What does BTS’s Pied Piper REALLY mean? - Background info and folklore analysis

[@gailobrien982]

#1 BTS does tease and joke with Army, but they would never mock the love we have for them. They know this love to be deep and serious, as it is for them. #2 They take us everywhere they go. They know lots of us may not get to Finland, or see the mountains in the snow, or even see them in concert. JK took us with him constantly while he became a Global star. They work to broaden our horizons, every way possible. For these reasons I think your analysis is accurate. Being an Army is a wonderful, difficult, thrilling privilege. I think our Tannies feel that way, too, their life is wonderful, difficult, privilege. I am honored that they work so hard to be worthy leaders and artists. And I love Army very much, too.

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

Thank you for this amazing comment! You are totally correct, and I love the way you described it - a wonderful, difficult, thrilling privilege. I really think that's what we all share, BTS and ARMY together, and it's worth all the effort. 💜 Thank you so much again for watching and commenting!

[@eshna2012]

Yes to everything you said … you read my soul. BORAHAE 💜💜💜

[@barbarawilliams4580]

Great interpretation. I'm 65 I find the song mesmerizing and I would joke with my 16 year old granddaughter how BTS is luring all of us away . They do hold a magical power and it's beautiful and wonderful. I've always heard that 7 is a spiritual number. They are heavenly in my eyes and I enjoy them very much. Their music gets my old, creaky body up and moving, singing and making my days happier. BTS forever! 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

I love how you described it here! They really do have their own unique type of magic, don't they? It makes them the perfect pipers. Thank you so much for watching and commenting! 💜

[@KaysSeoul]

Wow this was a great analysis of “Pied Piper” !!! While I truly love every song BTS has ever sung, if I had to choose a favorite it would be “Pied Piper!!” And your idea of taking the flute the Piper plays and only being heard by certain people is spot on when comparing it to Western culture and hearing “Korean” songs!! ARMY and anyone wishing to open their minds can “hear” those beautiful and meaningful lyrics and feel the emotions in each song without ever having to know the words - well done!!! The song is definitely for ARMY and showing them the paradise that is found with BTS 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

Beautifully put! I think you're completely correct. Thank you so much for watching and commenting, I'm so glad you enjoyed. 😊

[@tellyshadden3840]

Loving BTS has only led me to a better place in my life. It’s made me a happier person, they are something to look forward to. When my husband passed away, I lost my purpose. I was in dispair. BTS made me feel good again. Pure and simple, I love their music, their dancing, and their laughter. Even though I’ll never get to meet them, I feel like I know them, all seven of them. They live here in my house with me….💜

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

Thank you so much - not only for watching the video, but for sharing your story. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, but your story about loving BTS is heartwarming. They really do bring so much joy, and I hope they keep doing that for you. I'm so glad we're all following the music of our seven pipers together. 💜💜

[@tellyshadden3840]

@@TheARMYTheoristCorner 🥰

[@cherrymitchell700]

I lost my husband too & I am so thankful that BTS lives in my house bringing me happiness, beautiful memories & messages so I never feel alone!

[@daffodilunderhill7066]

Very good analysis. Thanks for sharing your ideas with us. I've always thought BTS was using Pied Piper to reinforce their main message. They are leading ARMY to break free of the negative expectations in their lives and follow BTS to a new way of life where we love ourselves and do what makes us happy.

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

Thank you for watching and commenting! I've seen so much analysis of this song that I think seems to completely misrepresent it, so I love seeing this type of analysis from other ARMYs too. 💜

[@aranchadelpozomartin-caser6151]

I'm 45 years old (Silver Army?) and one of the things that fascinates me the most about BTS is that all their songs have a deeper meaning than it seems. They give clues about the theme of the song but nothing more, each person can make their own analysis and feel related to it. They make you feel special, that the song was written for you, that they understand exactly what you think or feel at that precise moment.

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

I completely agree! I love how their songs can be so specific and yet so universal at the same time, conveying their feelings and ours as fans. Truly genius. Thanks for watching and commenting! 💜

[@dunninghams]

I really enjoyed this take on Pied Piper. Lovely! My mother read this to me as a child and we had lots of discussion on its themes. This song is like a cozy place inside me💜 filled with my favorite people. Thank you and thank you to all the comments! So great, ARMY and BTS are amazing.

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

I am so glad you enjoyed my analysis, thank you! 😊 I love hearing the song described as warm, cozy, and safe, since I think that's the true meaning behind it. Thank you again!

[@Bethanysnow]

This is probably the best take I've ever seen and a brilliant interpretation that should be more popular

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

Aww, thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed! 💜

[@elenadean]

I truly believe your analysis is right on point. They did lead me away, let me explain what I mean. Before I discovered BTS in 2016, I would have depressive periods, I tried to make sure these “pity parties” didn’t last long though. It wasn’t until about 2018, 2019ish , that I realized that I wasn’t having the depressive periods anymore. I know that it was due to their music. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

Thank you for watching, and for sharing your story! I think that is a great way of describing how BTS can lead us all to better things. I'm so glad they helped you through those dark times and hope they continue to do so. 💜

[@every777dayz]

Thank you for this great analysis. I have always loved this song but been somewhat troubled and confused about why they would express Army life in such a derogatory way. I had tears in my eyes hearing your explanation. I do believe that BTS is more dangerous than anyone imagined because they are actually freeing fans from the many false imprisonments of this world. Nothing can be more revolutionary and important than that.

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

Thank you for this, your comment means a lot to me! I'm so glad my analysis resonated with you! 😊💜

[@christinebaukus8281]

Once again, another brilliant analysis. Thank you! I’m going to watch this a few more times to really absorb your theories, but you are inspiring me to think deeper than the common interpretations I’ve seen so far. This channel is a treasure.

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

Thank you so much as always for your sweet comment! It means a lot to me. I'm so glad you enjoyed. 😊💜

[@pambarab5506]

Very good! I've never really analyzed Pied Piper beyond the cursory exploration when it came out. You make a lot of sense especially when the skit comes immediately after the song on the album, and during that time period. Thanks for the work you've done here. It's given me something else ponder. Your video ALWAYS make me ponder! 🧐💜

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

Thank you so much, this is such a sweet compliment. 😊 To be honest, I never thought about the skit coming after Pied Piper either until I started working on the script for this video and discussing my thoughts, but it all seemed to tie together. That's why analyzing BTS is the best. 😁 Thanks again!

[@BTS4lifeOT7]

The way I took the song was then acknowledging all the little and big things we do because of them and for them. They know we study their songs and have a lot of passion for their work. They know we appreciate their work, and they want us to keep doing what we are doing because they don't have intentions to stop.

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

I love that analysis and completely agree! I think that's exactly what they're saying in this and so many other songs. Thanks for watching!

[@silviagutierrezhinojosa796]

I loved this songs is beautiful,and the voices of each one of thems are wonderful,the letter is increble and lovely

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

I agree 💜 Thank you for watching!

[@secoyialynch136]

Thank you for sharing your analysis on “Pied Piper”, your analysis is AMAZING and spot on. This song and the whole “Love Yourself” Albums has helped me throughout my life with depression and my life with Self-Love and anxiety, and this is 1 of my favorite songs because I have so many favorites, from the album. So thank you for sharing your thoughts and analysis, I can’t wait for you to continue with your analysis of their songs and albums, I’ll always be here to support.💜🫰🏽☺️🥳

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

Thank you so much, I always appreciate your sweet comments! 😊 And thank you for sharing your own experiences with the Love Yourself era, these stories are so valuable. Wishing you good mental health and self-love always! 💜💜

[@AnnMarieBaradi]

Very well analyzed! BTS is our Pied Piper who brought us to new life!

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

Thank you very much, I'm so glad you liked my analysis! 😊

[@MoniOhh]

This is a really good analysis, and I agree with your opinion. Thank you for creating this video and making me think deeply about the song, the Pied Piper legend (and the various interpretations), and, of course, the fandom.

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

Thank you so much for watching, I'm so glad you think so! 💜

[@MaggieBesas]

I am new Army here. Thank you so much for giving me more understanding who BTS are. I'm loving then more.

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

Aww, I am very glad to hear that. 💜 I hope my videos continue to be useful to you on your BTS journey!

[@PERMANENTRUSH1]

This was excellent. I’m baby Army (August 2022) and that accepted main interpretation of the song being a call out to k-pop fandom culture has always confused me because that’s not at all how I heard the song. I have always seen it through a lens of a consensual playful seduction in which both parties, ARMY and BTS, are engaged. The dimensions of what is at the end of that seduction really fits with your ideas that BTS leads ARMY to a better, happier place and also with the idea that only ARMY is able to hear the music that leads them to follow BTS. It’s such a layered song. To me the music is also fascinating: a song composed to pull you in with that steady bass and the siren-like voices of the vocal line. Thank you for this great video, I just subscribed to your channel!

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

Thank you so much, I'm so glad you enjoyed the video and hope you like my future videos too!

[@Infinity2205]

This interpretation makes sense. Pied pier is usually depicted in a negative way but it is a lesson to learn

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

Thank you, I'm glad you liked my view on things! I think there's so much depth to explore here.

[@namastan5580]

Well said! 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜 I remember reading somewhere that each member represented an emotion, like RM said his was gratitude, but I could never refind anything about it when i tried and can't remember

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

Ooh, that's very interesting, I could definitely see that being a thing. I'll have to do some searching. Thank you so much for watching and commenting! 💜

[@sharonverdon4072]

Thanks for the video it was great 💜to BTS from Melbourne Australia

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed! 😊

[@bungluna9211]

Anything coming out of that woman's mouth is garbage, as far as I'm concerned. I myself always thought the song was a gently teasing of ARMY but also a mocking of what "outsiders" think the bond between BTS and their fans is about, if that makes any sense. Thank you for your analysis. It was very interesting and opened new ideas in my mind.

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

Thank you for watching and commenting! I think your comment makes perfect sense and I totally agree with you. I'm very glad you enjoyed my analysis, there's so much depth to this song!

[@wiziarmy4879]

i loveee this interpretation and i completely get it!!!!

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

Thank you so much, I'm so glad you enjoyed! 😊

[@TheBioExplorer]

Like you I tend to deeply analyze the lyrics. I well remember the first time I heard this song. It hit me like a lightening bolt. I thought WHOA what IS this? Why this almost physical reaction? So at the time I looked at the lyrics deeply and it didn't quite satisfy me as it was not the feeling I was getting from the song. So I accepted the imagery and feelings as equal to the lyrics. I take what RM said as the guide. IT IS A GIFT TO US... a GIFT would not be something to address toxic fandom culture. A GIFT IS PERSONAL. LIFE is hard sometimes. And they are glad they can give us some joy. And it's OK to give into that as long as we use it to motivate us. The music can make us happy.... It can make us feel a little naughty. That's ok too. It's OUR gift from BTS... to take out whenever we need it and give ourselves over to it. Sometimes we are happy and jump around. Sometimes it is overwhelming love. Sometimes it helps us to cry and tells us that it's ok. Dangerous isn't always bad. People are attracted to it. It's only how you respond. So take their gift and use it as you see fit. We make them happy.... they make us happy... but it's not the entire story now is it? That's the part that we have trouble with making others understand who can't hear the flute. We are in each others hearts.... for good times and bad times. It speaks deeper than the lyrics.

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

Thank you so much for watching and for leaving such amazing comments. This comment and your other comment blew me away. I appreciate it! 💜

[@karenbarlow9431]

That beautifully said💜

[@annarobrigado7196]

bts defends and protects army more than themselves. they always risk the hate that haters are very ready anytime to dish out, but their music is made for army and themselves, not for those who refuse to listen to their message. which is why army will defend and protect bts even more.

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

I completely agree! We protect and love them because they are so worthy of that love and protection. Thank you for watching and for your great comment. 💜

[@TheBioExplorer]

13:58 is very much on point. WHY do some of us hear the flute/BTS... and others mock us for it as they do not hear it at all. I'm a US BTS ARMY since 2014. They found me... spoke to me... at a time of great loss when my husband died much too young. It was long before most in America had any idea of who BTS was. I stumbled upon them on KZbin. The music gave me a spark of joy back that grew. But those around me treated me as if I had kind of lost it. That hurt. It's just that they couldn't hear the same thing. I couldn't understand WHY they couldn't hear it. So eventually I just didn't share my interest in BTS with those around me anymore. I only shared with other ARMYs online. This continued until the guys began to enter the military and I was a bit anxious. I knew they were coming back but I worried how I, myself was going to cope without my "BTS happy pill". So I started sharing again. I have to say.... it's not much better. They still don't get it but at least my children who are adults now are understanding and sweet about it and even gift me with BTS items at times. Now more than 10 years later I think I understand it a bit better. MOST ARMYs will tell you that BTS came to them when it was needed. That is when we could hear them. Others may like the music or enjoy the beat... but if you are real ARMY it's because they came into your heart when needed.... and when they needed us.

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

Wow, this is an incredible comment! Both this and the other comment you left on the video are so insightful and I loved reading your words, as well as hearing your own personal experience with BTS. It's always heartbreaking to me to hear how other ARMYs are mocked for liking BTS, even though I think many of us can relate to that - as you say, I'm still mocked by people for it to this very day. But you're right, they came to me when I needed them and helped me see myself as someone with value, despite what the world often tries to tell me. Thank you so much for your thought-provoking analysis! Sending you very good thoughts.💜💜

[@chriscasey3037]

I love this song!!!!

[@frofrofrofro900]

Love BTS ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Greetings from Tricity in Poland

[@eshna2012]

I totally agree with your interpretation of the song being more tongue and cheek and deeper than condemning toxic fandom. To add to your point about only the select few being able to hear the flute of the piper, it reminded me of BTS’ Whalien 52 where BTS and ARMY can hear each other cuz we communicate at 52 hertz like the whale’s song. So definitely a theme in their works …

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting! I LOVE your addition about Whalien 52, that's a terrific point! It's a beautiful idea. 💜

[@alisonfitchett6754]

Wow I just thought it was something as simple as telling teens to please go to school and do your schoolwork and homework first then listen to BTS

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

In fairness, I do think that's a part of it. 😂 But like I said, I do love analyzing and overanalyzing, so you know I had to dig even deeper, LOL. Thanks for watching!

[@annarobrigado7196]

i love this.

[@margplsr3120]

wow so interesting!

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

Thank you very much 😊

[@msbebelle07]

Army have access to traduction mode from Korean to their own language so…we know what BTS lyrics says…yes music transcends language but we know 🙂💜

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

Exactly! It always baffles me when people ask how ARMY knows what BTS is saying as if translations don't exist 😂 Of course we can feel it, but there are also ways of understanding, and that's why we follow the sound of the flute 😁 Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@frofrofrofro900]

Wow thsnk ypu

[@charstar386]

Tamar Herman is the writer who in 2018 said BlackPink was a breath of fresh air Kpop needs and that BTS are on their way out. She also denigrated them and ARMY when she guested on a KZbin channel. She's notorious in ARMY circles and we have canceled her. She wrote a book on BTS around the pandemic time that no one bought. I haven't heard her name in awhile. I hope she's moved on from Kpop, or grown up at least.

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

Aha, that's very interesting. I'd actually never heard of Tamar Herman or her articles before I started researching for this video, and I admit I was a little worried I might be misrepresenting her with my comments. But since that clearly is/was her usual style, I don't feel off base in how I describe her writing, LOL. Thank you for adding that context for me!

[@charstar386]

@@TheARMYTheoristCorner oh interesting! I thought you probably knew but were being diplomatic, which would have been fair. Your instincts were right on, and that’s very impressive!

[@SusieQ1955]

If you know your folklore and have seen the live video, it's not that hard to figure out.

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

My thoughts exactly. I honestly found that Billboard article really surprising for that exact reason. The writer may not have had time to really go into the story of the Pied Piper, but I think ignoring that is missing such a huge part of the song in a way that makes reviewing it almost impossible. But at least we get the chance to talk about it here. 😁 Thanks for watching!

[@TheTwil1]

Yeah. No one can tell me Butter isn’t dirty lol. Who puts props like butter on a chair next to a stove and a bush 😁💜💜💜 Jk saying it’s “no one’s business how we left and right” in the tunnel in mv standing next to you. Well in butter “side step left right to my beat” how you going to left right if not at the same time?? It’s not left THEN right. For Pied piper….it’s sexy and so is the beat. Stop trying to purify them lol. They are adults, I don’t want kittens and rainbows all the time.

[@TheARMYTheoristCorner]

I appreciate your analysis and am glad you took the time to watch my video, but unfortunately we are definitely in disagreement and my videos are probably not going to be your cup of tea. But thanks for giving me a chance!