Music

What is TXT’s Song ‘9 and Three Quarters (Run Away)’ About?

TXT's single "9 and Three Quarters (Run Away)" is a catchy hit, but the lyrics contain a deeper meaning.

by Eryn Murphy

Published on December 19, 2019

2 min read

TXT’s song ‘9 and Three Quarters (Run Away)’ is a bop

Anyone who has heard TXT’s song “9 and Three Quarters (Run Away)” knows the song is almost impossible to get out of your head. The catchy single was paired with a music video that visually alludes to the Harry Potter universe.

“In the video, Yeonjun, Soobin, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Huening Kai roam around school grounds, appearing lonesome and longing for escape. The escape they find is in each other, as they imagine themselves in magical scenarios and sing, ‘Run away, run away, run away with me,'” wrote Michele Mendez about the music video in Elite Daily.

What is the song about?

While the energetic song is a total bop, the song has a touch of sadness and angst to it. “9 and Three Quarters (Run Away)” from The Dream Chapter: Magic deals with adolescence. Through the lyrics, the five members explore the idea of escaping life’s burdens and figuratively running away with their friends.

“It feels like everybody’s happy but me / It hurts more when I smile than when I cry,” Beomgyu sings at the song’s opening.

Before the chorus, Yeonjun sings, “In moments like those, when tears fill your eyes / Hold my hand tight, should we run away?”

Then come the lyrics of the impossibly catchy chorus: “Please be my eternity, please call my name / Run away, run away, run away with me.”

Throughout the song, there are obvious references to Harry Potter, from the 9 ¾ train platform to rewinding clocks. While the magical references add a whimsical touch, it’s the references to friendship that give the song real emotional weight.

The music video opens with all of the TXT members alone, the lighting dim. Once the five of them meet together for their adventures, the music video is bright with color. Echoing the lyrics of escaping together, TXT gives the message that supporting each other can go a long way.

TXT performed ‘9 and Three Quarters (Run Away)’ at recent award shows

Fans of TXT were treated to live performances of “9 and Three Quarters (Run Away)” at the Melon Music Awards and Mnet Asian Music Awards. At 2019 MMA, TXT performed “New Rules” and “9 and Three Quarters (Run Away)” from The Dream Chapter: Magic.

The group opened the performance with a dance resembling the concept teaser for The Dream Chapter: Magic. With the intro, the members of TXT danced in synchronization while lying on the floor.

TXT then performed “New Rules,” displaying their charisma as a group. They finished their 2019 MMA performance with “9 and Three Quarters (Run Away).”

The group showed so much talent and confidence in their performance, it’s hard to believe they are only rookies. If the members of TXT are like this in their first year, it’s exciting to think about everything they will accomplish in the future.