How The Message Of BTS’s Lyrics Evolved Over The Last Decade, According To Pdogg

BTS‘s tenth anniversary is only days away, and the members have thoughtfully prepared content for 2023 FESTA to honor their journey and ARMYs who have been by their side.

Another constant figure in BTS’s musical and life journey has been Pdogg, the main producer for the group, who RM once described as “the root of BTS’s music.”

BTS’s Jungkook, V, RM, Jin, Suga, Jimin, and J-Hope in their “2023 FESTA” family portrait | Weverse

Recently, Pdogg sat down for an interview with Yonhap News to celebrate the group’s 10th anniversary and opened up about how he’s adjusted his creative processes to fit the band’s growth over the past decade.

BTS with Pdogg (center)

When BTS debuted, the members’ ages ranged from 15-20 years old, and their songs’ lyrics revolved around the dreams, pain, and hopes of their youth, all while encouraging younger generations to follow their dreams.

Dream is gone, no time to breathe
School, house and PC room is all we have
We live the same life
And have to become number one
For us it’s like a double spy between dream and reality

— Lyrics from BTS’s “NO”

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Pdogg shared that early in the group’s career, he focused on making them public-friendly, placing a heavy emphasis on their performances.

Instead of catering to the public, I focused on staying trendy. I also paid great attention to making the performances look good.

— Pdogg

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While the members grew up and matured over the years, their lyrics and concepts naturally did too.

As the members entered their mid-20s, and as the group achieved more success, their message took a more sophisticated turn.

— Pdogg

As much as Pdogg was aware of the change, the members were too. They began using their lyrics to explore their rise in fame, the pressure of their global impact, and how long that fame would last.

The members began realizing the weight of the messages they share, more so as the group began seeing a lot of success. They began expressing their thoughts via music—like the void after going higher than they ever imagined, the fear of wondering if they belong where they are, and more. And naturally, their storytelling became more complex.

— Pdogg

Pdogg shared that the group’s progression toward a more mature image was organic, thanks to the members writing over 90% of their lyrics. Making their songs more relatable to fans as the content naturally reflects the feelings and thoughts of the members themselves.

They write more than 90% of their lyrics, so it’s inevitable that their albums reflect what they’re actually thinking and feeling.

— Pdogg

BTS is set to release a new single with all seven members, “Take Two,” on June 9. The song will show their continued growth and “contains the heartfelt feelings and stories that BTS wants to convey to their fans.”

Learn more about their upcoming single in the article below!

BTS To Drop Fan Song “Take Two” To Celebrate 10th Debut Anniversary