가시나무
조성모 Lyrics

The lyrics to 조성모's "가시나무" or "Thorn Tree" speak to a sense of inner turmoil and a lack of peace or respite. The opening lines, "내 속엔 내가 너무도 많아, 당신의 쉴 곳이 없네" (There are too many of me inside of me, there is no place for you to rest) suggest feelings of overwhelming and perhaps conflicting emotions, creating a chaotic internal landscape that leaves no space for another person to find peace. The lyrics continue to paint a picture of inner darkness and sadness, as the singer suggests that their own emptiness and despair have left no room for anyone else to find comfort. The metaphor of the thorn tree is also employed, likening the singer's inner landscape to an impenetrable forest of thorns that even birds are hesitant to fly into without being hurt.

The chorus repeats these themes, with the metaphor of the thorn tree being particularly strong: "바람만 불면 그 메마른 가지, 서로 부대끼며 울어대고" (When the wind blows, those brittle branches cry out to each other). The sense of isolation and loneliness is also emphasized, as the singer recalls days of singing sad songs and feeling trapped within their own internal struggle. The final lines of the song, "내 속엔 내가 너무도 많아서, 당신의 쉴 곳 없네" (There are too many of me inside of me, there is no place for you to rest), serve as a final summation of the central themes of the song.

Overall, "가시나무" speaks to the pain of inner turmoil and the difficulty of finding peace amidst one's own struggles. The metaphor of the thorn tree is particularly effective in conveying the sense of isolation and impenetrability that can be characteristic of this type of emotional struggle. Through his poignant lyrics and emotive performance, 조성모 captures a sense of longing and sadness that is deeply relatable.