T.O.P is singing again!

Giving an apropos title for their last single from MADE (considering that most of the members will be enlisting over the next three years), Big Bang tugs at our heart strings and asks us for one Last Dance.

Production-wise, this track is epically composed and–thankfully–free of any of the electropop influences that this group (and YG artists overall) are known for.  The somber piano sets the mood right away and when the organ and acoustic guitar are added in on top of it, be ready for the tears.

Seung-Ri and Daesung do their thing on this track as they really get to show take center stage this time around.  It can be forgiven, given the line distribution for their recent releases, if you forget that the maknaes have the best voices in the group.  Not that T.O.P doesn’t do a really good job of letting his voice show out this time.  His tone isn’t perfect, but it works well with his brash and harsh delivery.  Taeyang brings up the rear by taking control of the more emotive chorus moments and adlibs.  G-Dragon, oddly enough, is almost a non-entity here.

Lyrically, this song comes at you from two different directions.  The first is the most obvious; the members are sad over the ending of a love affair that they thought would last.  The second meaning, though, is also perfect for the circumstances.  It sounds like they are singing to the fans, telling them that they have had a good run and that they will carry the memories they have of them into the future, no matter what it may be.  It’s a bittersweet sentiment and one that will have a huge effect on an audience of VIPs when it’s performed live.

Great job, guy.  Take your bows; you’ve earned them.

Sidenote: Happy B-day Seung-Ri!

Translated lyrics courtesy of KpopScene.

Lyrics:
A love I thought would be eternal
Drew to a close
And even all the many friends I had
Are leaving me
I’ve gotten older so I
Guess I’m becoming an adult
Why am I so anxious

Again today, people
Stay in the past
The world goes on
Without me
I’m still young so I
Guess I’m still immature
Why am I so stupid

When I used to be happy
Despite having nothing
Seems like only yesterday
Yeah, I think I’ve come
Too far, I
Can’t remember

Everything is a first so I’m clumsy
And I’m excited
Memories of the past
Still feel like a dream, and I
Don’t know where I’m going now

I will sing this song
And I will return to you
If I can see
Your beautiful self again
I will listen to this song with you
And dance for the last time
Remember this moment
Forever if you must
Just one last dance

I’m becoming a faint light
And go among the stars
You also become a star
And you wave at me
Do I look lonely
Because I’m alone
Why does it make me cry

When I used to be happy
Despite having nothing
Seems like only yesterday
Yeah, I think I’ve come too far, I
Can’t remember

Everything is a first so I’m clumsy
And I’m excited
Memories of the past
Still feel like a dream, and I
Don’t know where I’m going now

I will sing this song
And I will return to you
If I can see
Your beautiful self again
I will listen to this song with you
And dance for the last time
Remember this moment
Forever if you must
Just one last dance

Music keeps on playing and
Give me a chance
I am here waiting for you
Please just once
I promise you
It won’t be long

I will sing this song
I will sing this song
And I will return to you
If I can see
Your beautiful self again
I will listen to this song with you
And dance for the last time
Remember this moment
Forever if you must
Just one last dance

Yesterday night when I
Held hands with you and danced
Your radiantly glowing and
Beautiful One last smile
Red orange yellow green
An ecstasy I can’t know
It doesn’t go with the world
That I used to see and feel

Yesterday night when I
Held hands with you and danced
Your radiantly glowing and
Beautiful One last smile
Red orange yellow green
An ecstasy I can’t know
It doesn’t go with the world
That I used to see and feel