Coldplay & BTS “My Universe” Lyrics Meaning

“My Universe” is a collaborative song between British rock band Coldplay and South Korean group BTS. Released on September 24, 2021, as the second official single from Coldplay’s ninth studio album, “Music of the Spheres,” the song quickly gained popularity and debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

This achievement marked BTS’ sixth US chart-topper and Coldplay’s second after “Viva la Vida” in 2008. The lyrics of “My Universe” express deep emotions and a sense of unity and love between two individuals despite their differences.

In this article, we will analyze the meaning behind the lyrics, exploring the themes of love, connection, and the power of shared experiences.

“My Universe” Lyrics Meaning

Before we delve into the story behind this song, let’s take a closer look at each verse of the lyrics.

Verse 1

“You (you), you are (you are) my universe

And I (I) just want (just want) to put you first

And you (you), you are (you are) my universe, and I

In the night, I lie and look up at you

When the morning comes, I watch you rise

There’s a paradise they couldn’t capture

That bright infinity inside your eyes”

The opening verse establishes the central theme of the song – a deep connection between two individuals who consider each other their entire universe. The repetition of “you are my universe” emphasizes the significance and magnitude of this bond. The lyrics express a strong desire to prioritize the other person’s happiness and well-being. By stating, “I just want to put you first,” the singers demonstrate their selflessness and devotion to their partner.

The imagery of lying in the night, looking up at the other person, and watching them rise in the morning portrays a sense of awe and admiration. The mention of “a paradise they couldn’t capture” and the “bright infinity inside your eyes” suggests that the person’s inner beauty and essence are transcendent and impossible to fully comprehend or describe. It implies that their connection goes beyond the surface level, into a realm of profound understanding and appreciation.

Verse 2

“매일 밤 네게 날아가 (가)

꿈이란 것도 잊은 채

나 웃으며 너를 만나 (나)

Never-ending forever, baby”

In this verse, the lyrics shift to Korean, with BTS member Jungkook singing the lines. The Korean lyrics add depth and diversity to the song, showcasing the international collaboration. The lines convey a sense of longing and dedication. “매일 밤 네게 날아가” translates to “Every night, I fly to you,” emphasizing the singer’s desire to be with the person they love.

The mention of forgetting about dreams while smiling and meeting the other person reflects the idea that their presence is so fulfilling that everything else becomes secondary. The phrase “Never-ending forever” suggests a commitment to an everlasting love, emphasizing the intention to stay together through thick and thin.

Chorus

“You (you), you are (you are) my universe

And I (I) just want (just want) to put you first

And you (you), you are (you are) my universe

And you make my world light up inside”

The chorus reaffirms the central theme of the song, with both groups joining together to express the idea of mutual love and adoration. The repetition of “you are my universe” strengthens the bond and highlights the significance of the other person in their lives.

The lyrics “And you make my world light up inside” convey the immense joy and happiness the singers experience when they are with their loved one. The phrase implies that the other person brings light and meaning into their lives, illuminating their world from within. It represents the transformative power of love and the positive impact it has on one’s emotional well-being.

Verse 3

“어둠이 내겐 더 편했었지

길어진 그림자 속에서 (eyes)

And they said that we can’t be together

Because, because we come from different sides”

This verse delves into the challenges and obstacles the singers face in their relationship. The lyrics express that darkness was more comfortable for them, suggesting that they were content with being alone until they found each other. The phrase “길어진 그림자 속에서” translates to “in elongated shadows,” which could symbolize a sense of isolation or feeling incomplete before finding their partner.

The lyrics further highlight the societal skepticism or disapproval they encounter, stating, “And they said that we can’t be together because, because we come from different sides.” This line emphasizes the theme of overcoming barriers and defying expectations. It portrays a determination to prove doubters wrong and pursue their love despite societal norms or preconceived notions.

Deeper Meaning Behind “My Universe”

“My Universe” is an amazing collaboration between Coldplay and BTS that fans loved. It all started when Chris Martin from Coldplay got a message saying, “BTS wants to make a song with you.” He was puzzled at first but found inspiration in the phrase “my universe.” He and a friend started working on a demo with BTS.

The collaboration was a secret, and they announced the song title, “My Universe,” without mentioning BTS, which got fans curious. Speculation had already started after BTS covered Coldplay’s “Fix You” on MTV Unplugged. Finally, on September 13, 2021, they revealed it was a joint effort, making fans very happy.

The song is a synth-pop masterpiece blending Coldplay and BTS’s styles. It was co-written by members of both groups and others. The tempo is moderately fast, in common time, and in the key of E major.

Lyrically, “My Universe” is about love conquering differences. It dismisses doubts that people can’t be together due to their backgrounds and boldly says, “You, you are my universe, and I just want to put you first.” It’s about choosing love over expectations.

The lyrics also touch on themes of struggle and resilience. Lines like “they said that we can’t be together / Because we come from different sides” highlight societal pressures that attempt to keep lovers apart. However, the overall tone remains hopeful, suggesting that love can conquer these challenges.

BTS members have expressed that the song is dedicated to their fans (the ARMY), reinforcing the idea that collective support can create beautiful connections despite obstacles.

The song employs rich cosmic imagery to illustrate its themes. References to stars and galaxies serve as metaphors for the vastness of love and the infinite possibilities it brings. This celestial language reinforces the notion that love is a universal force capable of connecting individuals across great distances.

The lyrics mix English and Korean, emphasizing the international collaboration between Coldplay and BTS. This strengthens the message of unity and connects with fans worldwide.

Music Video

The “My Universe” music video, directed by Dave Meyers, came out on September 30, 2021. It’s set in the Spheres planetary system, where music is banned by the “Silencers.” The video features Coldplay, BTS, and the fictional alien band Supernova 7 performing the song together. Even though they’re on different planets, they appear as holograms using “HOLOBAND” technology controlled by alien DJ Lafrique. The Silencers chase Lafrique’s radio ship as she broadcasts the performance throughout the system.

Coldplay filmed their parts at an abandoned swimming pool complex in Rubí, Barcelona, in July 2021, while BTS shot their scenes on a green-screen stage in Seoul, South Korea, two weeks later. The green screens allowed for cool visual effects and seamless blending of both groups’ scenes.

Apart from the music video, Coldplay and BTS also worked together on a space-themed lyric video, released on September 24, 2021. It features animated handwritten lyrics in English and Korean. They also shared visualizers for the instrumental version and three remixes of the song in the following days.

Overall Message

“My Universe” by BTS and Coldplay is a fantastic collaboration that beautifully celebrates unity and love. With catchy tunes, meaningful lyrics, and a blend of musical styles, the song inspires us to embrace love without worrying about our differences or what society expects.

This extraordinary partnership demonstrates how music can connect people worldwide, bridging gaps with its universal language.

Leave a Comment

Join My Lyrics Writing Course