JJ Project : ICARUS lyrics meaning

JJ PROJECT : Fly Like Icarus

by : Putri Cahya Ramadhanti

So, JJ Project is back.

They are comeback after 5 years debuted with 8 new songs. JJ Project (Korean: 제이제이 프로젝트) is a South Korean duo, consisting of JB and Jinyoung. They were formed by JYP Entertainment and released their debut single "Bounce" in May 2012, and after 5 years, they are released new album- VERSE 2, It was released on July 31, 2017.

Icarus is one of the song of VERSE 2 album. Icarus is composed and lyrics written by Defsoul aka JB. As we can know from they vlive and the titles, JB was influenced by Icarus˗̶ in Greek mythology. So today, I want to explain the meaning of the JJ Project : Icarus. I really suggest you read the full lyrics before this analysis.

For you who aren't familiar with Icarus’s story is a work of Greek mythology. Icarus was the son of the famous craftsman Daedalus in Greek mythology. His father was the creator of the Labyrinth, a huge maze located under the court of King Minos of Crete, where the Minotaur, a half-man half-bull creature lived. In order for the secret of the Labyrinth to be kept, Minos had then imprisoned Daedalus and Icarus in a tower above his palace. Daedalus managed to create two sets of wings for himself and his son, that were made of feathers glued together with wax.

He taught Icarus how to fly and warned him not to fly too high, which would cause the wax to melt, nor too low, which would cause the feathers to get wet with sea water.

Together, they flew out of the tower towards freedom. However, Icarus soon forgot his father's warnings, and started flying higher and higher, until the wax started melting under the scorching sun. His wings dissolved and he fell into the sea and drowned.

Icarus

JJ Project

Produced by Defsoul (JB), Andrew Choi & Royal Dive

Album Verse 2 EP

I know this is stupid

I know, I know

But when people point fingers at me

I’m gonna become stronger

Without fail, I’m dreaming again today

As if I’m free like I’m flying in the sky

As if I can reach if I hold out my hand

I’ll flap my wings harder, even if I’m scared

Never

I can’t give up

I can’t fall down

For my dreams, I’ll only look at one place

I can’t give up

I can’t fall down

Even if my body breaks down

Every time I get scared

For the people who believe in me

I will prove it

Every time I wanna close my eyes

I’ll picture me standing at the finish line

I’m not sure of this path

But I’ll fly, I’ll fly

I’ll follow the light and draw countless pictures

Even if I feel the limit

Without fail, I’m dreaming again today

As if I’m free like I’m flying in the sky

As if I can reach if I hold out my hand

I’ll flap my wings harder, even if I’m scared

Never

I can’t give up

I can’t fall down

For my dreams, I’ll only look at one place

I can’t give up

I can’t fall down

Even if my body breaks down

I’ll go up faster than anyone else

I’ll hold out my hand, I Hope you’re with me

Flying higher in the blue sky

So you can feel it, so you can spread your wings

Never

I can’t give up

I can’t fall down

For my dreams, I’ll only look at one place

I can’t give up

I can’t fall down

Even if my body breaks down

Every time I get scared

For the people who believe in me

I will prove it

Every time I wanna close my eyes

I’ll picture me standing at the finish line

Most people see this story as something negative, Icarus falls is a warning about youth carelessness and shows the terrible consequences that it can bring. His determination of flying all the way up despite knowing the consequences is something that one can learn from him. He was delighted and finally felt that freedom while he was flying. But at the same time, he also felt like a God and was filled with pride before leading to his own demise. But this song only focused on the good perception Icarus had while flying.

I can’t give up

I can’t fall down

Even if my body breaks down

This part describe the spirit of youth with full of ambition and work hard. A person that just keeps going to achieve his dreams no matter how tired it is and believing in yourself.

But when people point fingers at me

I’m gonna become stronger

For my dreams, I’ll only look at one place

The lyrics told us to set our dreams on planned and put all our efforts for it. It tells us to go ahead of everyone, not to be prideful but always keeping our feet on the ground.

I'm really recommended this song (and all of VERSE 2 song, ofc) when you feel loosing your motivation to reach your dreams, i hope we can find ourself to keep going to find the way where we can find our missing dream.

Every time I get scared

For the people who believe in me

I will prove it
This is how i felt when i was about to give up but looking at the people who believe in me more than i believe in myself, i keep walking forward.
I really hope JJ Project can comeback again with another masterpiece. FIGHTING!

(and here JJ Project Photoshoot on VERSE 2 album as bonus)