POET REACTS to IU WINTER SLEEP Lyrics

[@wisnuslullaby1590]

this is the song introduction for Winter Sleep from iu : "It started out as a sketch when I was 27 and had more thoughts than usual about a life leaving this world and about being left on such a world and I finally completed the song when I was 29, after experiencing several more huge separations. It contains the story of welcoming the first year alone after sending off a beloved family member, friend or pet. It was a track that the lyrics were not difficult to write due to the clear plot in the order of spring, summer, autumn and winter, but in comparison to that, (the whole song) took a much longer time to be completed. That’s because I wanted to use direct expressions, yet I didn’t want the emotions to turn out to be too superficial. This song took the longest time to record. I’m usually the type to try my best to be as concise as possible in my expression during recordings, but for this song, I didn’t feel the need to hold back my emotions. Instead, to maximise the feelings of longing, I tried to go for a rather bold(?) arrangement in the precursor to the interlude in the middle of the song and not in the second half of the song [T/L note: question mark used in the original text]. That’s also the reason why the song is based on piano, unlike the other tracks. Even though a great loss came into my world, there were flowers blooming, stars coming up and poems being born out there without delay. In between these repetitive seasons is ‘winter sleep’. As I sing this song, this time I really won’t break down anymore. They’ll know this isn’t a lie."

[@angelal.h881]

IU and her way with words ugh, how not admire her?

[@kayepopreactions43]

Omg the explanation made me tear up too. That's beautiful!

[@wisnuslullaby1590]

@@kayepopreactions43 Winter Sleep is from Pieces, this is a special digital album, consist of her unreleased self-composed songs (normally just can be listened in concert). Very personal mini album. Almost every songs in there came with the its own story :') And yes, she wrote every album/ song intro, and when it came out all uaenas and casual fans reading it together (in twitter) and we all "cry" together virtually T_T lol

[@mahendra57]

A quick note: summer with floating star in korea also means cold drink with ice cubes in summer.. I loved when people react to IU and pay attention to the lyrics, because i think that is the main charms of IU music. Sometimes i think why IU really big in Korea, because koreans understand what she convey her emotion/personal thought and state with her songs and being really honest with it and they also can relate. Other beatifull songs and lyrics by IU i hope you will react to in the future are Lullaby, unlucky.. And also maybe other older songs when she honest with her thought what she feel being 23 and 25 years old. "Twenty three" and "pallete"

[@kayepopreactions43]

Omg is that really what they call it? Because that is absolutely the most beautiful way someone could possibly refer to ice cubes! I love it! Thank you!

[@kayepopreactions43]

@@user-dt6mv2zp4s XD Ah darn! I'm kind of disappointed.

[@nadoyo1230]

I think it is the starlight reflected in the water in the cup. The time seems to be at night and can be outside the house.

[@sasha.v_v]

The one that she writes for her grandmother is "knee" it is her remembering when she is small and sleep on her grandma knees. It brought her so much comfort💖

[@kayepopreactions43]

Ooh thank you!

[@mikeduplessis8069]

IU often gives 'diplomatic' explanations to her songs. She would never say this directly but, given the timeline, I assume this song is for her good friend Sulli who had died suddenly by suicide. On the same album the song 'You' was written for her (still living) good friend the actress Yoo In-na.

[@kayepopreactions43]

😢

[@sakura_sake7459]

Iirc, some fans even call her the korean Shakespeare with how she writes her lyrics and chooses her words to deliver the message/story. Sadly, international fans can't fully appreciate her lyricism due to language barrier but then again even her translated lyrics were already beautiful 😊💜💜 You can check out one of her songs 'Glasses' which won't make you cry, don't worry😅..her lyrics were even praised by a well-known lyricist in Korea due to how IU was able to write lyrics and deliver a message about a philosophical topic in a lighthearted and easy-to-understand kind of way. P.s. In her concerts, she sometimes share to her fans the backstory on how she came to write her songs before singing the song so a lot of Uaenas know the story or inspiration of her songs (actually, in her concerts, she often talks a lot to the audience like close friends and even lets them request songs for her to sing during her en-encore which even made one of her concert last fir 5 hours)

[@kayepopreactions43]

I can definitely see why they'd call her that even from the few songs I've look at already! =O She really has a way with lyrics! I'll add Glasses to my list! Thank you for the recommendation! :) That's amazing that she's able to take song requests but also a 5 hour concert???? Her stamina! That's so long!!!

[@뇨뇨뇽-c8h]

These are more accurate lyrics that the fans translated themselves! 03 겨울잠 (Winter Sleep) Lyrics by IU Composed by IU Arranged by Seo Dong Hwan In a spring that came early, I picked a batch (of budding flowers) and set them in front of your room door After sleeping to your heart's content, by the time you awake, they would be beautifully in full bloom. In a summer full of stars, I filled a cup and set it by your bedside It will all melt away soon, but I guess you still want to rest alone some more Why must the first spring and summer without you be this beautiful? I wanted to show it to you before it all passes Hmm I really wanted you to see it You are sleeping just like how you used to when you would lean on me and doze off every now and then What kind of dreams are you having? You will tell me about them when you wake up, right? Just like you would have any other morning hmm In a busy autumn, I folded up (a letter) and left it in your mailbox Underline your favourite line (from the letter) When you meet me, will you please read it to me? In a winter full of white, within a breath I held in, were words I say to myself alone Even though I had been holding it in so well, sometimes I immaturely miss you so The unexpectedly cold air at the end of the year that freezes you deep into your bones makes your small shoulders shrink in, I really want to hug them You are sleeping just like how you used to when you would lean on me and doze off every now and then What kind of dreams are you having? You will tell me about them when you wake up, right? Just like you would have any other morning hmm (Translated by luteamstarcandy)

[@뇨뇨뇽-c8h]

[T/L Notes: The lyrics were written in a figurative manner in that cl' picks up a batch of spring, fills a cup of summer and folds a piece of autumn and contains words within a breath of winter. When translating the lyrics, we fronted the seasons to place emphasis on the passing of seasons, as IU did in the original Korean lyrics. For the part about 'dozing off every now and then', IU used the phrase '조각잠' which means fragmented sleep, not sleeping like a sculpture, as translated on some other websites. Also, in the last second verse, the 'unexpectedly cold air' means that while you expect the air to be cold in winter. it feels even colder than usual.]

[@frozenchart_IU]

Thanks for this. This translation is more easier to understand. And most importantly, it connects all the ideas and feelings you have while listening to the song.

[@frozenchart_IU]

I really want to see your translation to other IU songs. Specially Lullaby, Unlucky, Knees, and Love Poem.

[@kayepopreactions43]

Oh wow thank you so much!! :O That's really helpful!!

[@윤서-i3g]

근데 계절나오는 가사들은 이 영상 번역이 댓보다 정확한듯 I think the seasons part of the lyrics in this video are more accurate than this comment

[@Bluewah]

wah im so happy you finally reacted to this one, it's one of my favorites and always manages to get me in my feels 🥺 Winter Sleep is about the cycle of life and death. IU has said that Winter Sleep is the story of the first year of being left alone after sending off a beloved family member, friend, or pet. The plot was specifically written in chronological order, from spring, summer, autumn, and winter. “I started sketching the song at 27 when I had a lot of thoughts about death and what was left in such a world, and finished the song at 29 after I said several goodbyes,” said IU. "This song had the longest recording time," the singer added. “I usually try to express myself concisely during recording, but I didn’t control my emotions in this song.” "Despite the great loss in my world, flowers bloom, stars shine, and poems are created without any delay," IU explained. "There is a 'Winter Sleep' in between those repeated seasons."

[@Bluewah]

I'd love to see your reaction to the rest of the songs off of Pieces, all songs were written and composed by her throughout her 20s and are some of the most beautifully written songs I've heard. 💜

[@kayepopreactions43]

That's really beautiful and moving to know the song meant so much to her and took her so long to finish. It's a masterpiece for sure.

[@kayepopreactions43]

I'll definitely get to all of them! Everything I've heard so far has been gorgeous!

[@kasung5623]

아이유는 가수이자 탤런트 이자 특히 영혼은 시인입니다 . 10여년을 지켜본 팬으로 그렇게 확신 합니다.

[@samueljang1204]

IU said she really focuses on the lyrics of her songs. I am happy someone focuses on her lyrics like she did. Thank you for sharing.

[@altheaanne8956]

IU's lyrics are always meaningful and beautiful. Please continue react to her song. Thank you so much!

[@JLee-hk5ng]

this song is the title track of her album 'pieces'. it's my fave among all the songs in the album, but all of the songs in the album, the lyrics, are so good. My top three are: winter sleep, next stop, and love letter. Hope you could check them out too someday. and i believe 'Knees' is the one she wrote thinking of her grandma. 'Lullaby', on the other hand was inspired by one of the episodes of her Netflix mini series called Persona. I believe it's the "Walking at Night" episode

[@kayepopreactions43]

Ah! Thank you for the clarification! I will definitely have to get to all the songs from that album! Everything I've heard of hers so far has been so beautiful!

[@josephlim4233]

Please react to [IU] 'eight' Live Clip (2022 IU Concert 'The Golden Hour : Under The Orange Sun')

[@jj_uaena]

please react to through the night! super poetic and beautiful song, known as one of iu’s best. (music video with pretty accurate subs kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKu8n4Gaf82Nh9k) also, knees, the song iu wrote for her grandma. she often says it’s one of her own favorites lyrically (special clip with good subs kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmKthpl5rsqHa6c) and one of my other favorites from her pieces album, love letter. warning for this one, get the tissues lol (most accurate translation i’ve seen kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmXHdpyNqp2Ul7s)

[@kayepopreactions43]

Thank you for the recommendations!! I'll make sure they're on my list! Also thank you for the clarification! :)

[@Cat-rk7qf]

IU world tour ❤

[@yew2515]

If you would an IU song with Halloween vibes I would recommend: scary fairy tale. (AKA Cruel fairy tale) 🎃 IU'S vocals + scary violin = Song with evil witch vibes🧙‍♀️ Edit: Don't worry it isn't a song that will make you cry. 😁

[@kayepopreactions43]

Oooh thank you so much! I'm going to look into it!! =D

[@Jneedstostopobssessing]

I love this album and pretty much every song in it. She wrote the songs over a period of about 10 years but had not released them. They are all quite personal and wonderfully poetic

[@nttthao]

Woa love your reaction videos to IU, so genuine and heartfelt. Sometimes IU's artistry in writing is underappreciated internationally due to loss in translation, also the brilliance in her rhythm/meter with her choice of words, etc. My favorite IU's lyrics pieces would be "Next stop" and "Above the time", I think you would love it, please have a listen if you have time 😄

[@kayepopreactions43]

I agree it's only the language barrier keeping western audiences from being as amazed by her as her Korean audience because her talent is insane! :,) Thank you for the recommendations!!

[@wisnuslullaby1590]

thank you.... :) I really love your consistent appreciation for iu's lyrics ;) oh, and the song for her grandmother is not Lullaby or Winter Sleep, its "Knees" also, for Lullaby, its tied to Persona Episode 4 : Walking at Night (her short movies small series in Netflix) for Halloween, you can search IU - Scary Fairy Tale (B-side of Story Only I didnt Know, 2011) XD its not written by IU, but by Kim Eana (IU's lyricist for her earlier hits). the lyrics is so unique, its like the combination of 3-4 classic western fairy tale (also iu's stage are so gothic)

[@kayepopreactions43]

Oooooh thank you for the Halloween rec! And for clearing up the songs! :O I'll have to make sure I get to all of them!

[@JDC-bm6kr]

"Winter Sleep" & "Love Letter" is among my favorite on her mini album titled "PIECES"

[@jonnalynrobin6078]

Im crying with you ㅠㅠㅠ

[@ysabellaloistorres7867]

This Pieces album is a masterpiece!

[@adreamer826]

The entire time I was crying with you. You reactions are really genuine.

[@NoobGaming-nq9kl]

I love your channel, especially when you unveil the meanings behind IU's songs. It's comforting

[@kayepopreactions43]

Thank you! 😭

[@nope.001]

IU~~~

[@NoobGaming-nq9kl]

You also need to react to IU's Through the Night and With a Heart determined to forget. They are both connected and have the same story and message.

[@kayepopreactions43]

=O I have Through the Night on my list, but if they're connected then I'll definitely try to do them both together! Thank you so much!

[@jj_uaena]

btw "with a heart determined to forget" is a remake, the original was by kim kwang-seok, a korean singer from the 80s/90s i believe. iu was originally going to release it as part of her remake album "flower bookmark 2" but instead she released it later as a music video only, and the mv is connected to the mv for through the night.

[@HJkr100]

가사 번역은 조금 엉망이지만, 당신이 느낀 감정이 맞아요. ^^

[@kayepopreactions43]

Thank you!!

[@hnnnn7224]

I dont remember where i heard from but I heard that this song was made for her bestie who committed suicide after suffering from malicious comments and anti a few years ago. In addition, she has two more friends who committed suicide and passed away, so she couldn't finish writting this song for a long time, so she released it now, and now she can sing this song relatively calmly

[@ALT-2023]

She didn't directly mention her friends passing but probably implied. Below is exactly what she said about this song translated to English (credit to IUteamstarcandy) "When I first started writing, the song was about death. And it still was when I finished. At that time, I wanted to depict myself not being able to accept that someone precious to me passed away, that they were gone from this world - I wanted to describe myself trying hard to remember them, imagining as if they were by my side. In that one year after their death - the spring, summer, autumn, winter… As if I were telling a story to this friend, the one who passed… “You can’t see them, but I’ve left in front of your room a bouquet of spring that hasn’t bloomed yet, a cup of summer that I’ve poured, a page of autumn that I’ve torn out, and a breath of winter infused with my true desire to see you.” It could be seen as me rambling endlessly about how much I miss them, yet sending them a message, “I’m okay,” and it could also be a story letting them know, “I miss you.” It’s not about someone’s absence, that someone is no longer here - it’s more like what someone would feel if their pet crossed the Rainbow Bridge. And I wrote with the thought, “Wouldn’t the family and friends of the deceased, who left so abruptly, accept their death in this way?” They could be sad endlessly and be completely broken (by their death), but the song is imbued with the idea, “I’ve lived the 1 year, the 12 months, without you…with you.” as I thought, “Isn’t it possible for them to spend (the one year after the death) like that?”

[@KK-lm2up]

I think knees is the song she wrote for her grandma

[@gary5938]

Some of her early songs such as “bad day” and “voice mail” are also very sad😂

[@kayepopreactions43]

XD Oh no... Why are so many sad songs so gorgeous though? I love them but I hate crying on camera. XDD I cry so easily!