#songanalysis

© Remember that these musical analyses will be from a personal perspective, you should not take this seriously, I only do it for entertainment purposes.

The song begins with a light, sweet, almost children's nursery sounding song. The song is sung casually, lightly, almost as if they are humming while doing the dishes and not thinking about it. In the background we hear 'bum bum, bum bum" by a man, referencing a 50's and 60s sound used by many artists such as the Contours, or Sam Cooke. "That's why, the nice guys they will always last...that's why, the playboys always finish last..". The phrase is a specific reference to "nice guys always finish last". A construct that originated from the persona of the 'nice guy'. A character often used in movies and film, he a man who is too kind to women, and therefore never gets the girl. In the opening of the song, the lyrics reverse the popular use of the term, and claim that nice guys prevail over playboys. This sets the theme for the whole song, it is a reclamation of the constructs men have created. The nursery song symbolizes ideas we have learned as children, Chloe and Halle are creating a new version.

After the intro, the song uses angelic harmonies (these, as opposed to the childlike nursery, are more mature and professional, deeper voice and clearer audio quality) to transition into an immediate slow bass. A low voice recites the situation for us, an angry, annoyed tone. Exact facts are lined up, we follow the text received at 9, to another girl receiving the same message at 9:15, to a further history of the busy boy lying. The line "then you disappear like I'm a fool" is emphasized with a (yeah). Our narrator is fully aware of the situation she is in, and how she is being treated. We empathize with the narrator, even if you have not experienced the situation- we understand the pain of being taken for a fool and taken for granted. Which sets us up for the rest of the story-

We start asking, is her judgement clouded by love? Does she want the busy boy despite how he treats her? How will the song continue, will she confront him? Will he redeem himself?

And suddenly we don't have time to process any of it, a sharper, lighter voice comes to the defense. A sharp attack- "that's why I don't play with you, I spend a little time, don't stay with you". It's blunt, a wake up call. We know the narrator isn't a fool, and here she is reminding us, she isn't going to be taken for any type of ride by someone who doesn't value her. But we wonder why she continues to see him, "I tell you want to hear all the time, just because you're so damn fine".

And as the chorus drops, RELIEF. We realize that this is not just a game played by the busy boy, but also by our narrator. She refuses to submit to whatever busy boy thinks he is doing, her humor and nickname for him "busy boy" gives him a new label, one that retracts his power. The next few lines after the chorus use the relief to continue the humor, my personal favorite line: "it's 4 o'clock, and you're sending me too many pictures of your (harmonizing)", and then a laugh. We share the awareness with the narrator, busy boy's actions are still catalogued by the time, because the intelligence of the narrator is a part of her character. But in these lyrics, they are lighter than busy boys introduction, there is no graveness in the singing, it's funny, and they are ridiculing the fact that he thought he could get away with any of it. They then proceed to list more and more proof of how aware they are, stumbling on his girlfriends page and wishing him a congratulations on the baby.

"That's why I just play with you... you ain't ever gonna get deep inside, even though you're so damn fine" Again the sharp rebuttal comes in, reminding us the entire reason that our narrator pays any attention to busy boy. Because of his attractiveness. The chorus fades to a contemplative humming, from upbeat and fast to slower harmonizing. We wallow in these thoughts.. wondering if this is enough, if it's worth it. And then we are hit in the face with a "damn fine!". 'Fine' is sung with a smile, a guilty pleasure, but full of consciousness. The 'damn' in front of it, is used almost as an annoyance one can't help. it highlights the weakness both our narrator and busy boy have for each other, physical attraction. But it serves as a reminder that our narrator is aware, much too aware to have her heart broken.

Then, if you're like me, you listen to the song again because it's been on repeat all day. The chorus starts in again, a sweet ballad about how nice guys will always last, and it hits you- the point of the entire song. The Busy Boy is a mirrored concept of this upbeat 3 minute pop song. He is something to be enjoyed for a short while, and doesn't last. The theme of time is threaded in and out of the song to tease us with the idea of everything having an expiration date.

It’s been so long since I last visited this blog and I’m coming back to post this essay/review/reflection I wrote almost two years ago.

So here’s a little shout-out to that friend who pushed me to post this despite my hesitance and fear, this is for you and I hope we start with that one step towards our dream ♥

JJ PROJECT -  내일, 오늘 (Tomorrow, Today) 

(author’s side-note: It would be so much better if you watch the music video first and do not forget to turn on the English caption for better understanding of the lyrics. Enjoy ^^)

Okay, now that you’ve listened to the song and watched the video, let’s start the song analysis / reflection.

“A song you can relate to if you’re wandering in your youth.”

This statement was taken from a comment section in a post about JJ Project’s latest comeback song, Tomorrow, Today. The song 내일,오늘 (Tomorrow, Today) released last 31st of July 2017 is a mellow, pop rock alternative type of song which is very laid-back or what people may describe as “feel-good” song. The music video which showcases the simplicity and beauty of Hokkaido, Japan (where the MV was shot) also added an aesthetic appeal to the overall turnout of the song.

Watching the video for the first time, I was moved to tears not only because of the beauty of the video or the feels of seeing JJ Project, or what ahgases (fans of the duo and their main group GOT7) endearingly refer to as JJP, comeback after 5 years, but mainly because of the meaning of the song. The message of the song is what everyone can relate to. As a lot of ahgases would say, it is a song which speaks to them in a deeper level. This is what I have felt while listening to the song.

Delving into the common troubles of the youth, it is not just about being lost.

 The song ponders about our choices, figuring out life, and finding what we really want.

It gives us a glimpse of what is really happening in our world and what humans are facing.

Living in a world where everything is fast-paced, we are forced to choose, and in the process, a lot of time, we fail to consider some things, and forget the main reason why we are making those choices.

Here are some lines/verses in the song which really caught my eye and got me reflecting about a lot of things in my life:

“My visions and dreams are fading away”

“You keep pushing me while my eyes are half-covered. Telling me to pick which one to go with,

Somebody let me know, Tell me which way to go, Cause I don’t know

Today I hesitantly answer the questions again, That I don’t even know the answer to

Is it this way or that way?

My decisions are getting scary

With an unstable state of mind, I’m confronting the next decision

What will I be at the end of the road? Will I regret looking back later?”

As kids, we have those hopes and dreams we keep close to our heart, vowing to make them all come true when we become adults, but growing up, we realize, some of these dreams may be impossible to reach. We wake up to the reality of the world. How harsh the society we live in is. Our dreams either get crushed or forgotten. Forgotten because we often sacrifice to follow our dreams for practicality and comfort in life. You want to be a painter? A writer? A dancer? Society says no because according to its standards, you’re not gonna be successful. It’s not a high paying job. People will look down on you and take advantage of your gift/talent for free. Why not try to be a doctor or a lawyer instead? Oftentimes, we encounter these kinds of situation where our dreams are sacrificed and forgotten.

Today’s society is all about having your life figured out. Having your own identity. And because of this, we have to comply, and even though we are still struggling to find our purpose. We lose our identity because society keeps directing us to do this, do that. We become lost. Confused. We’re like those fallen leaves getting drifted by the wind. We go where the wind goes. We go with the flow, join the bandwagon. We lose ourselves because we become too overwhelmed with everything. In our lives, we always come at crossroads. This isn’t just a phase being experienced by the youth. No matter how old you are, 20s, 30s, or even in your later adult life, there are times when you just don’t know what to do. We become clueless. We don’t know what to do with our lives anymore. We know what we want but we don’t know if can achieve them. We have to quickly decide which path to take, what career to take, because if you take too much of your time, you get judged. And at these moments, we just say “f*ck it, I’m doing this,” even if we aren’t sure if will impact our future in a good or a bad way. We have to choose without thinking. We become reckless with our decisions. We have these thoughts plaguing our minds, if I choose this decision, will I regret this later on? There is uncertainty lingering inside us. And it becomes so big, we become suffocated. We feel anxious about ourselves. In this world where everyone aims for perfection, we are expected that the decisions we make are also perfect. We become so blindsided by it that we forget what we really want.  

Tomorrow, Today is a song which ponders on the reality of life and how the society operates. It is a song that speaks to everyone’s inner struggle. A song that makes you reflect your life. It makes you ask yourself, “Is this really what I want?” “Have I been living well?” and I commend JJ Project (and Park Jin Young) for penning and producing a song which speaks so much about life and the everyday struggles people go through.

P.S. 

Check out these very aesthetically-pleasing photos from the duo’s Photo Essay which was released as a pre-order benefit of the physical album. And the captions they added will also make you reflect on life.

Photo credits to JYP Entertainment.

Added translation to photos by @GOT7Jjai on twitter.

Music has always been deeply connected to emotion, storytelling, and personal interpretation. People often connect with songs through melodies and rhythms, but lyrics play an equally powerful role in shaping emotional experiences and cultural meaning. As technology continues evolving, artificial intelligence is now transforming how listeners explore and interpret song lyrics. Many music enthusiasts, educators, and creators are turning to lyric analysis AI tools to better understand themes, symbolism, emotional tone, and hidden meanings within songs. These systems analyze language patterns, contextual references, and emotional indicators to provide deeper insights into lyrical content. By combining machine learning with natural language processing, AI can examine complex writing styles and uncover patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. This growing technology is changing how audiences engage with music, creating new opportunities for interpretation, education, and creative exploration across modern digital platforms.

How Artificial Intelligence Interprets Song Lyrics

AI-powered lyric analysis systems use advanced language models to examine sentence structure, emotional tone, word relationships, and thematic patterns within songs. These tools process large collections of lyrics from multiple genres and artists to recognize recurring themes and linguistic styles. By analyzing metaphors, symbolism, and contextual references, AI can generate interpretations that help listeners understand the emotional layers behind a song. Some platforms also identify mood progression throughout lyrics, showing how emotional intensity changes from verse to chorus. This technology helps audiences discover deeper meanings while making lyrical interpretation more accessible for people who may not have formal literary or musical backgrounds. As these systems improve, AI-driven lyric interpretation is becoming increasingly accurate and engaging for modern music audiences.

The Impact of AI on Music Education and Creativity

Artificial intelligence is also influencing how students, educators, and musicians approach songwriting and lyrical analysis. Teachers can use AI-powered systems to demonstrate poetic devices, emotional themes, and storytelling structures within songs. Students may explore how artists use symbolism, repetition, and narrative techniques to communicate messages through music. Musicians and songwriters can also benefit from these tools by analyzing lyrical trends and experimenting with different writing styles. 

AI-generated insights may inspire new creative approaches while helping artists understand audience reactions to specific themes and emotional tones. As educational and creative environments continue adopting digital technologies, AI-based analysis tools are becoming valuable resources for exploring music in more interactive and analytical ways.

Why Audiences Are Becoming More Interested in AI Music Insights

Digital audiences today are increasingly interested in understanding the meaning and emotional depth behind the music they consume. Streaming platforms, online fan communities, and social media discussions have encouraged deeper conversations about lyrical interpretation and artistic intention. This growing curiosity is one reason whylyric analysis AI tools are attracting attention across music communities and educational spaces. These systems provide quick, data-driven insights that help listeners explore symbolism, emotional themes, and songwriting patterns more efficiently. Fans can compare interpretations, study recurring ideas across albums, and gain broader perspectives on an artist’s creative style. By making lyrical exploration more accessible, AI is helping audiences engage with music on a more thoughtful and analytical level.

Future Possibilities for AI in Music Interpretation

The future of AI-driven music interpretation may extend far beyond basic lyric analysis. Emerging technologies could eventually combine lyrical interpretation with vocal emotion recognition, musical composition analysis, and audience sentiment tracking to create more immersive listening experiences. AI systems may also personalize lyrical interpretations based on a listener’s emotional preferences, cultural background, or musical interests. 

Interactive platforms could allow users to explore songs through visual storytelling, thematic breakdowns, and real-time emotional mapping. As artificial intelligence continues advancing, music analysis technologies are likely to become more sophisticated and deeply integrated into streaming services, educational tools, and creative industries. These developments may fundamentally reshape how people understand and emotionally connect with music in the future.

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Conclusion

Technology is continuously changing the relationship between audiences and music by creating new ways to explore artistic expression and emotional storytelling. As artificial intelligence becomes more advanced, many listeners believe lyric analysis AI tools are making lyrical interpretation more accessible, engaging, and insightful for modern audiences. By analyzing themes, symbolism, emotional patterns, and songwriting structures, these systems help people discover deeper layers of meaning within songs. As AI continues evolving, music interpretation technologies will likely play an increasingly important role in how audiences learn about, experience, and emotionally connect with music across digital platforms.

FAQs

Can lyric analysis AI actually understand the meaning behind songs?

Yes, lyric analysis AI can identify emotional patterns, recurring themes, symbolism, and language structures within lyrics. While AI may not interpret music exactly like humans do, it helps listeners explore deeper meanings and uncover hidden connections within songs more efficiently.

Why are people using lyric analysis AI tools more frequently now?

People are using lyric analysis AI tools because music audiences are becoming more interested in understanding storytelling, emotional depth, and lyrical symbolism. AI also makes interpretation faster and more accessible for casual listeners, students, and music communities online.

Is lyric analysis AI useful for songwriters and musicians?

Music is not just an art form; it's a companion through life’s highs and lows. In this blog, we'll explore how the poetic nature of song lyrics can magnify these experiences, providing both a catalyst for energy and a source of comfort.

Music is not just an art form; it's a vital companion through life’s highs and lows. In this series, we'll delve into how the poetic nature of song lyrics can dramatically magnify these experiences, serving both as a catalyst for energy and as a source of profound comfort.

The Power to Motivate

Songs do more than entertain; they motivate us, shaping our mindset and propelling us forward. Consider the iconic track "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor. This song isn’t just about rhythm and melody; it’s a powerful narrative of resilience and determination. The lyrics "Face to face, out in the heat / Hangin' tough, stayin' hungry" utilize vivid imagery and repetition to instill a sense of endurance and persistence. How does this song make you feel? Does it pump you up for a challenge?

A Comfort in Sadness

Music also acts as a balm during our more vulnerable times. Take "Fix You" by Coldplay, for example. The song's lyrics, "When you try your best but you don't succeed / When you get what you want but not what you need," speak directly to the soul with their raw honesty and simplicity. By using gentle metaphors and a slowly building melody, it offers solace and understanding to those in pain. Think about a time when a song comforted you—what was the song, and what was happening in your life?

Nostalgia and Memories

Lyrics can trigger a vivid flashback to specific moments, almost like a time machine. "Summer of '69" by Bryan Adams is a perfect example. It's not just about a time period; it's a celebration of youthful enthusiasm and nostalgia, with references that evoke intense personal memories for many listeners. "Got my first real six-string / Bought it at the five-and-dime," sings Adams, conjuring images of youthful summers and first adventures in music. What are some of your nostalgic songs and the memories they bring?

Lyrics do more than accompany melodies; they shape our emotional landscapes and anchor deep-seated memories. They lift us, soothe us, and take us back in time, proving that music is indeed a powerful life companion.