I LOVE MOM

What's better than starting off Mother's Day with the most ephemeral, yet unfulfilling solo J-hope has ever produced? "MAMA" belongs to one of the most sensational K-pop eras the genre has thus far illustrated – it's full of complex wordplay and references along with obscure motifs that have us perplexed to excruciating levels.

The track itself, "MAMA", is one of several other solos from WINGS. While the other's solos contemplated on messages like finding one's first love, and struggling to love yourself, J-hope decided to talk about his appreciation towards his mother and the story of following his dream.

What was particularly special about this track was how carefully elaborated he was able to describe his journey, and how he was able to get fans to reflect on the message J-hope was trying to portray, and lastly, how he successfully captivated us while doing so.

"MAMA" depicts the story of a very caring mother who sacrificed nearly everything so that her son could live his passion and follow his dream. This truly shows the love mothers have for their children and how they're willing to give up almost anything just so that their little tykes can be the star they wish to be.

In this track, J-hope begins with a metaphorical reference. This is the beginning of the story, and he grasps the listener onto a hectic ride illustrating his past – he does that by compelling the listener with a potent yet sensitive chant:

Time travel to 2006

Crazed for dancing, pinched my mom’s purse

When my dad opposed but I practiced every day

She supported me

J-hope's mother cared for her son. She genuinely wished that he could one day live his dream and perform in front of thousands one day. His father opposed his desire to become a performer, and felt uneasy when it came to sacrificing money just for his son's dream to be put into action. J-hope mother was willing to sacrifice money for her son's passion – money being a major propeller to success. 

My mom’s strength back then was my curve ball

For real

I was determined to be successful

With that one promise

I became the son I am now

These couple lines signify another metaphorical bond. A curve ball surely isn't easy to hit, and the objective of this type of pitch that slowly goes downwards as it reaches closer to the climax of the throw. This makes it harder for the person to hit the ball because of its peculiar downwards motion, and the fact that it differs among each baseball pitcher.

This could indicate that there had been numerous times in which he had experienced so many downfalls and hardships in life that his life had seemed to be similar to a curve ball. It was unpredictable, and it was slowly crashing down as he followed through with his dream. The consequence of sacrificing something important, in this case, money, J-hope felt conflicted because his family was suffering in order to fulfill his dream and passion.

As we reach to the chorus, J-hope notes that because of his mother's sacrifice and love, he is now a successful performer, and is able to provide for his family.

Hey mama

You can lean on me now, always by my side

Like his parents did, he will be the open shoulder for his parents to rest upon, and from his experience, J-hope knows he will be able to provide for his family one day through like sacrifices that his mother took in order for his children to live their passion.

This following line is solely for reassurance – to show his maturity over the years and how he was able to digest his experiences into helpful messages for his fans.

Now trust your son, you can smile

This song is simply all about J-hope relationship with his mother. He loves her so much because of what she had done for him, how she was able to sacrifice something so important for her son, and how she was able to shape J-hope into the man he is today.

J-hope's mother is the one of the most fundamental and influential worker within his life, and because of that, he uses this song to ponder on his thanksgiving, as well as a message for all his fans: mother's do care, and they will do anything for your happiness.

I’m sorry mama

For realizing now how much you’ve done for me, mama

This line is sincere. J-hope is sorry that he just realized how much his mother had done for him, and he used this in the song as advice – don't wait longer than you have to, thank your mother. Thank those who have helped you in life, and come back to them so that you can thank them for doing so.

Don't wait until the last minute to take a step back and contemplate on those who have done for you in the past, instead, show your thanksgiving every single opportunity you get.

I love mom

So, what are you waiting for? Go on.

Tell her you love her, and you're thankful for all that she has done for you.

First Written: 5/13/2017

Originally Posted Here