ARMY, MAY WE HAVE THIS DANCE? PERMISSION TO DANCE SONG ANALYSIS
Time to get your groove on, ARMY, because BTS has just released their second English single this year, Permission To Dance, right on time for our fandom 8th anniversary. As always with any BTS comeback, there's a lot to debunk. So let's “walk the walk” together as we unravel the song bit by bit!
Happy ARMY Day!
As we ease our way out of the Covid-19 pandemic, BTS encourages us to just enjoy every moment regardless of tricky situations. Similar to BTS' previous English records, Dynamite and Butter, the song presents itself in a very dancy style. With hints of funk and disco, this dance-pop track definitely has a way of staying on our minds. It is sung beautifully by all seven members but the rap line shines bright revealing their vocal side.
Permission To Dance (PTD) has a very western vibe. This is especially prominent throughout the music video, where we can see the boys in cowboy outfits in a laundromat located in the middle of a desert, dancing and living their best lives.
Live Like You’re Golden
Although the song is generally lighthearted, PTD communicates the thought of music bringing people together and that you shouldn’t be afraid to just dance sometimes. Amidst the pandemic many fell into a slump, and as it slowly comes to an end, BTS reassures us that things will get better. But, for the moment, if all you can do is dance, then dance like you're “a dancing fool.” In a way, dancing in this song is used as a metaphor for being happy--saying you don't need permission to have fun. In j-hope's part he says, “if you don't let it faze ya, you'll know just how to break,” indicating how even with the current events, it's okay to relax and to let yourself go a little.
Linking into how music--especially when it comes to BTS’ artistry--is universal and therefore, unites, people of different ethnicities, ages and gender are seen dancing and celebrating in the music video. The use of international sign language can also be spotted in the choreography; expressing the words “fun,” “dance” and “peace”, again showing unification and diversity.
The lyrics take after Life Goes On in a sense. Both of these tracks hint at making the best out of every moment even if times aren't ideal. In this case, not stopping your life for the pandemic, and that solutions to problems will come naturally because in the end life does go on. If dancing your heart out is what you need then just do it! This message is obvious throughout the MV with the people dancing at work, and even taking off their masks at the end, signaling new beginnings. It is even more significant as some of the people portrayed are essential workers such as teachers and wait staff. We also see older people and children, who are often considered at risk of the virus. At the end of the video, BTS is joined by their crew as they dance along to the chorus of the song. Not only is it endearing to watch all the staff members try to follow the correct moves, but it marks finally being able to freely party in large groups.
Production
As for how the song came to be, the boys revealed recently that they actually started working on it back in the beginning of the year, even before their previous hit single Butter. BTS teamed up with other musical talents for this song such as singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, British producer Steve Mac, Snow Patrol, Johnny McDaid and Butter co-writer Jenna Andrews. Permission To Dance is part of BTS' new Butter CD Single which features both singles and their instrumentals.
Start to finish, PTD gives off an effortless uplifting mood. Musically, the song offers warm piano notes and guitar strums seem to be dancing along to the rhythm. The summery-pop sound also has violin undertones, presenting a sweet tone and a classical aspect.
That’s about it for Permission To Dance, don't forget to stream and remember you don't need permission to dance and neither does BTS so just go for it! Have a lovely day ARMY! Purple you and see you next time!
Written by: Alice
Edited by: Hel.B
Designed by: Judy
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