EXPLORING GRIEF THROUGH MUSIC: ANALYZING THE FIVE STAGES IN JUNGKOOK'S “SHOT GLASS OF TEARS”

Abstract

Music is an expression of the emotions of human beings and can often be a tool to deal with complicated feelings like sadness. Jungkook’s “Shot glass of Tears” touches on deeper feelings of loss that many listeners can relate to. This research looks into the denials of the song and how Kübler-Ross describes the five stages of grief which includes anger, acceptance and depression. The analysis unveils the minute details expressed in the song portraying sadness, emotions and despair which can act as a therapy for the listeners. The research discusses upon how music can be used to traverse emotions and can aid in the recovery process. This song shows that sadness is a diverse feeling and should not be constrained the idea of being pure linear. “Shot Glass of Tears” bridges the gap of mourning being exclusively a Korean thing and represents it on a broader scale. The research indicates that the song might be useful in guiding and aiding those who are going through the process of acceptance of grief. This research connects the dots between music, mourning and therapeutic practices, elaborating the idea of songs having a meaning in the context of emotion.