7 BTS Songs that Feel like Warm Hugs

Amid their global popularity, K-Pop boy group BTS remained true to their music’s messaging from their debut. When back then they sang about going after your dreams and saying “NO” to societal norms, today they continue to inspire with lyrics that tell us to “love yourself” and that your mere existence is enough.

There’s just something about BTS’ music that makes us feel seen, understood even. And it’s no surprise why their legion of fans — the ARMY, which stands for “Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth” have supported them for more than a decade and continued to anticipate their projects despite being on hiatus for their mandatory military service.

BTS has successfully crossed boundaries physically and metaphorically; proving that music, no matter in what language, has the power to connect, heal, and inspire hearts. Just like what RM sang in their sophomore mini-album track (“Paldogangsan”): "Look up, we are all looking at the same sky.”

So, cheer up ARMYs, our boys will be back soon enough. While they’re off trying new things and spreading their wings as individuals, here are seven songs to get us through the hard days and lonely nights, guaranteed to lift our spirits and make us feel like they’re right here with us while we forge our own paths.

Magic Shop

Love Yourself: Answer, 2018

“On days I hate being myself, days I want to disappear forever

Let's make a door in your heart

Open the door and this place will await

It's okay to believe, the Magic Shop will comfort you.”

In times when our hearts are weary or when we don’t like the face in the mirror looking back at us, BTS tells us that we can simply enter the “Magic Shop,” a metaphorical place that encourages fans — and anyone who has ever felt alone — to find comfort and hope within its confines.

Where’s your happy place? With BTS, of course!

Spring Day

You Never Walk Alone, 2016

“The morning will come again. No darkness, no season is eternal.”

This passionate song opens with the words “I miss you” and goes on to mention that saying those words only makes him miss them more. It’s a song about yearning for something that has been lost and wanting — waiting to reunite with them. We’re waiting for your comeback, BTS!

Although the track is vague in its references, “Spring Day” evokes a sense of longing and hope no BTS song has ever done before. Partnered with a moving melody that seems to take you back in time, this song carries a deeper meaning about life’s changing seasons and how things don’t stay the way they are forever. As the dark will eventually turn to light, your sadness will also come to pass.

2! 3!

Wings, 2016

“It’s alright, now count 1, 2, 3 and forget. Erase all sad memories. Hold each other’s hands and smile.”

When we get overwhelmed by life, it’s a good idea to pause and start consciously breathing while counting. This song is another fan song BTS wrote for ARMYs where they express their desire to go through the good and bad times together, to be by their side and take things on hand in hand! A mix of pop and rap, it’s a light and comforting track that will charm even non-BTS fans.

Paradise

Love Yourself: ‘TEAR’, 2018

“It's alright to stop

There's no need to run without even knowing the reason

It's alright to not have a dream.

If you have moments where you feel happiness for a while.”

BTS sends an important message through this song, which we believe is important and relevant today with how people have become accustomed to the hustle culture; often forgetting to stop and take a breather, always running after a goal or a dream.

The 7 members have long been reassuring fans that there is no “right way” to live your life and that it’s okay to take things at your own pace and in your own way. It’s okay to stop and be happy where you are, or to even have no dreams. This groovy track reminds us that more than our goals, our happiness and personal wellbeing is what should come first.

00:00 (Zero O'Clock)

MAP OF THE SOUL: 7, 2020

“I hold my breath for a very brief moment and give myself a pat today, as well.”

Ever had a bad day and couldn’t wait for it to be over? BTS contemplates the transition of day into night and how each passing moment is filled with both positive and negative feelings.

In times when we feel like we’ve lost or when difficulties get the best of us, they remind us that each day is a new beginning, that we can simply reset once the clock strikes 00:00 and start anew with a smile. This soft-pop tune feels exactly like its messaging: hopeful and like a gentle pat on the back.

Mikrokosmos

MAP OF THE SOUL: Persona, 2019

“This dark night (Don't be lonely)

Like stars (We shine)

Don't disappear

'Cause you're a big existence. Let us shine.”

The epitome of comfort songs, this track BTS wrote especially for ARMYs is their way of telling us that we are all like stars and have the capacity to shine through darkest of nights; the way each light stick at their concerts lights up the entire arena, making up a sparkling galaxy.

The uplifting pop song sends a hopeful message that our “great existence” is unique and irreplaceable. We have never felt more seen!

Life Goes On

BE, 2020

“Stopped for now but don’t hide in the shadow. The light will glow once again.”

When a global pandemic hit, many people fell into despair as we were all locked in our homes and forced to put our plans on standby.

BTS released this song at a time when the world felt like it was standing still, and this soothing track was like opening the windows after a full day of being cooped up in the dark. It was like realizing the sun was still up there, and we just needed to let it in. They reminded us that everything would be okay, and that we should hang on until then.