The song "What If…" by j-hope is a deeply introspective and vulnerable exploration of self-doubt and the fears that come with pursuing dreams and ambitions. Through thought-provoking lyrics and a contemplative tone, j-hope questions whether he truly possesses the qualities that have defined him and fueled his artistic journey thus far – hope, positivity, and a constant smile.
The song opens with the line "Incoming," setting the stage for a series of questions that j-hope poses to himself. He wonders if he truly embodies the characteristics he is known for, questioning, "Am I really like that?" This self-reflection demonstrates the artist's desire for authenticity and a need to reconcile his public image with his private self.
j-hope delves into his creative process, acknowledging that he has been the driving force behind his music, speeches, and emotions. However, he expresses moments of uncertainty, raising the question of whether he can live up to the standards he sets for himself. This uncertainty stems from the belief that his identity might not solely be a result of his own choices but influenced by various external factors.
Throughout the song, j-hope contemplates the possibility of a reality without hope, dreams, passion, or vision. These rhetorical "what if" questions reflect his inner turmoil, as he confronts the fear of losing the very essence that defines him and his artistry. By expressing these doubts, he seeks to challenge and reaffirm his commitment to his beliefs and aspirations.
In the second verse, j-hope addresses an imagined conversation with a friend, asking how they are doing and suggesting that they seem to be doing well, indulging in luxuries and the adoration of others. Here, he highlights the contrast between his internal struggles and the external success and admiration often associated with fame and fortune.
Despite his uncertainties and the potential loss of everything he holds dear, j-hope expresses a wish for self-love and hope, even in the face of personal and professional setbacks. He acknowledges the possibility that all his external accomplishments, such as money, fame, and possessions, could be taken away. However, he reflects on the importance of finding strength within oneself, regardless of external circumstances.
The song concludes with j-hope contemplating whether he has the ability to overcome these trials and maintain his unwavering dedication to his craft. The repeated question "Can I do that shit?" emphasizes his determination to face these challenges head-on and continue pursuing his artistic path.
"What If…" serves as a powerful exploration of the doubts and insecurities that can plague even the most successful artists. j-hope's introspective lyrics and vulnerable expression create a relatable narrative that resonates with listeners who may also face similar internal struggles. Ultimately, the song reaffirms the importance of self-belief, resilience, and the pursuit of passion even in the face of uncertainty.
What if…
J-Hope Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Am I really like that?
희망, 긍정, 늘 웃는 얼굴의 상태
그저 할 수 있는 부분이라고 생각했어
So my music, my speech, my feel
I made it myself
But 의문이 들어, 제이홉에게 물어'너라면 니가 말한 부분들을 지킬 수 있어?'
어쩌면 내 자의가 아닌 무수한 환경으로 탄생한 나
Hey 당당히 비춰 너의 persona
Hold up
(Can I do this?)
Let me think
(Can I do it?)
Even in this case
(What?)
What if, what if, what if, what if
What if I have no hope? (What?)
What if, what if, what if, what if
What if I have no dream? (What?)
What if, what if, what if, what if
What if I have no passion? (What?)
What if, what if, what if, what if
What if I have no vision? (Wait)
Hey, how you doin', bro?
요즘은 살 만한가 봐, 멋 부리고
너에게 풍파와 시련이란 건 뭘까?
온전한 계단으로만 올라왔기에
그건 모를 수도 있는 거야
돈 명예 부, 니가 좋은 사람들의 following까지
나 자신을 사랑하고 희망을 가지라는 거
저 모든 게 박탈이 되고, 밑바닥이어도
말할 수 있을까 넌? (I wish)
Hold up
(Can I do this?)
Let me think
(Can I do it?)
Even in this case
(What?)
What if, what if, what if, what if
What if I have no hope? (What?)
What if, what if, what if, what if
What if I have no dream? (What?)
What if, what if, what if, what if
What if I have no passion? (What?)
What if, what if, what if, what if
What if I have no vision? (Wait)
And what if, what if, what if, what if
What if I have no money? (Money)
What if, what if, what if, what if
What if I have no house? (House)
What if, what if, what if, what if
What if I have no car? (Car)
What if, what if, what if, what if
What if I have nothing
Can I do that shit?
In J-Hope's song What if…, J-Hope grapples with self-doubt and questions his abilities as an artist. He reflects on his persona and wonders if he can live up to the image he has created for himself. J-Hope asks himself if he can maintain the positivity and hope that he promotes through his music and speeches. He also questions whether he can keep his promises to himself. J-Hope acknowledges that he has been born into circumstances that have shaped him into the person he is today, and wonders if he's capable of living up to his own expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
수십 번 내게 질문을 해
You have asked me the same question over and over again
Am I really like that?
Do I really have the qualities you think I have?
희망, 긍정, 늘 웃는 얼굴의 상태
I always have a positive mindset and a smiling face
그저 할 수 있는 부분이라고 생각했어
I thought that I can only do what I am capable of doing
So my music, my speech, my feel
What you hear from me is my music, my voice and my emotions
I made it myself
I created it on my own
But 의문이 들어, 제이홉에게 물어
But I have doubts, so I ask myself (J-Hope)
'너라면 니가 말한 부분들을 지킬 수 있어?'
'If it were you, can you keep the things you said?'
어쩌면 내 자의가 아닌 무수한 환경으로 탄생한 나
Maybe I was born not because of my own will, but because of the countless environmental factors
Hey 당당히 비춰 너의 persona
Hey, confidently show your persona (identity)
Hold up
Wait a minute
(Can I do this?)
(Can I really do this?)
Let me think
Let me contemplate
(Can I do it?)
(Am I capable of doing it?)
Even in this case
Even in this situation
(What?)
(What if...)
What if, what if, what if, what if
What if, what if, what if...
What if I have no hope? (What?)
What if I lose hope and give up?
What if I have no dream? (What?)
What if I have no aspirations or ambitions?
What if I have no passion? (What?)
What if I have no drive or enthusiasm?
What if I have no vision? (Wait)
What if I have no clear goal or purpose in life? (Wait)
Hey, how you doin', bro?
Hey, how are you doing my friend?
요즘은 살 만한가 봐, 멋 부리고
You seem to be doing well and showing off
너에게 풍파와 시련이란 건 뭘까?
What do you think are trials and hardships in life?
온전한 계단으로만 올라왔기에
Because you only climbed up a whole staircase
그건 모를 수도 있는 거야
That's something you may not know
정작 넌 지금 다 가졌지
Actually, you have everything right now
돈 명예 부, 니가 좋은 사람들의 following까지
Money, fame, and even a following of good people
나 자신을 사랑하고 희망을 가지라는 거
Loving yourself and having hope
저 모든 게 박탈이 되고, 밑바닥이어도
Even if you lose all of those things and end up on the bottom
말할 수 있을까 넌? (I wish)
Can you still say that? (I wish)
And what if, what if, what if, what if
And what if, what if, what if...
What if I have no money? (Money)
What if I lose all my wealth? (Money)
What if I have no house? (House)
What if I have no place to call my home? (House)
What if I have no car? (Car)
What if I have no means of transportation? (Car)
What if I have nothing
What if I have absolutely nothing?
Can I do that shit?
Am I capable of overcoming such a situation?
Lyrics © CONSALAD CO., Ltd., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dwayne Allen Abernathy, Ho Seok Jung, Robert F. Diggs, Russell T. Jones
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ironically-rubbish
what if… is such a masterpiece like i am never shutting up about this idc
@ughcoded
AS YOU SHOULD!!
@d0pejimin332
Fr !
@eorange93
SAME! My fave 🫶🏻
@sarastefania8398
This
@kooshi7
Me too 💜
@TinaJung0218
Best songwriter, best producer, best rapper, singer and of course best DANCER J-HOPE!
@jkhope4859
when jhope said he wanted to show us a different side of him he really did 100% from the album to his performance at lolla and he really has clear vision of the things he wish to do
@pieceofpeace89165
I'm really proud of songwriter and performer j-hope. He truly puts his heart and soul into his music.
@mahuyakhatun3755
The whole album is a masterpiece, I'm so proud of you hobi.