While most people are fighting holiday shopping crowds, V decided to send fans an early Christmas gift.
With his latest release, Winter Ahead (with Park Hyo Shin), the BTS artist delivers a jazz-pop gem that blends nostalgia with the promise of enduring love.
The song dropped on November 29, 2024, and is already making waves for its lush arrangement and heartfelt lyrics.
The Story Behind the Song “Winter Ahead”
Sometimes the best gifts come from unexpected places. “Winter Ahead” was born out of a friendship-turned-collaboration between V and Park Hyo Shin, both of whom share a deep love for music with emotional depth.
The duo teamed up with Grammy-winning songwriter Jesse Harris—known for Norah Jones’ “Don’t Know Why“—as well as HYESUNG and Waizmin, who handled the track’s intricate production.
The track features layers of delicate piano melodies, stirring strings, and warm brass.
Each instrument adds another layer of warmth to the winter scene described in the lyrics, creating a soundscape that’s as comforting as it is evocative.
Breaking Down the “Winter Ahead” Lyrics
The “Winter Ahead” lyrics reveals a sweet, simple story. “Lie with me by the fire,” V sings, painting a picture of two people finding shelter from winter storms.
But there’s more to this song than romantic warmth. The phrase “winter ahead” becomes a metaphor for impending challenges, reminding listeners that love can be both a sanctuary and a strength.
Park Hyo Shin chimes in with “Come what may, change of heart, who can say” – adding layers of uncertainty that make the cosy moments feel more precious.
Both artists carefully balance their distinct styles, with V’s deep, velvety tone playing beautifully against Park Hyo Shin’s powerful vocals, especially in lines like “We’re always warm in paradise.”
The harmonies feel natural, like two old friends sharing stories by the fireplace.
“Winter Ahead” Music Video
The music video for “Winter Ahead” takes inspiration from the Greek myth of Pygmalion.
V plays a sculptor who breathes life into his creation, crafting a visual story that’s as layered as the song itself.
The juxtaposition of serene moments by the fire and lively party scenes underscores the duality of love—intimate yet expansive.
The Jazz-Pop Journey of V
V’s love for jazz has been evident throughout his solo career, from his debut album “Layover” to his past holiday hits like “Snow Flower” and “Christmas Tree.”
With “Winter Ahead” (with Park Hyo Shin), he deepens his exploration of the genre, bringing his fans along for a journey that feels timeless.
The collaboration with Park Hyo Shin, one of Korea’s most revered balladeers, adds a layer of emotional depth, making this track a standout in V’s growing holiday repertoire.
What Makes “Winter Ahead” Special
V’s “Winter Ahead” with Park Hyo Shin stands out from typical holiday releases.
Instead of bells and sleigh rides, we get jazz influences and intimate moments.
The song feels less like a commercial Christmas single and more like finding an old love letter tucked inside a winter coat.
This release marks V’s latest addition to his growing collection of winter tracks, arriving just before his upcoming “White Christmas” duet with Bing Crosby.
Between the cosy lyrics, jazz arrangement, and genuine chemistry between the vocalists, “Winter Ahead” offers something different for holiday playlists – and maybe a reason to stay inside until spring shows up.
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- Nat King Cole’s The Christmas Song: A Timeless Treasure
- Winter Wonderland: The Song That Defines the Holiday Spirit Across Generations
V ‘Winter Ahead’ (with PARK HYO SHIN)’ Lyrics
Verse: V
Lie with me
By the fire
We can be
Safe from the storms up high
There’s a winter ahead
If it’s cold and wet
We’re always warm here, side by side
Pre-Chorus: PARK HYO SHIN
Come what may
Change of heart
Who can say
If you look in my eyes
For the moon and the stars
Hearing strumming guitars
Well, I admit that it’d be nice
Chorus: V & PARK HYO SHIN
I’ll be with you
Until the spring runs by
And the summer starts to burn
I’ll be with you
When the autumn wind returns
Don’t you want to say you’ll stay?
Verse: V & PARK HYO SHIN
Lie with me
By the fire
We can be
Safe from the storms up high
There’s a winter ahead
Whether it’s cold and wet
We’re always warm in paradise
Paradise
Chorus: V, PARK HYO SHIN
I’ll be with you
Until the spring runs by
And the summer starts to burn
And I’ll be with you
When autumn returns
Yes, when all the seasons turn
Post-Chorus: V & PARK HYO SHIN
Come what may
Change of heart
Who can say
If you look in my eyes
For the truth in my heart
From a world far apart
You’ll realize where you can find
Paradise, mmm
Paradise
