K-Song Review: ‘Road’ by g.o.d

Rupali Teresa Kujur, Ranchi, Jharkhand

I bet we often ask ourselves questions like, ‘Why have I chosen this path for myself?’, ‘Will I be able to succeed in the end?’, ‘What if something goes wrong?’, etc. We have thousands of questions crossing our minds in a day, expecting some answer to get a sense of relief. Recently, I came across a cover of ‘Road’ (Korean: 길) by g.o.d on Begin Again, a South Korean television program that airs on JTBC. I found this song at a moment in my life when I needed it the most. I would like to introduce all of you to this beautiful song and give a brief overview of it.

_{Picture Credits: Spotify}

‘Road’ is the title track of g.o.d’s fourth album Chapter 4, which was released in November 2001 and became their second million-selling album. Undoubtedly, g.o.d—with members Joon Park, Kyesang, Danny, Hoyoung and Taewoo—was (and still is) pretty well-known back then. Additionally, the release of this particular song brought them more fame due to its utmost relatability among the common masses. The lyrics and music were composed by Park Jin-young (founder of JYP Entertainment).

For me, it is the lyrics that hit me hard every time. Let me break down the song for a better understanding. It begins with:

내가 가는 이길이

 어디로 가는지

 어디로 날 데려가는지 그 곳은 어딘지

 알 수 없지만 알 수 없지만 알 수 없지만

 오늘도 난 걸어가고 있네

This verse translates to, ‘The road I am taking now, where it’s leading me to, where it’s taking me or where the final destination is, I don’t know I don’t know I don’t know. But I’m still walking on this path again today.’ As soon as the music begins, it powerfully triggers my visceral emotional response resulting in goosebumps. In no time, I find myself completely immersed in the song. Each one of us seems to be walking on a path that has been chosen by ourselves, but there is always a part of us that doubts our decision, whether it be regarding our choice of subjects in 11^th grade, our career choice, people whom we want to keep close to ourselves, etc. We do not know the consequences of our decisions or where we will see ourselves after 10 years. Regardless, we are still walking on our chosen paths. In the latter part of the first verse, there seems to be an open question for everyone. The members want to know whether the path is pre-decided, or people make it for themselves. Some people often believe that the universe has already decided the road that they’ll be taking, while some believe that it is we who should plan it out and see through the end.

나는 왜 이길에 서 있나, 이게 정말 나의 길인가, 이길의 끝에서 내 꿈은 이뤄질까

The main chorus is where the most emotional side of me takes over. The above lyrics make me ask myself repeatedly the reason why I am walking on my chosen path. Questions like, ‘Is this path the right one for me?’ and ‘Will I be able to achieve my dreams in the end?’ never cease to arise. While introspecting, we keep on asking similar questions to ourselves.

While listening to the second verse, I find myself standing at the crossroad, contemplating if money, honour or the people I love bring happiness to my life, and even after thinking hard, I am unable to find the answer. The latter part of this verse talks about being confident about one’s own decision. We often encounter such phases in our lives that bring us failures. We try our best to bring out the confidence in ourselves and proudly tell others the path that we have chosen, but due to repeated failures, we lose the confidence.

After this, the chorus repeats with an addition of two more lines talking about our dreams and who exactly we are dreaming for; is it for ourselves or someone else? Even if we achieve our dreams, will it bring a smile to our faces? As the song advances and reaches the bridge, the members ask themselves again where they are heading right now and the reason for them to live and work so hard. The song ends with the members singing the chorus harmoniously with beautiful ad-libs accompanied by their lead vocalist Taewoo.

I don’t personally know the people who are currently reading my article, but I would like to tell you to confidently choose your path and walk on it until the very end. Do not pay heed to the pessimistic society, but rather build a new society for yourself where people will look up to you. Always remember that you are not the only one facing failures in life. Some people are in a far worse state than you. Rather than complaining, learn from them and keep trying your best. I hope many people enjoy ‘Rough’ after reading this article, regain their confidence and find solace in it.

Have you heard this song? What are your thoughts? Tell us in the comments!