밤하늘 (Not Too Late)

ATEEZ's '밤하늘 (Not Too Late)' takes the listener on an emotional journey of isolation and self-reflection. The opening verse plunges us into a dark, cold place of solitude, void of support. Through evocative lyrics presented by ATEEZ members San and Yunho, the scene is set for the inner conflict of navigating through the loneliness that often clouds one's direction and purpose in life.

Feelings of despair and calls for help punctuate the pre-chorus, as Seonghwa, Yeosang, Jongho, and Wooyoung collectively yearn for someone to hear their silent cries. The questioning of 'Is anyone out there?' amplifies the longing for connection in the vast loneliness that encapsulates them. The song's hook teeters between the conviction that it's 'too late' and the hopeful denial, 'not too late', encapsulating the essence of struggling between resignation and persistence.

Hongjoong's verse introduces a moment of defensive reassurance, outwardly affirming wellbeing to concerned loved ones, yet privately acknowledging moments of vulnerability. This complex interplay of public façade and internal emptiness exposes the nuanced layers of coping with the pressures of life, where smiles can mask an undercurrent of struggle.

The song crescendos with Mingi's verse, which is a plea for help intertwined with the determination to overcome adversities. The depiction of straddling between hope and fear captures the mental battle individuals often face when deciding whether to let go or hold on to a thread of hope. The chorus repeated by San, Yunho, Seonghwa, and Jongho rouses a defiant stand against the notion of it being too late, driven by an undying belief in a brighter future.