BTS’s Permission to Dance: An anthem for a brighter future

BTS's new hit single, "Permission to Dance", depicts an idealised future, with a Covid-free world.  The upbeat song with its bright colours and pop beat makes us almost reminiscent for a time that hasn't come yet; a future where we can take off our masks, feel the fresh air and dance to our hearts' content with our loved ones. The bright, funky beat is enough to make you want to get up and start dancing along.

BTS dedicates this song to their fanbase, ARMY, as a gift for the 8th anniversary of the fandom. The hit single was also co-written by popular British songwriter and singer, Ed Sheeran, in collaboration with Steve Mac, Johnny McDaid and Jenna Andrews, who have previously worked with BTS on their record-breaking hits, "Dynamite" and "Butter". This marks BTS's third all-English single.

The song is, to no one's surprise, already taking over the top charts and trends, breaking countless records along the way. The music video reached 100 million views in just two days, and is showing no signs of slowing down.

Both the song's lyrics and the music video are full of symbolisms as BTS "move(s) the rhythm in people's hearts". Doing their bit to spread positivity in these trying times, the boys leave a trail of hidden messages in the video in the form of graffiti, text in the backdrop, and even visuals promoting unity and the end to Asian hate crimes.

The purple balloons seen all throughout the video is a symbol for the end of the pandemic, and a happier time full of hope and love. In one of the scenes, there is a headline which says "Purple balloons signal the end of Covid-19". Purple is coincidentally also BTS's colour for their fandom, and as group member, Kim Taehyung, who came up with the saying "I Purple You" says, "Purple is the last colour of the rainbow colours so it means I will trust and love you for a long time."

By including people from different walks of life in the video, BTS shows that music really is universal and people of all ages, races, genders, social statuses and ethnicities can enjoy their music and dance to it. Music has no boundaries and it is what connects us all. They even included the sign languages for "dance", "fun" and "peace" as part of the choreography, as a celebration of July being Disability Pride month.

As an ARMY myself, it is hard to pick a favourite moment in the video, every single moment is so uplifting and encouraging. But I have to say, the end scene where the boys are dancing with their whole crew is endearing. The song feels like a warm hug, with the reassurance that everything will be okay. It reminds me to enjoy the moment and look forward to a brighter, and hopefully more peaceful future, as BTS sings, "We don't need permission to dance."

The author is a student of English Literature at North South University, and a freelance journalist.