ON – English Lyrics

• By: BTS

Lyrics & Translation

“ON” by BTS is more than just a song; it's a powerful declaration of resilience and growth. Through its intricate lyrics and captivating narrative, you can explore themes of self-acceptance and perseverance, offering a unique window into Korean lyrical artistry and cultural storytelling. Its dynamic energy and profound message make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the Korean language and the expressive power of K-pop.

[English]

I can't understand what people are sayin'

Who and what do I need to follow

With each step then again grows the shadow

Where is this place I open my eyes to

Maybe Seoul or New York or Paris

I get up, unsteady on my feet

Look at my feet, look down

The shadow resembles me

Is it the shadow that’s shaking

Or is it my feet that are trembling

Of course I‘m not unafraid

Of course it’s not all okay

But I know

Awkwardly I flow

I fly together with that black wind

Hey na na na

Gotta go insane to stay sane

Hey na na na

Throw myself whole into both worlds

Hey na na na

Can’t hold me down cuz you know I’m a fighter

Carried myself into this beautiful prison

Find me and I'm gonna live with ya

(Eh-Oh)

Bring it, bring the pain oh yeah

(Eh-Oh)

Come on up, bring the pain oh yeah

Rain be pourin'

Sky keep fallin'

Everyday oh na na na

(Eh-Oh)

Bring it, bring the pain oh yeah

Bring the pain

It’ll become my blood and flesh

Bring the pain

No fear, now that I know the way

Breathe on the small things

My air and my light in the dark

The power of the things that make me, “me”

Even if I fall, I come right up, scream

Even if I fall, I come right up, scream

That’s how we’ve always been

Even if my knees drop to the ground

As long as they don’t get buried

It won’t matter

Win no matter what

Whatever you say Whatever they say

I don't give a uhh

Hey na na na

Gotta go insane to stay sane

Hey na na na

Throw myself whole into both worlds

Hey na na na

Can’t hold me down cuz you know I’m a fighter

Carried myself into this beautiful prison

Find me and I'm gonna live with ya

(Eh-Oh)

Bring it, bring the pain oh yeah

(Eh-Oh)

Come on up, bring the pain oh yeah

Rain be pourin'

Sky keep fallin'

Everyday oh na na na

(Eh-Oh)

Bring it, bring the pain oh yeah

Where my pain lies

Let me take a breath

My everythin’

My blood and tears

Got no fears

I’m singin’ ohhhhh

Oh I’m takin’ over

You should know yeah

Can’t hold me down cuz you know I’m a fighter

Choosing to descend into the dark abyss

Find me and I’m gonna bleed with ya

(Eh-Oh)

Bring it, bring the pain oh yeah

(Eh-Oh)

Come on up, bring the pain oh yeah

Rain be pourin'

Sky keep fallin'

Everyday oh na na na

(Eh-Oh)

Find me and I’m gonna bleed with ya

(Eh-Oh)

Bring it, bring the pain oh yeah

(Eh-Oh)

Come on up, bring the pain oh yeah

All that I know

is just goin’ on & on & on & on

(Eh-Oh)

Bring it, bring the pain oh yeah

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
understand /ˌʌndərˈstænd/ B1	verb - to grasp the meaning, significance, or nature of something
follow /ˈfɑːloʊ/ A2	verb - to go or come after
shadow /ˈʃædoʊ/ B1	noun - a dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface
fighter /ˈfaɪtər/ B2	noun - a person who fights, especially as a profession or in a sport
beautiful /ˈbjuːtɪfəl/ B1	adjective - pleasing the senses or mind aesthetically
pain /peɪn/ A2	noun - physical suffering or discomfort caused by illness or injury
breathe /briːð/ B1	verb - to take air into the lungs and then expel it
live /lɪv/ A1	verb - to remain alive
blood /blʌd/ A1	noun - the red liquid that circulates in the arteries and veins of humans and animals
tears /tɪrz/ A2	noun - drops of clear salty liquid produced by glands in the eyes
dark /dɑːrk/ A1	adjective - having very little or no light
ground /ɡraʊnd/ A2	noun - the solid surface of the earth
insane /ɪnˈseɪn/ B2	adjective - in a state of mind that prevents normal perception, behavior, or social interaction
power /ˈpaʊər/ A2	noun - the ability or capacity to do something or act in a particular way
step /stɛp/ A1	noun - the act of moving by lifting the foot and setting it down in a new position
world /wɜːrld/ A1	noun - the earth, together with all of its countries and peoples

Key Grammar Structures

• I can't understand what people are sayin'

  ➔ Modal verb 'can't' + base verb

  ➔ 'Can't' is used to express inability or impossibility.

• Where is this place I open my eyes to

  ➔ Interrogative sentence with present simple 'is'

  ➔ This is a question asking about the location of the place.

• Gotta go insane to stay sane

  ➔ Informal contraction 'Gotta' (got to) + verb

  ➔ 'Gotta' is a colloquial contraction of 'have got to', expressing necessity.

• Even if I fall, I come right up, scream

  ➔ Concessive clause with 'even if' + present/simple

  ➔ 'Even if' introduces a concessive clause showing contrast or unexpected outcome.

• Find me and I'm gonna live with ya

  ➔ Future informal 'gonna' (going to) + verb

  ➔ 'Gonna' is an informal contraction of 'going to', indicating future intent.

• Where my pain lies

  ➔ Simple present tense 'lies' for location or existence

  ➔ 'Lies' is the third person singular form of 'lie', used here to indicate location or position.