10 Songs by Min Yoongi (a.k.a SUGA of BTS) That Speak to the Soul #FeatureFriday
If you are someone like me who finds much of their comfort and motivation from books and music, then this post will be of help to you.
For those of you who do not know who Min Yoongi is, let me introduce you to SUGA of BTS. Whether you have heard their songs or not, I am sure you have heard of BTS, the South Korean boy band that is taking over the world (I kid you not!). SUGA is Min Yoongi’s stage name as a part of BTS. He is a rapper, lyricist, composer and music producer. He is probably most widely known as SUGA because of the popularity of BTS and as SUGA he has co-written and co-produced many of BTS’s songs. Aside from that, SUGA also produces music for other artists. Eight by IU, That That by Psy, and Wine by Suran are some of his award winning songs as a producer. He also uses the name Agust D for his solo projects.
Min Yoongi has a unique way of blending raw honesty with soothing melodies. Both as SUGA or as Agust D, his music often resonates deeply, especially during life's tough phases. If you’ve ever in need of a comforting companion through the rough patches that we all have to face in life, his songs might just be that warm blanket you need!
Here are the 10 songs by Min Yoongi that brought me much comfort:
10. Song Request; by Lee Sora ft. SUGA
This is a quintessential break up song by Lee Sora, that features SUGA as a writer and rapper. It is a sentimental song with a slow sweet melody that suits the mood of a person who has broken up with someone but yet to completely let go. SUGA has one verse in it but that one verse is enough to comfort you because in typical SUGA style, his verse is like a direct conversation with you - the listener.
“When you’re intoxicated with memories
And bring someone up
You can watch the music video here: {For K-drama lovers - the MV features actor Byeon Woo-Seok of the recent Lovely Runner fame in a scene.}
9. So Far Away ft. Suran; Agust D Mixtape
Have you ever had days that suddenly hit you with certain realisations? There you are hustling to pay the bills and make a good living, and all of a sudden you realise that you no longer remember the dream that you were working towards? Or maybe, remember the days when you were passionate about something but now you don’t even remember why? And it disorients you a bit? Well, on days like that, listen to this song.
Until the end of your life
Dream, wherever you might be
It will be lenient
Dream, you will fully bloom
After all the hardships
Dream, your beginnings will seem humble
8. First Love; BTS - You Never Walk Alone
‘First Love’ is SUGA’s solo song for the BTS album. The song is, as the title suggests, about his first love - a brown piano of his childhood. The song is a conversation between SUGA and this piano. But is it really only about the piano from his childhood that may have sparked his love for music? I would love to ask him that. But personally I felt that the song is also about how there are things that NEVER change through your lifespan - whether you stick to it or whether you leave it and later find your way back to it years later. Maybe, it is also a bit about our innocence as a child that let’s us see the things we love without the filter that the world puts on us? Tell me what you think after you have listened to it.
When I was fed up and lost
Back then when I fell into a pit of despair
Even when I pushed you away
Even when I resented meeting you
You were firmly by my side
You didn't have to say anything
So don't ever let go of my hand
I won't let you go ever again either
My birth and the end of my life
You will be there to watch over it all”
7. People; D-2 Mixtape
Ever feel tired of the people around you? Ever feel ‘heavy’ because of all the judgements and expectations? Tired of colouring within the tight boundaries set for you? I do not know how to verbalise what this song means except to say it made me feel seen. You have to listen to it for yourself and tell me what you get out of this song, ‘cause I don’t have words.
“What's good is good, in the end
What's good is good
Things don’t always go as intended
Discomfort is something everyone has to withstand
The repetition of dramatic situations can make your life exhausting”
6. People Pt.2 ft. IU; D-Day Studio Album
Another song that really looks a deeper look into people and their experiences in life. I would like to invite you to choose the sweetest thing about this song and your choices are - Yoongi’s lyrics, IU’s vocals & the black Labrador in the MV. The first thing that really ‘got’ me in this song is probably not my favourite part of this song (hint: my favourite part is Yoongi’s vocals in this) - the opening lines sung by IU. I would really like to know what those lines mean to you, dear reader.
“Selflessness can actually be selfish, too, it's true
It's actually my greed when I say that it’s all for you
Will I be happy if I give up my greed
A half-illusion that can never be fulfilled”
Experience this song through the MV & good luck:
5. Trivia 轉: Seesaw; BTS - Proof
Another solo song of SUGA in BTS’s discography, Seesaw is really what had me spiralling and paying attention to Yoongi & his lyrics. I have written a whole separate post on about Seesaw here, so I’ll keep it short - if you have been through the push and pull in any kind of relationship in your life - you must listen through this one.
“People can be so conniving
We know someone gets hurt if the other is gone
But neither of us want to be the bad guy
In the midst of a series of vague responsibilities, umm-umm
We became so sick of each other that we finally became parallel
Ay, although this wasn't the kind of parallel that I wanted"
4. Dear My Friend ft. Kim Jong Wan; D-2 Mixtape
Ever lost someone close to you in your life? Have you ever felt somehow responsible how things turned out in that person’s life? Have you ever wondered if YOU could have done something to change what happened? Have you felt certain other negative feelings because of that ‘was I somehow responsible’? Have you wondered how it would be today if that person was still your life? If you have, I dare you to listen to this song when you are on your own and not cry! The pain & regret in the song came through to me even before I looked up the lyrics.
“Was it you who changed? Or was it me? Uh
I hate this flowing time, it's us who changed
Hey, I hate you, hey, I don't like you
Hey, even as I say these words, I miss you”
3. Life Goes On; D-Day Studio Album
The contrast between BTS/SUGA and August D is always very stark, but none so in your face like this song. That is because BTS has a song of same title, and Yoongi has used his lines from that in this version (I do not know which version was written first). While BTS version of ‘Life Goes On’ is much happier, positive and hopeful - which is what BTS does for their ARMYs (unless the rapline has some scores to settle 😝) - August D gives you a reality check but leave you with some hope without you realising it.
“I know, I know this place right now
A place that will soon become a memory
Don't be afraid until the end of my life
Because life will go on forever”
2. Amygdala; D-Day Studio Album
The MV comes with a trigger warning & the song should too. The song is deeply personal and the MV is very visual. The title ‘Amygdala’ itself is a warning because Amygdala actually of the part of the brain that stores the memories that the brain thinks you need to remember for your survival - so basically the harshest memories that you’d rather forget. So yeah, it will either trigger you or help you heal. It’s really a toss-up depending on where you are in your healing journey. Proceed with caution.
“So, is all countless suffering for my own good?
What didn't kill me only made me stronger
And I begin to bloom like a lotus flower once again"
1. Snooze ft. Ryuichi Sakamoto & Woosung; D-Day Studio Album
Yoongi wrote this song for everyone who idolize him and want to follow in his steps. It’s once again a reality check about how the path ahead of them is not going to be easy, but also provides a bit of hope through his presence and his words. You don't have to be dreaming of becoming a k-pop idol to be able to relate to it or to feel consoled. Nobody understands the power of words like Yoongi does. In this song he shows how being honest with your words can have a larger impact on people and how the repetitive (and the almost meditative way he delivers them) words can have a deeper effect (in this case a positive effect) on a person.
“Everything will be okay, Everything will be okay,
Everything will be okay, Everything will be okay,
Everything will be okay, Everything will be okay,
Everything will be okay, Everything will be okay,
Everything will be okay, Everything will be okay,
Everything will be okay, Everything will be okay,
Everything will be okay, Everything will be okay,
Everything will be okay, Everything will be okay.”
Here's my tattoo inspired by Snooze:
Like any form of art, music/songs are open to interpretation. Your interpretation is going to be different from me - depending on both personality and experience. As such, I do hope you see some of the things that I saw in these songs - but at the same time, I hope that you will see completely different things. Am I making sense?
Each of these songs serves as a reminder that we are not alone and that resilience and hope can guide us through the darkest moments. Whether you're navigating personal struggles or simply need a reminder of your own inner strength, Agust D’s words will always be there for you.