Requiem
김동률 Lyrics

The lyrics of 김동률's "Requiem" is a lamentation of a love that was perhaps not meant to be. The opening lines allude to a love that was unattainable from the start. The persona regrets having met this person and wishes that they never even crossed paths. The persona clings onto the person, someone who was passing by, with force, even though they were never meant to stay. The persona admits that this person was someone they should have let go of a long time ago, and they should not blame them for leaving. The persona's feelings and love for this person were misguided and caused harm. The persona is now left with a life that is hopeless and regrets having ever loved that person. The chorus describes how the persona cannot die, and time keeps passing, even though they are trapped in this unbearable state.

The second stanza continues the lamentation of an unfulfilled love. The persona wishes they didn't love the person as it only caused harm. They cannot forget the person and their memories, which haunt them, making their life seem irredeemable. They say that even if they happen to meet each other, they will deny knowing them to make it easier for both of them. The persona has tried to control their feelings and devoted themselves to someone else, but any reminder of the person they loved before breaks their resolve. Time seems to stand still, and the persona feels like they are stuck in a hopeless existence.

Overall, the lyrics of "Requiem" portray the pain and regret of misguided love. The persona laments what could have been but realizes that their actions may have caused harm to the person they loved. The songwriter's use of poetic language and metaphors, such as "a passing wind," and "time like ten years," further add to the emotional depth of the song.