ONF's '첫 사랑의 법칙 (Happily Never After)' delves into the torment and longing of unrequited love, as depicted through the lens of someone who has fallen deeply for a person that does not reciprocate their feelings. The song plays on the iconic theme of 'first love' often associated with a sense of purity and destined failure, indicating that sometimes what we yearn for the most remains just out of reach. The lyrics communicate a journey of hope, desperation, and the aching realization that the object of this love may never look their way with the same affection.
The emotional journey in '첫 사랑의 법칙 (Happily Never After)' by ONF is marked by frustration, melancholy, and an unshakable sense of devotion. The song launches us down a ruminative path where the individual’s internal dialogue swims in the sea of 'what ifs' and 'maybes.' From the outset, their affection is overshadowed by the presence of another, which immediately casts a cloud over their emotions, leaving them to question the validity of their own feelings.
As the chorus echoes the denial, '아니야 아니야' ('No, no'), the narrative’s central figure clings to the hope that the object of their affections will realize the love they hold. It sharply contrasts day and night, signaling the unrelenting nature of their love – ever persistent, whether it be amidst the daily routine or the solitude of the night. The commitment to never cause disappointment holds as a desperate promise.
During the bridge of the song, the emotional intensity amplifies as the singer begs for recognition of their 'burning heart,' grasping at the fantastical desire to 'walk on clouds,' a metaphor for experiencing a love that elevates and excites. However, this dream is quickly pinned down as unattainable, leaving them to gaze hopelessly at the sky, metaphorically reaching for a love that remains just a dream.
The repeated declarations and impassioned pleas throughout the song create a narrative of persistent yearning countered by the crushing weight of reality. The individual is confronted with the agonizing thought that despite how intense their feelings are, they might be invisible to the one they love. The emotional journey culminates in a painful acceptance that perhaps their love will never be returned, encapsulated perfectly in the song's title 'Happily Never After.'
"잠깐만 왜 하필 걔야"
This line expresses dismay and jealousy that the beloved person has taken an interest in someone else—laying the groundwork for the narrator's feelings of longing and unrequited love.
"진짜 첫사랑은 이뤄지지 않는 걸까"
Reflecting on the idea that first loves are never fulfilled, this line ponders if there is an unspoken rule that first loves are destined to fail.
"하루 종일 따라다녀도 뭐 없어"
Emphasizing the narrator's dedication and persistence, this line metaphorically suggests constant devotion without any reward or acknowledgment.
"나는 너만"
A self-assured line professing singular focus and affection, it delineates the narrator's undivided attention towards their love interest.