Jonghyun had been active in music since he was in junior high school. He was in a band called ZION and participated in many music festivals in his area. He was the band's bassist. During one of the band's show performance Jonghyun was scouted by SM Entertainment. Before his debut with SHINee, he sang a duet with Zhang Li Yin in the song “交错的爱 (Wrongly Given Love)” for her Chinese album.
Jonghyun was discovered at the 2005 S.M. Casting System. In 2008, he was chosen as a member of the group Shinee, the 5-member boy group debuted on May 25, 2008 on SBS's Inkigayo.
In November 2010, it was revealed by SM Entertainment that Jonghyun, along with TRAX’s Jay, Super Junior’s Kyuhyun, and rookie singer, Jino, had formed a project group, S.M. The Ballad, under their label. The group focuses more on ballad rather than pop and R&B themes. The group released their debut album, "너무 그리워 (Miss You)", on November 29, 2010. They debuted on November 28, 2010 on SBS's Inkigayo with their lead single, "너무 그리워 (Miss You)". They also promoted another single from the album, "Hot Times (시험하지 말기)".
In February 4, 2014, SM Entertainment revealed that SM The Ballad will make a comeback with new members, Jonghyun being the only one from the original formation. It was later revealed that he would be singing, together with Girls' Generation's Taeyeon, the title track of the new album, "숨소리 (Breath)".
In October 2010, Jonghyun was one of twenty idols from various South Korean groups that recorded the song, "Let's Go," for the purpose of increasing public participation in the 2010 G-20 Seoul summit. He provided vocals along with label-mates Sungmin, Seohyun and Luna.
In the 4th mini album "Sherlock", Jonghyun had written the two songs "늘 그자리에 (Honesty)" and "알람시계 (Alarm Clock)". The song "Honesty" is written to give thanks to their fans who have stayed by their side with unchanging love until now. The other song, "Alarm Clock" which is also co-written with fellow member Minho, is about wishing to wake up from a nightmare of past break-up. He also wrote for multiple SHINee songs including "너와 나의 거리 (Selene 6.23)" (album "The Misconceptions of Us") and "상사병 (Symptoms)" (album "Everybody"). Jonghyun fully composed the collaboration track with IU, "Gloomy Clock" in IU's 3rd album "Modern Times". He also fully composed, wrote and lead the vocal direction for Son Dam Bi's digital single, "Red Candle". Not only did Jonghyun compose and write the song, he also took part in the vocal directing. The lyrics relate the characteristics of a candle to someone in love, who feels excited and nervous at the same time.
As a DJ for MBC FM4U's midnight radio show "Blue Night" Jonghyun has revealed his newly written songs on his radio show which he has prepared for a special corner called "Blue Night Lyrics, That Man's Composition". Back in June, DJ Jonghyun tweeted: “As I started Blue Night, I contemplated on how to incorporate myself well into the program… As expected, the conclusion is communicating with listeners and music! That’s why I have prepared a project where I personally write a song pertaining to a listener’s story and let you hear it. The name of the corner is ‘Blue Night Lyrics, That Man Composition’. It won’t be aired every week, but it will be aired once every few months as a special corner, so please send in a lot of stories. I’m accepting stories through the homepage.”
MBC FM4U have revealed starting from July 7th, they will be releasing the self-composed and self-written songs of Jonghyun. Furthermore it was stated that Jonghyun has written a total of 7 songs and that they will be revealed succession over several weeks.
Inspiration
JongHyun Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Be quiet, I'm so dizzy
I'm so dizzy inspiration
I'm so dizzy
눈 뜨지 말아봐 못된 뜻은 nothing
사실 너랑 같아 첨 느껴봐 나도
감각의 전의를 느낀 적 있지 oh yeah
Break it
어지러워 너를 볼 때면
머리가 복잡해져
또 널 내 품에 안을 때면 hoo
Be quiet
I'm so dizzy yeah
I'm so dizzy, I'm so dizzy
I'm so dizzy
A lot of inspiration is needed (is needed)
A lot of inspiration is needed (is needed)
A lot of inspiration is needed (is needed)
A lot of inspiration is needed (is needed)
A lot of inspiration is needed (is needed)
A lot of inspiration is needed (is needed)
A lot of inspiration is needed (is needed)
A lot of inspiration is needed (is needed, is needed, is needed)
감았던 눈을 빤히 뜰 때
계속된 혼란과 마주해
간만에 했던가 기억도 흐릿해
너 나 역할이 불분명해
누가 먼전진 상관없어
주도권은 어차피 내 쪽
내 쪽 Inspiration
Be quiet
I'm so dizzy
I'm so dizzy
I'm so dizzy inspiration
I'm so dizzy
어지러워 너를 볼 때면 (be quiet, I'm so dizzy)
머리가 복잡해져 또 널 내 품에 안을 때면
어지러워 너를 볼 때면 머리가 복잡해져
또 널 내 품에 안을 때면 (I'm so dizzy)
어지러워 너를 볼 때면 (I'm so dizzy)
머리가 복잡해져 (I'm so dizzy)
또 널 내 품에 안을 때면 hoo
In the song "Inspiration" by JongHyun, the lyrics convey a sense of disorientation and confusion, symbolized by the repeated mention of feeling dizzy and the need for inspiration to clear the fog. The singer describes feeling overwhelmed and unsure of their thoughts and emotions, urging themselves and maybe even the listener to stay quiet and introspective in order to find clarity. The idea of shutting out negative intentions or distractions is emphasized, suggesting a need to focus on genuine feelings and experiences.
The lyrics also touch on the theme of memory and how it can become hazy or unclear, especially when faced with ongoing confusion and uncertainty. The singer expresses frustration at the lack of clarity in their role or relationship with someone else, highlighting the internal struggle to define boundaries and assert control over their own inspiration and direction. This inner conflict is mirrored in the external world, where it may be challenging to discern a path forward amidst competing influences and distractions.
The repetition of the phrase "A lot of inspiration is needed" underscores the importance of finding motivation and creativity to navigate through the complexities and challenges depicted in the lyrics. The singer seems to be searching for a source of inspiration that can cut through the confusion and provide a sense of direction and purpose. This could reflect a desire for renewal or a breakthrough in a stagnant situation, urging the listener to seek out sources of inspiration and motivation in their own lives.
Overall, "Inspiration" by JongHyun delves into the intertwined feelings of dizziness, confusion, and the quest for inspiration as a means of finding clarity and purpose in the face of uncertainty. The song may serve as a reminder to pause, reflect, and seek out sources of inspiration that can help untangle the complexities of life and guide one towards a path of self-discovery and renewal.
Line by Line Meaning
Be quiet, I'm so dizzy
Silence is needed as I am feeling overwhelmed and confused
A lot of inspiration is needed (is needed)
I require a significant amount of inspiration to navigate through this confusion
When I open my eyes that were closed
When I face the confusion that continues
The memories of even the occasional actions become fuzzy
The memories of past actions are becoming unclear
The roles between you and me are unclear
The roles and dynamics between us are ambiguous
Who moves forward doesn't matter
The direction of progress doesn't concern me
The lead is on my side anyways
The control or power is on my side, regardless
My own inspiration
The motivation and creativity that comes from within me
When I see you, I'm dizzy (be quiet, I'm so dizzy)
Feeling confused and overwhelmed when I see you (be quiet as the feeling intensifies)
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Imlay, Jong Hyun Kim
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind