Arirang’ Decoded: The Meaning Behind the Songs
“Arirang is a traditional Korean folk song renowned both in Korea and around the world. Transcending time and generations, the song has long been associated with emotions of connection, distance, and reunion.” - BigHit Music
The song is associated with Korean identity despite political division. Since all of BTS are Korean, they wanted to use this to reflect their identity. This album encapsulates the identity of BTS and the universality of the emotions they encounter. It symbolically reflects the group’s roots and the present-day sentiments felt by the band in 2026. Arirang is a reflection on the culmination of BTS’s journey as artists, channeling their experiences into the tracks. They hope that the album will resonate across generations and cultures, shaping an enduring legacy grounded in shared emotion.
At first, I was utterly APPALLED at what the iconic BTS had put out.. so much that I gave it a 3/10 (I blame it on my half-awake self listening to it at 3 in the morning). But after seeing them perform the songs live—without all the auto-tune and post-production editing, with captivating dance moves and stage expressions—I started to warm up to it. What really made me like this album was watching/listening to them talk about the meaning behind the songs in their Studio Notes. I discovered a newfound appreciation for all the thought and efforts they put into the album.
For those who are still a little apprehensive or on-the-fence about this album, I hope that this breakdown will help you better appreciate the album as well.
Track #1: Body to Body
Returning to our roots.
“I need the whole stadium to jump.”
The opening track speaks about experiencing the closeness of a live performance. Sampling the traditional Korean folk song/gugak ‘Gyeonggi Arirang’, this track blends BTS’s brand of hip-hop from their earlier releases with traditional Korean music for a modern yet nostalgic feel—it represents the group’s deep connection with their Korean roots. It also reflects their rebirth following their hiatus from mandatory military service. According to the members, Body to Body is a loose, modern interpretation of the 1988 Seoul Olympics theme song ‘Hand In Hand’.
Track #2: Hooligan
Musical dominance.
“This is international. Make it unforgettable.”
Jung Kook played a huge role in writing this track—he was inspired by the word ‘Hooligan’ and made it the song’s theme/key point. This track traces their new journey of blazing a new trail for many artists to follow, imposing their musical dominance and asserting their place beyond just K-pop idols as international sensations. The hooligan persona represents BTS’s defiant spirit.
Track #3: Aliens
Navigating fame and staying culturally rooted.
“Born different, seven aliens.”
In this track—originally title ‘Endless’—BTS share their own aspirations in how they engage with the world. The lyrics speak to the alienation the group has experienced by those whose values are misaligned with their own, the feeling of being outsiders on the global stage, and ultimately rising about all the insults and negativity, using these as a stepping stone to achieve something even greater. It is also about embracing their cultural identity while dominating the music world, and features a traditional jungmori rhythm.
Track #4: FYA
A fiery return.
“Everything lit, it’s fire.”
FYA was the last song of the album to be finalized. Inspired by the saying “That’s fire!”—which BTS kept hearing and saying during their writing camp in LA—this track signifies the group’s fiery return post-military hiatus. They tell the world that they are back with the same passion and energy, but with a more mature and refined edge to their sound.
Track #5: 2.0
A brand new era.
“Light the fire, brand new.”
BTS and BIGHIT/HYBE are calling this new era of BTS ‘2.0’, which is explained in this track as an era defining the group’s present moment of growth and transformation. They aim to move towards a new sound, being a new kind of artist. A fun fact the group highlighted from their Studio Notes is that the vocal line had a tough time recording the chorus (“You know how I do, do, do, do, do, do”), trying to make it sound musical enough, expressing the right feeling and sound.
Track #6: No. 29
Cultural grounding + sonic palate cleanser.
John Cage, but make it traditionally Korean (IYKYK).
“Are my headphones broken?” “Did Spotify glitch out?” No, ARMY. This unique track features the resonant tolling of the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok (a.k.a. Korea’s national treasure No. 29) and serves as a deliberate (and much-needed) pause, a heritage-centred transition point before the album turns inward. It separates the album’s two different sounds and moods. No. 29 is 1:37 in length — the amount of time it takes for the sound of the bell to completely dissipate.
Track #7: SWIM
The resolve to move forward.
“I just wanna dive.”
The fact that BTS made the 7th track of their album the title track! Swim leads listeners into the slower, more introspective second half of the album. The group was initially unsure about returning with such a laid-back track, but thought it would resonate better and easier with fans than something hard-hitting. BTS described this track as the best fit for where they are at right now: taking everything day by day. The lyrics can be interpreted in many ways, depending on the state of the listener. One such interpretation is to keep swimming, keep moving forward at your own pace through life’s uncertainties with resilience.
Track #8: Merry Go Round
The steadfastness to endure.
“My life is like a broken rollercoaster.”
One of the first songs BTS worked on for the album, Merry Go Round speaks to the repetitive, cyclical nature of life. And for the group, it represents the constant cycle of being under the limelight, comparing fame and their daily routines as global artists to a never-ending carousel. BTS noted that they want this to be the next ‘Spring Day’ for ARMY, providing comfort and strength.
Track #9: NORMAL
The paradox of fame.
“Yeah, we call this sh*t normal.”
The original lyrics for this track were about obsessive love, but BTS changed them to what feels “normal” to them. NORMAL explores the instability of constant visibility, where extreme hate and extreme love from haters and fans alike are considered “normal”—fame and its corresponding costs are now normalized for them. It is deeply personal, yet universally resonant in the emotions experienced on and off stage. The track also references their original name, Bangtan Sonyeondan (“Bulletproof Boy Scouts”) with the lyric “bulletproof”.
Track #10: Like Animals
Live fully, live freely.
“Eat this life ‘til your heart is full.”
Like Animals almost didn’t make the cut, but BTS felt like this slow rock track makes the album feel and sound deeper, adding the emotional depth. It talks about the feeling of longingness and encourages living passionately and instinctively. The track speaks about indulging in the primal desire to let go of conventions, to think and act outside the box — breaking free from being tamed or suppressed by societal expectations.
Track #11: they don’t know ‘bout us
Reclaiming our humility.
“We’re just seven people though.”
This track—led by Jimin—initially started with the idea/concept of “you make me feel weak” but metamorphosed into the sharing of how fans don’t know BTS completely because they are still weak, imperfect humans who still have a lot to work on and areas for growth, both as a group and individually. It pushes back against the myths surrounding them, while speaking to the confidents of being themselves.
Track #12: One More Night
Deep infatuation and intimacy.
“If it’s a dream, don’t wake up my fantasy.”
One More Night is a great driving song, according to BTS. It adds a casual, chill sound to the album, making it easier to listen to amidst other beat-heavy tracks. The theme of this track is profound infatuation.
Track #13: Please
To: ARMY.. With love.
“Stay with me on my worst day.”
Please is dedicated to ARMY; it’s a vow of commitment to ARMY and to each other, a plea to stay together. BTS stated that this track feels like ‘Home’ to them — a light but emotional and sincere song.
Track #14: Into the Sun
Love knows no distance.
“I’ll follow you into the sun.”
V had a big part in writing this song, but initially he didn’t know if it would fit the album. It reminded BTS of all seven of them together, making for the perfect way to end the album. It is a heartfelt promise from the group to stand together at any moment.
