PROCEEDING (Doin’)

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of an artist pushing forward despite past struggles and present anxieties. The repeated phrase "We doin' doin' / N it's all good" acts as a mantra, a declaration of resilience against an unspecified backdrop, even humorously juxtaposed with "dog surgery." This refrain grounds the track in a determined, if slightly weary, optimism, suggesting a commitment to the process regardless of external circumstances. The verses reveal a complex internal landscape. The narrator reflects on a past where passion outstripped financial gain, leading to feelings of being "버림 받았었던" (abandoned) and a questioning of the "순수의 값어치" (value of innocence) lost. There's a palpable tension between the desire for artistic integrity and the harsh realities of the industry, where ambition can morph into a "악몽" (nightmare) and self-doubt creeps in, even envying the "자만심" (arrogance) of others. A striking element is the contrast between the narrator's self-perception and how they might be viewed by others. While acknowledging a past of financial hardship and using "7만원 짜리" (70,000 won) equipment, the narrator asserts their current skill and position, dismissing those who "안들어봤대 내 노래" (haven't heard my songs) or question their authenticity. The phrase "잃길 잘한 기억이기에 항우울제의 우울까지" (Because it's a memory I'm glad to have lost, even the depression from antidepressants) powerfully encapsulates a hard-won perspective, suggesting that even the darkest periods have contributed to their current strength. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their raw honesty and the way they blend aspirational drive with a grounded acknowledgment of struggle. The narrator isn't presenting a flawless ascent but a gritty, ongoing effort. The repeated, almost defiant "it's all good" becomes more meaningful when understood against the backdrop of past "설친" (sleepless nights) and the lingering "우울" (depression), making the present "doin'" feel like a significant, hard-earned victory.