[ANALYSIS] We Are Bulletproof 1, 2 & Eternal: The fantastic GROWTH of BTS!
The title We Are Bulletproof is a play on BTS’s full group name, 방탄소녀단 (Bangtan Sonyeondan), which translates to “Bulletproof Boyscouts”.
WE ARE BULLETPROOF PT.1 (4 BEGINS RUFF)
We Are Bulletproof Pt. 1 is a modified version of the track, “We are B.P.B” that RM and then-trainees Iron and Supreme Boi produced and released before the group’s official debut on October 12, 2010. The original version was changed to fit all the actual 7 members of BTS and was released on June 8, 2015, as a part of their buildup to their 2nd anniversary.
The lyrics showcase how BTS are willing to try hard and show everyone what they are made of. It’s like declaring their bet against the world that in this fight they will win. Because no matter the trials or the hate that pierces through like bullets they swear to be bulletproof and carry on in this journey to the end. They say “ Since we are bulletproof, soon my time is coming, so everyone hold your breath… BTS is running, step ’til dawn, we are rider…The difference between my superior skills, I’ll let you know onstage… if they’re juniors or seniors, I poach ’em… We are bulletproof.”
In conclusion, this is a song where BTS is not yet recognized. They have nothing but they aim for the top. They are ready to show who they are and say that no matter the competition they will not lose.
“We Are Bulletproof Pt.2” served as the B-side to 2 Cool 4 Skool’s lead single, “No More Dream”, during the group’s debut promotional activities. On June 13, 2013, BTS performed “We Are Bulletproof Pt.2” and “No More Dream” on Mnet’s weekly music program M Countdown, marking their official debut.
The song’s music video, released July 16, 2013, was directed by Zanybros and features an intense choreography by Son Sungdeuk. The MV for “Pt.2” helped push 2 Cool 4 Skool back onto the Gaon Weekly Album charts in week 31, where it reached a new peak at number 5.
BTS in this state debuted after countless sleepless nights “While you guys partied. I gave up sleep for my dreams.” They also received tremendous hate just for their name that is translated to “Bulletproof boy scouts”, yet they still sang it proudly. BTS was ignored and malicious comments were as normal as air under each article or content about them. But even though many looked down on them BTS shouted “Everywhere I go, everything I do. I will show you, as much as I sharpened my sword. To all the people who looked down on me.”
To sum it up, BTS who worked hard to debut realized that debuting I not the happy ending they thought. The competition in their field was rough and the public was not forgiving and harsh. But these seven boys said “We go hard, we have no fear” even if their trembling feet and drenched clothes from intense practice said we are at our limits. Their sore throat from singing and their anxious hearts facing continuous rejection said we have had enough. Their devotion to reach this common dream yelled “We are bulletproof.”
WE ARE BULLETPROOF THE ETERNAL
“We Are Bulletproof: The Eternal” is part of BTS' 2020 album Map of the Soul : 7. It seems to be the final installation of the group’s ongoing series of “We Are Bulletproof Pt. 1” and “We are Bulletproof Pt. 2”.
It has been 7 years since debuting and BTS never forgot their roots and identity. BTS in their 1st and 2nd We Are Bulletproof songs acted all strong and mighty. When in reality they knew better than anyone that they were weak and insignificant as artists at the time. They didn’t show their fears and tears. They shed blood, sweat, and tears in the dark but when the camera was on they pulled their strong persona. In this latest song of the series, it’s very dissimilar. They show their true selves and highlight their dejected past where they had nothing but dreams “We had nothing but dreams. Nothing but foggy mornings when we opened our eyes. We stayed up all night to dance and sing the endless music sheets.” In their second part of the series, they said: “I will show you, as much as I sharpened my sword to all the people who looked down on me.” They shouted and appeared brave. As a result, it seems that they had endless fights that turned their swords dull. Only now they unveil the harsh reality of the past “Ay, we bravely shout: “Throw all you have. First fight with the world. Don’t wanna die but so much pain, too much crying. So blunted blades.”
In their 2nd part they also bellowed “Throw a stone at me if you’ve done as much as I did” To this still say in their last song of the series “Throw stones at me. We don’t fear anymore. We are together, bulletproof”. BTS realized that what went on in the past wasn’t easy. But if they weren’t seven no one would have survived the journey. Even today they are facing prejudice and hate but they became stronger and so is their bound not just with each other but also with their loyal ally: ARMYs. The boys who wrote many songs, letters and thanked their fans in each opportunity didn’t forget to tell their supporters that they were the light in the darkness. BTS say “We were only seven but we have you all now. After seven winters and springs. At the tips of our entwined fingers. We got to heaven.” They said seven winters and summers not just to explain the laps of seven years since debuting but winter can portray hardship and spring winning against it. BTS kept thinking they reached happiness but as soon as that happened more pain and trials appeared so they continue and say: “Even if winter comes again. Even if I’m blocked off, I will still walk. We are we are forever, bulletproof”. RM verse is also very heartwarming: “I always think
Am I still in a dream? Is it really spring that came after the long winter?
The name that everyone laughed at that was once embarrassing. This is the iron proof “Bullet-proof”” As the members are always asked what they feel for being loved all over the globe and achieving tremendous success worldwide, they either say “It’s all thanks to ARMY” or “We can’t believe it.” It’s like crawling out of hell, expecting the reach earth but you went so high, now you are at heaven.
In deduction, BTS made what was said to be impossible possible. They grew up and became tough. They rely on each other and know that they have people standing by them. It is no lonelier, no more as harsh, no sadder. The land that saw no rains, grew beautiful things thanks to blood, sweat, and tears. Now it turned to heaven.
Fun fact: BTS is the only group from 2013 that is still active to this day. All groups formed in 2013 disbanded or didn’t come back in years. In the past, there was a new group almost every week in South Korea. Being the laugh of the crowd, BTS didn’t just survive that cursed year. They became the best group that Korea ever gave the world.
I hope you liked the post. Pls if translated or posted elsewhere add in: Credit mimibtsghost on Tumblr
Lyrics were taken from genius.com
