Meaning of TWICE – BEHIND THE MASK (Romanized) by Genius Romanizations

Behind the Mask: Uncovering the Truth and Desire for Genuine Connections

TWICE’s "Behind the Mask" is a poignant exploration of the human desire for authenticity and emotional understanding. The song’s romanized lyrics, courtesy of Genius Romanizations, offer a glimpse into the struggles and longings that we all face in our daily lives. As someone who has had the opportunity to delve into this song, I can attest to its emotional resonance and ability to tap into the deep-seated desires of our hearts.

The Weight of Masks

The song begins with the repeated refrain of "I’m suffocating under this mask", a powerful expression of the suffocating nature of pretending to be someone we’re not. Jihyo, Chaeyoung, and Dahyun lament the feeling of having only half of their breath taken away, a metaphor for the way masks can stifle our true emotions and personalities. They wonder if the person they are addressing is genuinely happy or crying behind their own mask, a question that is both universal and relatable.

The Elusiveness of Communication

In the pre-chorus, Nayeon highlights the difficulties of communication, where words often fail to accurately convey our true feelings. "Just with a nice face" suggests that people often put on a facade of happiness without truly expressing their inner struggles. This theme is "round and round", a cycle of searching and hoping to see the real emotions of others, which is boldly stated in the repetition of this phrase.

Yearning for Genuine Connections

The chorus is a direct address to the person behind the mask, asking if they are genuinely smiling or crying. "Say yes" is a repeated plea for an honest response, a genuine connection that goes beyond the surface level of small talk and pleasantries. This is the core of the song’s message, a desire to peel back the layers and understand the true emotions and experiences of others.

Vulnerability and Empathy

The second verse offers a glimpse into the willingness of Mina, Jeongyeon, and Momo to sacrifice their own light for someone else’s sake. "I’ll follow the sound that makes me high and low" suggests that even in the face of emotional turmoil, there is a desire to be present for others. This bravery in the face of vulnerability is a powerful testament to the human capacity for empathy and connection.

Shedding Tears Behind the Mask

In the pre-chorus, Jihyo reflects on the struggle to shed tears behind the mask, while still trying to "eat or swallow" her emotions. This vulnerability is a powerful reminder of the ways in which we often try to suppress our true feelings in order to conform to societal expectations.

The Desire for Intimacy

The post-chorus, performed by Sophiya, Tzuyu, Momo, and Sana, is a more abstract exploration of the desire for intimacy and connection. "Ooh-ooh" creates a sense of longing and yearning, a yearning that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

The Power of Empathy

In the bridge, Mina, Nayeon, and Jihyo offer a message of hope and resilience, urging the listener not to cry because "tears will eventually dry". This reality check is a powerful reminder of the ways in which our emotions are ephemeral and fleeting. "Behind the text" suggests that even in the digital age, there is still a desire to connect with others on a deeper level, to see beyond the surface and understand the true emotions and experiences of others.

Conclusion

TWICE’s "Behind the Mask" is a powerful exploration of the human desire for authenticity and emotional understanding. Through its poignant lyrics and soaring melody, the song encourages vulnerability, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the emotions and experiences of others. As someone who has had the opportunity to engage with this song, I can attest to its emotional resonance and ability to tap into the deep-seated desires of our hearts. Behind the mask, we yearn for genuine connections and a sense of belonging.

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