XIA made his debut in 2003 as a member of TVXQ, a boy band produced and formed by South Korean record label and talent agency S.M. Entertainment, having previously been a trainee for six years. He had released four Korean albums, four Japanese albums, thirty Japanese singles and several Korean singles during his first six years in the music industry as TVXQ. In 2009, Kim and fellow TVXQ members Kim Jaejoong and Park Yoochun filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment, arguing that their exclusive contracts were unilaterally disadvantageous towards the artists and should be invalidated. The Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of the three and granted an injunction suspending their contracts. The trio reunited and subsequently formed JYJ (formerly known as JUNSU/JEJUNG/YUCHUN in Japan). As JYJ, Kim has released one English album, one Korean album, one Japanese EP, and one Korean EP.
Kim began his solo career in 2010 with the release of Japanese single "Xiah", which peaked at number-two on Japan's Oricon singles chart. The same year, he took the role of Wolfgang in his debut musical Mozart!, receiving critical acclaim and commercial success. After the release of Xiah, Kim's solo music career was sent into hiatus because of a discord between him and his Japanese label Avex Trax that led to the sudden suspension of all his activities in Japan. In May 2012, he released his first full-length Korean solo studio album "Tarantallegra", while being represented by new management agency C-JeS Entertainment. Following the release, he embarked on his first headlining world tour. He returned with his second Korean solo studio album "Incredible", in July 2013.
The Hare and the Tortoise
XIA Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
늘 덜렁대는 날 보면 요즘 웃을 일 많아 좋다던
멋쩍은 사과 대신에 괜한 화를 내도
눈치 없는 척 웃곤 했던
그런 널 흉내 내나 봐
애인이 생겼다는 친구에게
잔소리 따윌 하곤 빈정대며 잘난 척 하는 난
그런 널 닮아 가나 봐
잠에서 깨보니 아득히 먼 길
술 한잔 생각 날 때면 물 한잔 기울여주고
좀 서투른 내 고백엔 엉뚱해서 더 매력 있다던
걸핏하면 토라지고 끝내잔 그 말에
참았던 눈물을 흘리던
그런 널 흉내 내나 봐
지금 내 곁에 있는 그녀에게
잔소리 따윌 하곤 으시대며 잘난 척 하는 난
그런 널 닮아 가나 봐
더딘 내 기억들도 거기 멈춰버린 건 아닐까
잠에서 깨보니 아득히 먼 길
내 눈물이 말라 갈 무렵 그제서야 등을 돌린 채 울던 넌
깜빡 잠이 든 순간 천천히 나를 스치고 간 것 같아
그런 널 기다린 걸까
벌써 몇 년째 거길 서성이다
가끔 널 추억하며 슬픈 사랑 노랠 부르곤 해
그런 널 닮아 가나 봐
더딘 내 시간들만 거꾸로 돌아가 버린걸까
잠에서 깨보니 아득히 먼 길
The lyrics of XIA's song "The Hare and the Tortoise" depict a person reflecting on their past relationship and how they resemble their ex-partner. The first paragraph discusses how the singer used to walk slightly faster than their partner, but would slow down to match their pace. The singer finds joy in seeing their partner look insecure and always trying to seem cool, even when they're actually upset. The singer admits to imitating their partner's behavior and pretending to be nonchalant, perhaps implying that they were influenced by their partner's actions and attitude.
In the second paragraph, the singer recalls how they would toast to memories with a drink, and their partner would find their awkward confessions charming. Despite their attempts to hold back tears, their partner's words eventually made them cry. The singer again suggests that they have taken on their partner's traits and mannerisms, indicating a strong influence in their relationship.
The third paragraph shifts to the present, where the singer mentions the person who is now by their side. They mockingly state that they don't nag like their partner used to, but sometimes act superior and pretend to be confident. This suggests that the singer may still be carrying some unresolved feelings towards their ex while in their current relationship, possibly comparing the two.
The fourth paragraph reflects on the passage of time and how the singer wonders if their memories have become stagnant. They imagine their ex-partner turning back and crying as they move forward. The singer questions if they have been waiting for their ex all these years, lingering in the same place, and singing sad love songs while reminiscing. The final line signifies a realization that the past relationship was distant and far away, and that it's time to move on.
Overall, the lyrics of "The Hare and the Tortoise" explore themes of nostalgia, influence, and personal growth. It delves into the complexity of relationships and how they can shape individuals, even after they've ended. The song suggests that the singer has not entirely let go of their past, but also portrays a sense of longing and self-reflection as they navigate their present and future.
Line by Line Meaning
내 걸음이 좀 빨라서 한 걸음 뒤에서 걷고
I walk one step ahead because my steps are a little faster
늘 덜렁대는 날 보면 요즘 웃을 일 많아 좋다던
You used to say it's good that I laugh a lot when you see me wandering around
멋쩍은 사과 대신에 괜한 화를 내도
Even if I get angry for no reason instead of a cool apology
눈치 없는 척 웃곤 했던
I used to pretend not to notice and laugh
그런 널 흉내 내나 봐
It seems like I imitate you
애인이 생겼다는 친구에게
To a friend who said I got a lover
잔소리 따윌 하곤 빈정대며 잘난 척 하는 난
I act like I'm a big shot and complain about lectures
그런 널 닮아 가나 봐
It seems like I resemble you
더딘 내 기억들도 거기 멈춰버린 건 아닐까
Maybe it's because my slow memories stopped there
잠에서 깨보니 아득히 먼 길
When I wake up from sleep, it's a distant path
술 한잔 생각 날 때면 물 한잔 기울여주고
When I think of having a drink, you pour me a glass of water
좀 서투른 내 고백엔 엉뚱해서 더 매력 있다던
You used to say that my clumsy confession is cute and more charming
걸핏하면 토라지고 끝내잔 그 말에
I get upset for no reason and in the end, I shed tears at those words
참았던 눈물을 흘리던
I shed tears that I held back
그런 널 흉내 내나 봐
It seems like I imitate you
지금 내 곁에 있는 그녀에게
To the woman who is by my side right now
잔소리 따윌 하곤 으시대며 잘난 척 하는 난
I act like I'm a big shot and brush off lectures
그런 널 닮아 가나 봐
It seems like I resemble you
더딘 내 기억들도 거기 멈춰버린 건 아닐까
Maybe it's because my slow memories stopped there
잠에서 깨보니 아득히 먼 길
When I wake up from sleep, it's a distant path
내 눈물이 말라 갈 무렵 그제서야 등을 돌린 채 울던 넌
When my tears were almost dry, you finally turned around and cried
깜빡 잠이 든 순간 천천히 나를 스치고 간 것 같아
It feels like you slowly brushed past me in the moment when I dozed off
그런 널 기다린 걸까
Did I wait for you like that?
벌써 몇 년째 거길 서성이다
I've been lingering here for several years already
가끔 널 추억하며 슬픈 사랑 노랠 부르곤 해
Sometimes I sing a sad love song remembering you
그런 널 닮아 가나 봐
It seems like I resemble you
더딘 내 시간들만 거꾸로 돌아가 버린걸까
Maybe only my slow times have gone back in reverse
잠에서 깨보니 아득히 먼 길
When I wake up from sleep, it's a distant path
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Hyun Il Seo
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind