Dad Reacts: BTS' Pied Piper

Let's talk about one of the most conflicted songs ever.
Dad's Channel: / jeffksorensen
Original Video: • Video
My "Pied Piper" lyrical analysis video: • BTS "Pied Piper" Lyric...
Ashlen's Instagram: / ashlen.nevaeh
Ashlen's Twitter: / ashlenskywalker
Launa's Instagram: / launasorensen
Launa's Twitter: / launasorensen
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Patreon: / secondbreakfastclub

[@gail6935]

I'm glad that your Dad understood the lyrics very well and I will say it again, your Dad speaks well. 😊

[@hina4500]

Oh no we've been exposed! Haha when your faves know you spend too much time on them, they have to make a song. I'm joking, but this is actually something that I find rare in a group. Though many groups are obsessed over, no one else would ever remind their fans to focus on themselves rather than solely them because that wouldn't benefit them.

[@SecondBreakfastClub]

They certainly spend a lot of time genuinely concerned for ARMY :) It’s one of the reasons it makes me sad many consider this a “roast” when at it’s deepest core it’s a song concerned for our wellbeing.

[@twilightrhapsodist]

I said the same thing when I heard this song. This kind of reminder from our favorite groups is rare.

[@zamillazamri0203]

The fandom is interesting in itself. We do have the ARMYs who are willing to 'ruin' themselves. Just take a look at the ARMYs who have been camping up to a week in bad weather just to meet them for a few minutes. However, look at the others who have been 'save' and managed to take another step in life because of them. It's the same with their relationship with us. Some of us help them tremendously in terms of uplifting them to this worldwide celebrity status that they hold now and yet there are 'fans' who managed to attack their insecurities and such. There are so many layers of involvement and obsession between BTS and ARMY and like what the song indicates, we are the enemies and we are the saviour at the same time. Just follow the sound of the flute and hope that we stay away from drowning but living happily in our galaxy. p/s: I really enjoy your conversation. Seeing an outsider (even if I think your dad can no longer deny that he was about to become an ARMY with all these reactions that you've done so far) takes on their songs and lyrics are so satisfying. He really is an intelectual which is very much appreciated. Thanks to both of you. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@SecondBreakfastClub]

Thank you! I agree about ARMY! And I think part of the reason there’s an incredible amount of good ARMY is because BTS never take their power for granted and put so much effort into positive change. It’s very complex!

[@darchon5]

Zamilla, thanks for pointing out the "save" part. In my watching of 25+ Pied Piper reactions on KZbin (most were from Love Yourself: Her first listens), I saw some reactors who touched on "I'm here ruin you", but NO ONE discussed the "I'm here to save you" in the same line! Perhaps BTS is advocating the good ole' everything-in-moderation approach overall... which I generally endorse but don't always follow, heh.

[@JeffKSorensen]

I may not be full time Army, but maybe Army Reserves... LOL

[@zamillazamri0203]

@@JeffKSorensen Army Reserves is a foot in already. 😊 Thank you for taking time to reply. I love to listen to your opinion and take on the lyrics, songs and music video. It's interesting because you don't really associate it to the extensive and intricate background knowledge of the boys' work and see it as it is. 💜💜💜

[@JeffKSorensen]

@@zamillazamri0203 Thanks. Since I write lyrics as a hobby, I guess I listen to them more intently than most.

[@amariigavriel]

Well RM always say that there is an irony in life and always will be. It's literally what this song about. How they know it's bad for us but they still need us so they led us in anyway despite warning us about it.

[@roch4246]

I like how you think together.

[@SecondBreakfastClub]

Thanks!

[@JeffKSorensen]

Thank you. I enjoy spending this type of time with Launa.

[@bbbb00bbb]

As a Korean, there are some misinterpreted parts. You are my paradise. ☞ I am your paradise. I can't live without you. ☞You can't live without me. There are too many errors besides this, but I think these two must be fixed. Since the Korean does not write "Subject" well, there are many such problems when translating into English:)

[@bbbb00bbb]

In English, they say, "I love you." But Korean just say "love"(saranhae) >I love you OR you love me< The listener must distinguish the subject and the object. T^T

[@AngelaSealana]

Wow, very interesting. Thank you!

[@minymoho]

Oh havn’t noticed before. I’m also a Korean. Thanks for correcting the misinterpreted parts for the international armys. Well done!!

[@emanas2530]

I love this song...my favorite line was probably definitely towards the end.. When Jimin says that if he is ruining you, please forgive him cause he can't live without you, cause he knows. And the line about how their hands are warm for us.(Fangirl moment. Fan of BTS, fan of your dad for catching that) I like the idea that they don't consider themselves the entire Pied Piper, so much as the genre.... Maybe why both Suga and Jhope take turns in their verses clarifying how they have become _like_ a Pied piper, suggesting they weren't in the first place, but have also fallen. They're dangerous cuz they're vulnerable.... And isn't that love , and isn't that life! My favorite side of Bangtan (or one of; I love their socially critical songs too much to limit myself) My first interpretation was definitely of conflicted thoughts. A lot of BTS songs do that. Sometimes it sounds like one "man" and his vacilating thoughts. Other times it is two or more different stories around the same theme. Sometimes it feels like a main arc with contrasting and supporting subplots.... They pay careful attention to narrative and structure; it has always been evident since... Even them working on What Am I To You.

[@JeffKSorensen]

Such conflict often is great in songs since they make a person think. Thanks for the comment.

[@Illadd1]

It actually says you can’t live without me instead of I can’t live without you

[@merryemily]

I'm so touched. Your dad is so open-minded. If I make my mom watch this, even if she loves literature and social issues, she would just make fun of me. I just wish that more people know how deep their lyrics actually are. I love your take on this song. It becomes my favorite after watching the other analysis video. Thank you!

[@JeffKSorensen]

Maybe your Mom might enjoy watching me watch it (more her generation). ;)

[@Diana-fy8uo]

From watching Korean interviews and talks about them, I learnt that Bang PD-nim aka Hitman Bang (BTS's creator and producer) actually studied aesthetics then philosophy at Seoul university before becoming a music producer. This explains why symbolism, mythology, and literature have always played an important role in BTS's lyrics, album concepts and videography. I recommend you and your dad watch BTS's press conferences for their Love Yourself and Map of the Soul albums. There the members shed light on their album creation process including spilling beans about how the members have prescribed literature that they read which ultimately inspires/becomes the basis for their new albums.

[@flyushkifly]

As soon as your dad said "conflicted", I knew we were in for a treat. This was a nice companion to your lyrical analysis! I really can't get enough of this song, either. I wish more people would pay attention as I think it gives so much insight into their feelings.

[@JeffKSorensen]

I am glad you enjoyed your treat!

[@flyushkifly]

@@JeffKSorensen 😄💜

[@miki-44]

I relate to this song a lot. I like the lyrics "im here to ruin you, im here to save you" yeah because stanning them can really ruin you if you didnt balance your life properly (which happened to me but i survived) but they also save me they help me a lot and teach me a lot they actually save me. I really like the fact that they know what they are doing and they are aware.

[@kaanitahcassim9900]

Could you please review Whalien 52? I really enjoy how you both break things down. 💜

[@vivianmso]

Thank you for this! Pied Piper is one of my favorite songs of theirs, and it's exactly because of this--that conflict of leading the fans with the pipe and needing the fans to be who they are. I've always taken it positively and never understood it being labeled as a diss or roast track. Like BTS would do that to ARMY. As a fan, I really appreciate they are aware of how some/many ARMY focus on them too much and not enough on themselves. But I also read into it how they need ARMY but are worried about also losing themselves in the process, because BTS also follows ARMY and focuses (imho) sometimes too much on being the best they can be for ARMY rather than on what they need. And of course the song is just so good musically! Off to check out your lyrical analysis!

[@JeffKSorensen]

Thanks for your comment. I personally don't consider it to be roast, but a caution both for the band and its followers.

[@totyaval7699]

I adore this song!!! I had very similar views! It’s such a smart song, the contrast of it and the conflicting ideas it’s so well done

[@JeffKSorensen]

Thank you Damaris! It is a good thought provoking song.

[@MajidahBukhari]

I love it how his dad starts moving his head with the beat 5:37 Yahhh !! Suga can take on any one man !! My bias ❤️

[@darchon5]

Yay, my fave BTS track! Thanks for spreading the word on this one and great discussion/analysis by both of you! I just discovered and commented on your awesome analysis video of it earlier and I'll say it here too: it has a bad and actually incorrect rep as an ARMY diss/roast track - and I think that's a big reason it's so underrated by many (edited for spacing): - It's frustrating to see how much focus there's been on a couple of RM's lines, while ignoring his overall message plus the majority of the lyrics from everyone else. - RM's point is a warning to ARMY, not to roast them, and everyone else basically acknowledges that they're the cause for this 'predicament' - they take their share of responsibility (though not 100%). - Then, as you put it well, there's the conflict/duality of their warning to ARMY to not fall under their spell so much, so to speak, but at the same time not wanting ARMY to stop either. - (EDIT #2: conclusion added) To me, it's clear that BTS is saying they know we'll stay loyal (and they don't want us to leave them), and they can help us a lot ("save" us), but if we're too obsessed, then it can "ruin" us, so they also warn us because they don't want that either.

[@SecondBreakfastClub]

Yes to everything you said (and on the analysis video! I really appreciated your comment!) It frustrates me, too. I often feel like BTS and Big Hit are saying really radical things and it gets lost on 90% of listeners because they’re not paying attention or thinking about the message after the first listen. It’s the whole reason I started making analysis videos: to encourage conversation that’s deeper than a good beat. It must be really frustrating for them, and I often wonder if part of why Pied Piper was dropped was because of the reputation it got that was so different from the song’s intention (especially since BTS is so respectful and protective toward ARMY.)

[@darchon5]

@@SecondBreakfastClub Exactly, it doesn't make sense based on everything we know about BTS, Big Hit, general business sense, and just logic that they'd write an 'ARMY diss track'. As you've discussed, their nuanced, unique message likely didn't catch on and that's why it was dropped in status - and that's a shame because everything about this track is so amazing. Eternal gratitude for shining such a great spotlight on it, and for your channel in general. I have to admit that I love this song so much and have been so frustrated by the prejudging and/or quick judgment of it that I've watched every 'first listen' reaction I could find to Love Yourself Her just to see what they'd say about this track in particular. Most of them either say they've 'heard' that it's an ARMY diss track and/or they zeroed in on RM's lines (but not his 1st line!) but not the rest of the lyrics. And almost no one ranked the song in their top 3 on the album; I'm not saying it's all because of bias/preconceptions of the song, but those can't have helped.

[@JeffKSorensen]

Thanks for the comment. As I mentioned to My High is Epik, I personally don't consider it to be roast, but a caution both for the band and its followers.

[@darchon5]

@@JeffKSorensen Great reaction - thank you very much for your time and effort on this amazing track. Your analysis was spot on.

[@darchon5]

@@SecondBreakfastClub It just hit me: I wish that RM's verse came either after the 1st or 2nd chorus, after the main theme of the song has already been established. But by placing it at the beginning after JK's intro verse, it shines more of a light on what ARMY's specific actions vs what BTS is doing (and them acknowledging it) that is causing ARMY's reaction. After all of the reactions I've seen and comments I've read, it seems like so many people get hung up on RM's lines about ARMY's actions (making up only about 10% of the song) that they don't really take in the lyrics in rest of the song - the other 2 verses, 2 pre-chorus & chorus's, bridge, and outro verse.

[@manatiluna]

So cool you turned your dad into someone who knows BTS. And yeah those old european fairy tales were originally cruel and not meant to be only for childrens ears.

[@borahae5591]

When I listened this song first time, I was confused. Now I’m a joyful listener and feel how BTS is witty. I gratefully acept the warning.

[@JeffKSorensen]

Thanks for your comment Bora. As I said in several previous comments, I personally don't consider it to be roast, but a caution both for the band and its followers.Thanks for considering it personally, because the cautions are only useful personally.

[@twilightrhapsodist]

This song is so on the head though. The amount of sleep I've lost over BTS is astronomical.

[@gracemclean2098]

Thank you so much for reacting to this song. It is one of my favorite songs for their great lyrics. For me, this is such a Suga song. At first, I kept thinking who wrote this, then found out most lyrics was by him and its so clear. He said he wrote as a fan and how he got obsessed with groups he loved however, he's reminding us to follow our dreams and goals. I love how RM said in an interview in the US when asked how they felt that kids were skipping school to go to their concert and he said this is 2018, you can watch them on the internet. They are so real. I also see a sexy element in it, it could just be the fan girl in me but I love when they say it's not a punishment, I'm their paradise. There are so many other reasons to love this song like their vocals, Suga and RM rapping, and the instruments used. It's just a beautifully written song😊

[@JeffKSorensen]

I am glad you liked it Grace!

[@taintedangel311]

Very interesting conversation! It felt like I was sitting in a lecture class discussing a piece and trying to figure out what it’s trying to tell readers. I would like to add from watching what you guys were talking about is the consciousness that the song had. It was so unique to me that in RM’s verse he mentions a list of activities ARMYs are known to be doing to support BTS, giving a feeling of them breaking the 4th wall and being aware of what ARMYs are doing

[@alexandralynn186]

This song is just beautiful honestly and your dad seems like such a wonderful person

[@hjw5279]

WOW This is actually my first time watching your dog so active lol!!! so cute xD I really enjoyed your conversation a lot. Thank you!!

[@minoukis986]

Your bond is so sweet, I love watching your reactions. Hey from Switzerland 😘🌹

[@JeffKSorensen]

Thank you Frédérique

[@swanhill5759]

Your pup is so cuuuuuuute! I've always thought this was quite a bold song and I could never make up my mind as to whether they were being satirical or serious, but it does make sense that it's both and that they're presenting their own conflict. I love how you guys dissected this and expanded the discussion to how the greater pop music industry works. Again, it's apparent where Launa got her mythology and literary chops from! It's interesting that it's known as the song that "roasts ARMY" when, in a lot of the lyrics (especially the title!), BTS puts the onus & culpability on themselves. When I first heard this "roasting ARMY" description from others, I thought it would be extremely up-beat and humorous, but it's neither of those things. It's a bit sensual and musically kind of matter-of-fact, if that makes any sense. Very serious. I don't think I've seen Launa's video for this yet. Otherwise I'm sure I would have remembered it, so I'll have to check it out. Btw, were you referring to "Not Today" as the song based off Aragorn's speech at the black gate? I freaked out at first because nothing was computing in my brain, but if it is "Not Today," then a lot more things make sense like Namjoon's "still part of this world" line.

[@SecondBreakfastClub]

Yep! Not Today was inspired by LOTR and the entire chorus but the last three words is a Martin Luther King Jr. quote from the civil rights movement. It’s an incredibly overlooked and underappreciated song in my opinion.

[@hafsasaleemi7191]

@@SecondBreakfastClub ashjhdfasjkfdjalf I DID NOT KNOW THAT!!! I am as obsessed with Tolkien as I am BTS, and to find out that Not Today, which is an AMAZING song, is based of that?!

[@darchon5]

Awsaya , great points about BTS putting the onus on themselves - you said it better than I did in my other post! It appears that much of the this-song-is-primarily-about-dissing/roasting-ARMY contingent seem to forget about not only most of the lyrics, but about the song title itself! The title is not about ARMY, it's about themselves as the wizard behind the curtain, so-to-speak.

[@darchon5]

@@SecondBreakfastClub Wow, I knew about the MLK inspiration but not LOTR, nice! Not Today is in my top 5 and I also agree that it often gets overlooked!

[@JeffKSorensen]

As I said in come previous comment responses, I personally don't consider it to be roast, but a caution both for the band and its followers. I have always been a big Hobbit Series fan since my Grandfather read it to my Mom, she read it to us, and I wanted to pass it down to my children.

[@MY-ct7fr]

There are two parts of translation faults: you are my paradise ->I'm your paradise, you test me ->I test you. I'm a Korean. :)

[@vero9118]

저도 잘못 해석한건가 여러번 생각함ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[@hafsasaleemi7191]

1:55 ". . . same as like Snow White. . ." The GoGo Halloween Dance Practice! 2:20 Not Today, one of my favourite BTS songs, happens to be based off Return of the King, a book from one of my favourite book series. Who knew? 3:06 I LOVED Dionysus! (I'm a huge fan of both Riordan and rock.) 6:58 I can't be sure why you were smiling so widely here but I know for me it was the high note. 9:08 Honestly, I never understood that; it's more them calling us out. 10:06 Your dad makes a really good point here; BTS as a group would not be alive today if it weren't for the fans who have been supporting them since the beginning, when everyone said they would fail. 14:34 PUPPY! I always love seeing him pop in to your videos.

[@JeffKSorensen]

Thanks for the detailed descriptions and comments!

[@wildlotus4339]

It sounds like sirens seducing our mind and pretty dangerous. Remind me of "the warning writing" on cigarette in some countries.

[@JeffKSorensen]

Thanks for your comment. I personally don't consider it to be roast or detailed warning, but a caution both for the band and its followers.

[@danie89rh]

You remind me of my dad and I. I have him guess which members are which and I have him listen to fan theories with me. Dads are the best! This is in my top 3 favorite songs. I am sad there was never a music video made for it.

[@awake7415]

제가 정말 좋아하는 곡이에요~ 이 노래 듣고 BTS 가사센스에 감탄했다는 ㅎㅎ 아버님이랑 같이 하는 리뷰 너무 좋아요. ^^

[@erikcol]

Awww Launa I absolutely love your little smiles, such a beautiful Fan girl 💜 I didn’t finish the video yet 😅 so I don know what your dad think about the song. Is so nice to see you guys spending time together and sharing something that your are passion about Launa 💜 it makes my heart warm. I loveeee your Dad, he is so sweet.

[@JeffKSorensen]

Thank you Erikcol! You are very sweet too and say such nice things!

[@erikcol]

Jeff Sorensen thanks!! You already know I’m a fan of you too Mr Sorensen 😊 you are sweet and very very smart. We appreciate all your opinions about the boys and music. Thanks for being open minded. And of course I absolutely love your girls they are as intellectual as you and super cute!! How is that possible?! Hahahaha

[@JeffKSorensen]

@@erikcol It must be genetic. LOL

[@erikcol]

Jeff Sorensen I’m sure it is 🤣👍🏻 lol

[@鲜宇岐]

could you please react to "I'm fine "by BTS ☺

[@ashinipatel6748]

Can you and your dad react to RM’s mono playlist? I think he would like it both musically and deciphering all the symbolism.

[@what_what__]

this is the REACTION with the very interesting analysis. it is very nice to hear you guys as a pied piper 💜

[@ritikasrinet3270]

Your dad is so so cute I love him 😊😊💜💜💜

[@zeestanwar1041]

Oh man! hahaha the way you kept glancing at your dad from the corner of your eyes is exactly what i do when I show my sister one of their lyrics...just keep checking her reaction to their meaningful and deep lyrics

[@maydaymaryam]

*Well in simple words this song is about young armies.... should focus and make an effort in their life.. that we should not give up our responsibilities, goals, and dreams for bts but at the same time bts will always be there for us and they love us army so much, but that is the reason they want us to work hard not just watch them the entire day because they love us, that is how they can ruin us *if* we don't work hard in our lives and the reason be bts? And they certainly don't want that* and I am a young kid myself tho I am a straight A student I really am fond of this song and it's really interesting

[@hanaprince8510]

I really love the way you n your dad communicate n interpret theories n express your thoughts bout this song 💜✨i agree with you, pied piper really caught my interest when i first read the lyrics n it gives me many pov how this song have kind even deeper meanings.🤔

[@jenpascua7935]

i loved listening to your conversation.

[@hsj-sjh]

노래에 대한 해석도 너무 흥미롭고 아버님 말씀도 너무 좋아요! 우리 엄마도 이 노래를 듣고 저런 마인드로 반응 했으면 좋으련만... 😂

[@phoebereads23]

Oh my I love your conversations. ❤

[@cindymx02]

Im almost 50 and I adore BTS 💜💜

[@김은영-d1y]

#페스타 #유포리아 #BTS향수x바이스톰 [BTS방탄] 꼭 알아야할 페스타 소식과 정국의 유포리아 이야기! FESTA & Story Behind Jungkook's Euphoria kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqfKo5lupNt7a9k

[@steamdynamite5334]

I've been exposed. How dar- you know what I aint even mad though

[@amysugakookie9833]

love ur dad reaction 💜

[@JeffKSorensen]

Thank you Amy!

[@chaile106]

I was looking for your dad react for months now.. i should have subscribed. Hahahaha.. anyhow..i found you..and found u reacting to one of my fave BTS song

[@chaile106]

Subscribed!

[@SecondBreakfastClub]

Glad you found us! Also, in case you didn’t find it, there’s a playlist of just the dad reacts videos if you want to see more! There are a lot of them and there are more coming very soon! (We just filmed a bunch of them before he had to leave the state for work again.) Hope you enjoy!

[@chaile106]

@@SecondBreakfastClub yeah.. makes it easier.. watched some before i found myself binge watching..LOL i am looking forward to future vids 🤗

[@국화꽃풀빵]

there's translate mistake Come here, you are my paradise (x) Come here, I'm your paradise (o)

[@noorsabah1766]

Really ?

[@johannadiaz1133]

please! you two can react to PARADISE by BTS. This is a good song to react to with your dad

[@lakshmirekha9168]

Guys! These lyrics are not exactly accurate! See the actual lyrics in the link below please! genius.com/Genius-english-translations-bts-pied-piper-english-translation-lyrics

[@souad3686]

i'm really sorry i only watch the videos that u have with ur dad sorryyyy 💜

[@JeffKSorensen]

Try this playlist then... kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKiToaGIidaijJI

[@VIPYR.]

plz react to its live performence ,i know you already watched .

[@p.s.1524]

Woah! you look like eliza taylor :)

[@rozanecampos884]

😍😍😍😍

[@liamkerbyantenor5887]

Mikrokosmos 😍

[@tiaraa4541]

i miss u

[@freeedsie]

Did you notice it's not Hobi on the picture to the left?

[@arden9656]

react to born singer