Spreading Love Through Permission To Dance and Why It Is Impactful

When Permission To Dance is announced to be a B-side on BTS’ latest single CD release, it has made me so excited because I learned that it is penned by Ed Sheeran and this is the second time that they have sort of collaborated, the first one being Make It Right. I love that Ed has full respect of BTS’ music and artistry as stated in one of the anecdotes that even though (fun fact) Make It Right is initially a vocal line song, he sort of suggested to make it full OT7 song just like Spring Day and the likes.

I also have no qualms about it having an all English lyrics because what does it matter, right? Whatever language that they may get to use, music is going to transcend it all. And besides, it will help reach more especially to those who might need to hear the message at the time.

But basically I am just glad that BTS is releasing new music again. I enjoy their music and dynamic a lot so as a fan, I am truly anticipating for more.

Here comes the release date.

And I… loved it.

Here are some of the reasons why:

Inclusivity

They used sign languages in the choreography making it relatable and inclusive of the deaf community. And there are a lot of reaction videos out there that are truly heartwarming to see: people with disabilities enjoying the song and feeling like they truly belong (and they do). The world should not be harsh for once, and they don’t really need permission to be happy just like what the song’s message is implying.

In one of their recent interviews, J-hope has said:

We incorporated the international sign language into the choreography and showed it in our music as well as in live performances; it was because we wanted to share positive energy, comfort, and hope with more people around the world.

We started the Permission To Dance challenge in hope of seeing a lot of people around the globe dance joyfully together. There’s this energy we gain energy by performing, interacting with fans, and sharing feelings with the audience. The extended period of pandemic made us thirsty for that energy. Through this challenge, we wanted to quench our thirst and give positive energy and hope by enjoying [the music] together.” (Translation credit to doolsetbangtan)

It is a Message of Hope..

And that is exactly what we needed to hear. The pandemic has caused us all so much. People losing jobs, losing their loved ones, losing everything they ever own; People forgetting their ability to fully be happy because it is a struggle to face the new normal every single day; People losing compassion towards other people and to themselves. Sometimes it feels hopeless and I could not blame them because at some point I am feeling the same. But then the thought of surviving all of these together, and working hard to help each other in ways that we all can kept me going.

The world is different now but the circumstances should not stop us from enjoying our lives and finding our joy in the littlest of things.

The metaphor of flying a purple balloons towards the sky (it is only an edit because they obviously care about nature and won’t send balloons to the environment and risk wildlife) gives so much hope because someday, we’ll get to rid ourselves of the masks and smile wholeheartedly when all of this is over. We will get to dance to our hearts’ content and we can spread love everywhere.

That someday might be soon.

Vaccines are available and people from the medical field are working really hard. (Can’t say the same from the government) But we can definitely help each other out.

Sometimes that help is in a form of a song.

And that is what BTS’ music is giving me: hope, love and acceptance. Not only with their previous releases but their music as a whole. I love that they worked so hard to be in their place right now: on top of the world. It was never easy but they never gave up and that is truly inspiring.

I first got hooked in 2017 when my best friend has introduced their music to me and the rest as they say is history. I am now even more into their music than she is. But I guess what they say is true: you get to discover them when you needed them the most. It could be since their debut or through their breakthrough era. It could also be during the pandemic time, but you discovered BTS’ music at the time that you needed it the most. The lyrics of the songs that you could truly relate to… the words that you needed to hear at a certain point in your life.

But whenever that may be, I am glad that you gave them the time of the day and that their music helped you in a way or another.

Going back to Permission To Dance, it never fails to put a smile on my face because they had fun while filming and performing the song and it cuts right through. Genuine happiness truly is infectious.

Go give it a watch.

(Maybe I’ll write a piece about the BTS lyrics that touched me the most some other time)

Until then.

Be safe and healthy and I’ll see you around!

A

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Thumbnail Photo ©️ Bighit / Hybe Labels