BTS RM's "Come Back To Me" and the Journey of Self-Discovery

Anticipation is at a fever pitch for BTS's RM!  Fresh off the release of the captivating music video for "Come Back To Me," his first pre-release single, RM gears up to drop his highly-awaited second solo album, "Right Place, Wrong Person." "Come Back To Me" throws us into a whirlwind of emotions and symbolism, sparking theories and igniting excitement for the full album's exploration of identity and self-discovery.

RM's "Come Back To Me" isn't just a song; it's a captivating puzzle box. The music video explodes with symbolism, inviting us to explore the complexities of identity and the yearning for self-discovery. We see RM in a kaleidoscope of roles: a friend, a lover, a husband, even a child. Each scene feels like a fragment of a memory, a "what if" scenario, or perhaps a buried regret. Are these glimpses into RM's inner world, or a broader commentary on the many facets we all possess?

The fragmented editing adds another layer of intrigue. Scenes repeat and blur, erasing the lines between past, present, and future. This cyclical nature could represent a feeling of being stuck, unable to break free from a repetitive loop. Perhaps RM is searching for a turning point, a moment where he can shatter this cycle and find his true self.

Spring: A Recurring Symbol of Hope

Despite the introspective and melancholic undertones, a flicker of hope persists. The lyrics, "Spring has always been here," echo throughout the song, a persistent reminder that even in darkness, there's potential for renewal. This isn't the first time RM embraces spring as a symbol.

• BTS's "Spring Day"  connects spring to perseverance in the face of loss, suggesting that even in dark times, hope can bloom again.

• RM's "mono."  might grapple with loneliness, but songs like "uhgood" use spring as a metaphor for moving forward.

The Unlocked Door: A Gateway to Interpretation

One of the video's most intriguing elements is the recurring image of the unlocked door. Fan theories abound:

• The Door to Different Selves:  Perhaps the door represents various facets of RM's life or even different versions of himself that he feels disconnected from.

• Finding the Right Person:  Some believe he finds a companion (the woman in the video) and unlocks the door. However, the world beyond feels like a facade.

• Going Through the Motions:  This theory suggests that even after unlocking the door, RM feels trapped, obligated to live a life that doesn't resonate with him.

This ambiguity is the beauty of the video. There's no single answer. Is the unlocked door a potential path to self-discovery or a reminder that some doors, once opened, reveal a hollowness we weren't prepared for?

Beyond the Video: Exploring the BTS Universe

"Come Back To Me" doesn't exist in a vacuum. Here's how it connects to the wider BTS universe:

• Jungian Echoes:  The video might reference Jungian psychology, particularly the concept of the shadow self. The contrasting roles RM portrays could symbolize repressed desires or hidden aspects of his personality. This theory connects to RM's mixtape, "Persona," which explored the masks we wear in society. "Come Back To Me" delves deeper, into the raw, unfiltered self beneath.

RM: The Mastermind of Metaphors

Packing so much meaning into a 6-minute video is a testament to RM's artistry. Here's how he might have achieved it:

• Visual Storytelling:  Recurring scenes and symbolism allow viewers to piece together their own interpretations. The fragmented timeline reflects the complexities of self-discovery.

• Lyrical Poetry:  The lyrics themselves are open to interpretation. "Spring" becomes a powerful metaphor for hope and the cyclical nature of life.

• Genre-Bending Soundscape:  The melancholic melody and introspective lyrics blend seamlessly with the hopeful message embedded in the concept of spring.

A Journey Without a Destination: Considering Indigo's "No. 2"

Another layer to this exploration is the potential connection to RM's previous song "No. 2" from Indigo. "No. 2" ends with a message of self-acceptance. The lyrics "Now you'll be protecting yourself" suggest that RM has come to terms with his choices and the person he's become. However, "Come Back To Me" seems to introduce a new layer of complexity.

• Shifting Emotions:  The hopeful and accepting tone of "No. 2" seems to contrast with the introspective yearning of "Come Back To Me." Perhaps this shift reflects a lingering sense of "what if" or a deeper exploration of the self that wasn't fully addressed in "No. 2."

• The Power of Duality:  "No. 2" embraces duality with the lyrics "one and only, me and mine." "Come Back To Me" showcases this duality through the contrasting roles RM plays. Perhaps "Come Back To Me" explores the complexities within the seemingly accepted "self" presented in "No. 2."

• Is Acceptance a Journey, Not a Destination?:  "No. 2" suggests self-acceptance, but "Come Back To Me" hints at a lingering sense of incompleteness. This could be interpreted as self-acceptance being a continuous process, not a single moment. Discuss how "Come Back To Me" might represent a new stage in RM's exploration of self.
  

Unraveling the Plant Symbolism

The music video utilizes plants extensively. Delving into their meaning can offer another layer of interpretation:

• Monstera Deliciosa:  Featured during the family scenes, the Monstera Deliciosa symbolizes respect and longevity. This could represent the stability and comfort of family life, a stark contrast to the uncertainty RM experiences throughout the video.

• Bird of Paradise:  This vibrant flower appears when RM hides behind a leaf, coinciding with the moment he encounters the woman in the video. The Bird of Paradise symbolizes freedom and new beginnings. Perhaps this encounter sparks a sense of liberation within him.
  

Conclusion: A Journey Without a Destination

RM's "Come Back To Me" is a song that lingers long after the last note fades. It's a captivating exploration of identity, self-discovery, and the ever-present hope for renewal. By leaving the interpretation open-ended, RM invites us on a personal journey, challenging us to confront our complexities and embrace self-discovery's uncertainties. The use of plant symbolism adds another layer of depth, with the Monstera Deliciosa representing stability and the Bird of Paradise symbolizing freedom. This further enriches the experience, suggesting a yearning for both grounding and liberation in the search for self.

The potential connection to "No. 2" from Indigo further enriches the experience, suggesting that self-acceptance might be a never-ending exploration with its own unique challenges and triumphs. "No. 2" ends with a message of self-acceptance, while "Come Back To Me" hints at a lingering sense of incompleteness. This could be interpreted as self-acceptance being a continuous process, not a single moment. Perhaps "Come Back To Me" represents a new stage in RM's exploration of self, where acceptance coexists with a yearning for growth and exploration of new possibilities.

This blog merely scratches the surface of what "Come Back To Me" has to offer. As fans continue to analyze the music video, delve into the lyrics, and connect it to RM's broader body of work, new interpretations will undoubtedly emerge. What are your thoughts on "Come Back To Me"? How does it connect to your own experiences with self-discovery?

• How do you interpret the symbolism in the video, particularly the unlocked door and the different plants?

• Do you think "Come Back To Me" contradicts the message of "No. 2" from Indigo, or expands upon it?

Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let's embark on this journey of self-discovery together, guided by the music and artistry of RM.

~The Stressed Potato