“Hi Hello” by DAY6 is a gentle and heartwarming pop-rock song that beautifully captures the magic and hopeful anticipation of a new beginning. The song’s core meaning revolves around the transformative power of a simple greeting, celebrating the moment two separate individuals (“you” and “I”) cross paths and start a new shared journey to become “we.”
It is an ode to the nervous excitement, quiet joy, and limitless potential that are born from the simple, yet profound, act of saying “Hi, hello.” In this article, we explore the meaning of this song, breaking down its metaphors and emotions.
Introduction to the Song
“Hi Hello” was released on July 6, 2017, as the title track for the July installment of DAY6’s ambitious year-long monthly release project, Every DAY6. The song was later featured on their second full-length album, MOONRISE, which collected the releases from the latter half of 2017. Showcasing a brighter and softer side of their musical palette, “Hi Hello” stood in gentle contrast to the heart-wrenching rock ballads the band is also famous for, proving their remarkable artistic versatility.
With its laid-back groove, clean guitar melodies, and warm, soothing vocals, the song immediately became a “healing” anthem for fans. Its optimistic and universally relatable theme of new beginnings resonated deeply, earning it a special place in the hearts of their fandom, “My Day.” The accompanying music video, which depicts the members on a road trip, visually enhances the song’s themes of journey and connection.
“Hi Hello” is a testament to DAY6’s ability to find beauty in the small, quiet moments of life. It’s a song that feels like a warm, sunny day or a comfortable drive with the windows down, a gentle reminder that every great story has a simple, hopeful start.
Central Theme & Message
The central theme of “Hi Hello” is the profound significance of new beginnings and the magic of initial connection. The song elevates the simple act of a greeting into a life-altering event. The primary message is that the most monumental and meaningful relationships often spring from the smallest, most ordinary moments. The phrase “Hi, hello” is not just a pleasantry; it is the key that unlocks a new world of shared experiences and transforms two separate lives into one story.
The song beautifully captures the vulnerability and nervous excitement that precede a new relationship. The lyrics describe the “slight trembling and excitement” (“약간의 떨림과 설레임도 함께”) felt when approaching someone new. This focus on the raw, unfiltered emotions of that initial encounter makes the song feel incredibly authentic and pure. It’s a celebration of taking a chance and being open to connection, despite the fear of the unknown.
Ultimately, the message of “Hi Hello” is one of gentle optimism and hope. It suggests that connection is what gives life meaning, and that we are all just one “hello” away from starting a new, beautiful chapter. It’s a song that encourages listeners to appreciate the power of small gestures and to remain open to the new people and journeys that lie ahead.
Verse-by-Verse Meaning
The song’s narrative gently guides the listener through the magical moments of a new encounter.
Verse 1: Jae
너는 너 / 나는 나 / 서로를 모른 채 / 살아왔었지만 안녕과 함께 / 이제는 너와 나 / 우리가 되었지
(You were you / I was I / We lived / without knowing each other) (But with a “hello” / now you and I / have become “we”)
The song opens by establishing a state of separation. The narrator describes a past where he and the other person were simply two disconnected individuals living parallel lives. The pivot of the entire verse is the word “안녕” (annyeong), which means “hello.” This single word is the catalyst for a profound transformation, turning the separate entities of “you” and “I” into a collective “we” (“우리”). This simple but powerful progression sets the stage for the entire song.
Pre-Chorus: Wonpil
나지막한 목소리로 / 약간의 떨림과 / 설레임도 함께 너의 앞에 다가가서 / 조심스러운 한마디 / 어렵게 꺼내봐요
(In a low voice / with a slight trembling / and excitement too) (I approach you / a cautious word / I manage to say with difficulty)
This pre-chorus beautifully captures the raw vulnerability of making the first move. The narrator’s voice is “low,” his body is filled with a “slight trembling,” yet he is also buzzing with “excitement.” He approaches cautiously, and the simple act of saying hello feels like a difficult and momentous task. This description is incredibly relatable, perfectly conveying the mixture of fear and hope that characterizes the beginning of a potential romance.
Chorus: Young K, All, & Sungjin
Hi, hello / 너에게 건넬 때마다 / 날 설레게 하는 이 말 Hi, hello / 이 말을 주고받고서 / 너와 나의 이야기를 시작해
(Hi, hello / Every time I say it to you / these words make my heart flutter) (Hi, hello / After we exchange these words / our story begins)
The chorus is a joyful celebration of the greeting itself. The words “Hi, hello” are described as magical phrases that consistently make the narrator’s heart flutter. The exchange of these words is framed as the official starting point of their shared narrative, “our story” (“너와 나의 이야기”). The simplicity of the chorus reinforces the song’s central message: that something so small can be the beginning of something so significant.
Verse 2: Young K
너에게 난 나에게 넌 / 아무 의미 없는 / 사이였겠지만 안녕과 함께 / 이제야 너와 난 / 하나가 되었어
(To you, I, and to me, you / were in a relationship / of no meaning) (But with a “hello” / now you and I / have become one)
The second verse mirrors the first but deepens the sense of transformation. Before their meeting, they were “meaningless” to one another. The greeting not only created a “we,” as mentioned in the first verse, but has now fused them into “one” (“하나가 되었어”). This suggests a rapid and profound deepening of their connection, moving from simple acquaintance to a more unified entity.
Bridge: Wonpil & Young K
마주 보는 것 / 하나만으로 / 이미 벅차오르는데 이 말까지 / 하고 나면 / 난 행복에 겨워
(Just looking at each other / by itself / is already overwhelming) (And after I even / say these words / I’m overcome with happiness)
The bridge serves as the song’s emotional peak, expressing a sense of pure, unadulterated joy. The narrator reveals that the simple act of making eye contact is, by itself, emotionally overwhelming in the best way possible. Adding the verbal connection of “Hi, hello” on top of that pushes him into a state of blissful ecstasy (“overcome with happiness”). This highlights the incredible power and intensity of a new, promising connection.
Emotional Tone & Mood
The emotional tone of “Hi Hello” is overwhelmingly warm, gentle, and optimistic. It is a musical embodiment of a soft smile or a comforting breeze on a sunny day. The mood is light, airy, and deeply “healing,” providing a sense of calm and happiness to the listener. There is a complete absence of the angst, tension, or sadness found in DAY6’s other famous anthems; this song is pure, hopeful sentiment.
The soft-rock instrumentation is perfectly crafted to create this atmosphere. The song is carried by clean, melodic guitar lines, a simple and steady drumbeat, and warm, resonant bass. The members’ vocal performances are notably softer and sweeter than in their more powerful tracks. The harmonies are smooth, and the lead vocals are delivered with a sense of gentle sincerity that feels like a whispered confession.
The “La, la-la-la-la” post-chorus is a key element of the song’s mood. It’s wordless and carefree, evoking the feeling of happily humming to oneself. Overall, the mood of “Hi Hello” is one of pure, uncomplicated joy and the quiet thrill of a new beginning.
Artist’s Perspective / Backstory
“Hi Hello” was a standout track in the Every DAY6 project, showcasing the band’s impressive artistic range. After months of releasing emotionally charged and often melancholic rock tracks, this bright and gentle song demonstrated their ability to master different moods and genres. It proved that DAY6 could articulate the quiet joy of a new beginning just as powerfully as they could the roaring pain of a breakup.
The members, as the primary songwriters, intended for “Hi Hello” to be a source of comfort and warmth for their listeners. It’s a song that offers a sense of hope and encourages people to appreciate the small moments that can lead to big changes.
The music video for “Hi Hello” adds another layer to the song’s story. It famously depicts the five members on a road trip in a van. Along the way, they “pick up” each other, symbolizing how they came together from different paths to form the single unit of DAY6. This visual narrative runs parallel to the lyrical theme of two individuals becoming “we,” making the song an anthem for both romantic beginnings and the origin story of the band itself.
Real-Life Events or Facts Related to the Song
The context of “Hi Hello” within DAY6’s career highlights its unique place in their discography.
- Every DAY6 July Release: The song was officially released on July 6, 2017, as the title track for the “Every DAY6 July” digital single. This marked the halfway point of their year-long monthly release project.
- MOONRISE Album: “Hi Hello” was later included as a key track on their second full-length album, MOONRISE, released on December 6, 2017. This album compiled all the songs from the second half of the Every DAY6 project.
- Symbolic Music Video: The music video is notable for being the first to feature all five members driving together, a powerful symbol of their journey as a complete group. It visually represents the song’s themes of travel, new beginnings, and coming together.
- A “Healing Song” for the Fandom: Among “My Days,” the song is cherished as a “healing song.” Its gentle melody and positive message provide a sense of comfort and calm, and it is often performed at concerts to create a warm, intimate atmosphere of connection between the band and their fans.
Metaphors & Symbolism
While lyrically direct, “Hi Hello” is built around a powerful set of symbols that elevate its simple story into a profound meditation on connection.
“Hi, Hello”: A Magical Incantation of Creation
The song treats the simple greeting of “Hi, hello” as if it were a magical incantation or a sacred ritual. This ordinary phrase is given extraordinary power; it is the catalyst that literally creates a new reality. Before the greeting, the world consists of two separate entities, “you” and “I.” After the words are exchanged, a new entity, “we,” is born. The song symbolizes this simple act of communication as the most fundamental and powerful form of creation, the spark that can ignite a whole new universe of shared experience. It’s a beautiful metaphor for the immense potential held within the smallest acts of reaching out.
The Journey/Road Trip: A Metaphor for New Beginnings
Reinforced by the music video, the journey or road trip is the song’s central visual metaphor. This journey symbolizes the beginning of a new relationship. The open road represents a future filled with unknown but exciting possibilities. They are just starting out, and they will “see just where it goes.” This metaphor captures the sense of adventure and hopeful anticipation that defines the early stages of love. Furthermore, as depicted in the music video, it also symbolizes the formation of the band itself—a group of individuals who came together to embark on a shared musical journey.
“You and I” becoming “We” (너와 나, 우리): A Symbol of Fusion
The lyrical progression from “너는 너, 나는 나” (You were you, I was I) to “우리가 되었지” (we became “we”) and finally to “하나가 되었어” (we became one) is the core symbolic arc of the song. This linguistic journey represents the process of emotional fusion. It’s a powerful and concise way to symbolize the creation of a relationship. The song isn’t just about meeting someone; it’s about the profound and almost mystical process by which two separate identities begin to merge, creating a new, shared consciousness.
“Our Story” (이야기): The Start of a New Narrative
The chorus states that after exchanging greetings, “our story begins” (“너와 나의 이야기를 시작해”). By framing the new relationship as a “story,” the song imbues it with a sense of narrative weight and epic potential. It suggests that this small beginning is the opening line of a grand new book waiting to be written. This metaphor emphasizes the significance of the moment, suggesting that every great love story, no matter how epic it becomes, has a simple, humble first page that begins with “hello.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question 1: What is the main meaning of “Hi Hello”?
Answer 1: The song is a celebration of new beginnings, focusing on how a simple greeting like “Hi, hello” can be a magical and transformative moment that starts a new relationship and turns two separate individuals into a “we.”
Question 2: What is the emotional tone of the song?
Answer 2: The tone is gentle, warm, optimistic, and “healing.” It lacks any of the angst or sadness of their breakup songs and instead focuses on the pure, quiet joy and nervous excitement of a new connection.
Question 3: How does “Hi Hello” fit into the “Every DAY6” project?
Answer 3: It was the title track for the July 2017 release of the project. It showcased the band’s versatility by presenting a bright, soft-rock sound that contrasted with the more intense rock ballads they had released in previous months.
Question 4: What is the symbolism of the music video?
Answer 4: The music video’s road trip theme symbolizes two things: the journey of a new relationship, full of open possibilities, and the journey of the band members themselves coming together to form DAY6.
Question 5: What makes the phrase “Hi, hello” so significant in the song?
Answer 5: The song elevates the phrase into a magical catalyst. It’s the simple act that bridges the gap between two strangers, sparks a connection that makes the heart flutter, and officially begins their shared “story.”
Question 6: Who wrote “Hi Hello”?
Answer 6: The lyrics were written by members Young K and Wonpil, along with their frequent collaborator, producer Hong Jisang. The members were also involved in the composition.
Question 7: What does the narrator mean by “Just looking at each other is already overwhelming”?
Answer 7: This line from the bridge describes the powerful, non-verbal connection he feels. The intensity of their eye contact alone is so emotionally potent that it’s almost too much to handle, a sign of a deep and immediate chemistry.
Question 8: How does this song showcase DAY6’s versatility?
Answer 8: It shows that the band, known for their powerful and often heartbreaking rock anthems, can also master a gentle, sweet, and optimistic pop-rock sound, proving their ability to convey a wide range of emotions.
Question 9: What is the meaning of the “la-la-la” post-chorus?
Answer 9: The wordless “la-la-la” refrain captures a feeling of pure, simple, and carefree joy. It feels like someone humming happily to themselves, perfectly reflecting the lighthearted and blissful mood of a new romance.
Question 10: What is the significance of the line “You were you, I was I”?
Answer 10: It establishes the initial state of separation before the fateful meeting. It emphasizes the transformative power of their connection by showing how they went from being completely independent entities to a unified “we.”
Question 11: Is this song about a specific experience?
Answer 11: Like most of their songs, it’s written to be universally relatable. It draws on the common human experience of meeting someone new and feeling that instant spark of potential and excitement.
Question 12: How does the instrumentation contribute to the song’s mood?
Answer 12: The clean, melodic guitars, simple drum beat, and warm bass create a relaxed and comforting atmosphere. The instrumentation is intentionally uncluttered, allowing the sweet vocals and hopeful lyrics to shine.
Question 13: What does it mean to start “our story” (우리 이야기)?
Answer 13: It frames the new relationship as a narrative or a book that is just beginning. It suggests that their connection has depth, potential, and a future that will unfold over time, all starting from this one moment.
Question 14: How does the second verse build upon the first?
Answer 14: The first verse says they became “we” (a group). The second verse says they became “one” (a single entity). This progression shows a rapid deepening of their bond, from a simple connection to a more profound fusion.
Question 15: What is the role of the pre-chorus in the song’s structure?
Answer 15: The pre-chorus builds anticipation and highlights the vulnerability of the narrator. It describes the nervous energy and courage it takes to make the first move, making the joyful release of the chorus feel even more earned and satisfying.
Question 16: Is there an English version of “Hi Hello”?
Answer 16: Unlike “Congratulations,” “You Were Beautiful,” and “Zombie,” DAY6 has not released an official studio English version of “Hi Hello.”
Question 17: How does this song compare to DAY6’s breakup songs?
Answer 17: It is the emotional opposite. While their breakup songs explore pain, bitterness, and nostalgia, “Hi Hello” is purely about hope, optimism, and the joyful beginning of a relationship. It showcases the “light” to their emotional “dark.”
Question 18: What is the meaning of the line “a cautious word, I manage to say with difficulty”?
Answer 18: This line emphasizes the weight and importance of that first “hello.” It’s not a casual, throwaway word; it’s a “cautious” and “difficult” act because of the emotional stakes involved, highlighting the narrator’s vulnerability.
Question 19: Why is this considered a “healing song”?
Answer 19: Its gentle melody, warm vocals, and optimistic message about new beginnings provide a sense of comfort, calm, and hope to listeners, making it a soothing and emotionally restorative song.
Question 20: What is the lasting message of “Hi Hello”?
Answer 20: The lasting message is to cherish and appreciate the power of small beginnings. It’s a hopeful reminder that life-changing connections can start at any moment, often with a simple, courageous “hello.”