BTS Grants You the "Permission to Dance"

With "Butter" still topping music charts worldwide, BTS is out with their third single of the year, "Permission to Dance". The boy band teased their fans with concept photos before finally dropping the song on July 9, with cowboy outfits and unique dance moves galore.

"Permission to Dance" was created in collaboration with multiple artists. It was co-written by Ed Sheeran, Jenna Andrews, Steve Mac, and Snow Patrol's Johnny McDaid.

The theme of the song is very much in-line with the other songs produced by BTS during the pandemic – unapologetically happy and sweet, with uplifting lyrics and a catchy chorus. It is meant to inspire and comfort anyone who is feeling stuck because of the pandemic. With vaccines rolling out all over the world, the music video looks forward to a time when masks are off, and people are out dancing on the streets.

The avid fans however, may notice some subtle differences in the song that might feel somewhat off-brand for BTS. The song has no rap verses by the rapline Suga, RM and J Hope. And although they amazed their fans with their singing skills, there is a unique filtered effect used throughout the entirety of the music video.

As this is only the third English song by BTS after "Dynamite" and "Butter", they are clearly still experimenting with their sound. It is exciting to see what they come up with in the future as they continue to grow as international musicians and gain more confidence in their craft.

No music video of BTS is complete without some cheeky references, and this time around it was not so subtle: purple balloons. July 9 is the day BTS officially coined the name "Army" for their fans, and ever since, it is considered a day of celebration. The multiple purple balloons in the music video are dedicated to the Army – their beloved fans.

As the song comes to an end with the words "We don't need to worry 'cause when we fall we know how to land," it reminds us to have faith in our resilience. We have made it this far, we can hold on a little longer as the world adapts to a new normal.

With messages like these, it is no surprise that BTS continues to be a source of comfort, joy, and hope in people's lives.

Nishat is a Namjoon enthusiast. Fangirl with her at nish.nts@gmail.com

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