Sometimes, when listening to old songs, you come across some truly strange tunes.

Hyun-in's 'Shilla's Moonlit Night,' released in the late 1940s, is one of them.

At first, I thought it was just an old hit song. But as I listened closely to the lyrics, I realized that the way of thinking is completely different from today's songs.

There is no appearance of a beloved woman. There is no longing for a lost lover. It doesn't complain about the hardships of life or express dissatisfaction with the world.

Yet, it doesn't sing about joyful things either.

What on earth is this song about?

Surprisingly, it is simply a song about gazing at the moonlit night in Gyeongju.

The moon rises over the ancient capital of Shilla, and it reflects on the landscape that bears traces of a long history.

It makes you think about the fact that a thousand years have passed and brings to mind the people who lived there.

That's almost all there is to it. By today's standards, it seems like a very strange song.

Ah~ Shilla's night
The sound of the bell from Bulguksa can be heard
Oh traveler passing by, stop your steps
Let's sing a song under the calm moonlight at the foot of Geumo Mountain, the song of Shilla's night

Ah~ Shilla's night
The memories of the Hwarang are fresh
The blue river flows, yet the sound of the bell never ends
As we trace the glorious thousand-year history
Let's sing a song of Shilla's night

Ah~ Shilla's night
I miss the beautiful court ladies
Did we share love in the forest behind the palace?
Listening to the sound of your skirts in my ears
Let's sing a song of Shilla's night

If it were a pop song, it seems like there should at least be themes of love or separation, joy or sorrow, but this song does not prioritize such emotions.

Of course, the song is not devoid of sentimentality and romance. However, what is unique is that it does not explain those feelings through personal stories.

When you think about it, modern pop music mostly revolves around 'me.'

I love you. You left me. I am lonely. I want to succeed. I have been hurt. I want to be happy.

Whether it's a love song, hip-hop, or a ballad, it often conveys one's feelings to another.

However, in 'Shilla's Moonlit Night,' the singer takes a step back.

Instead of sharing personal stories, they focus on the scenery.

While gazing at the old city under the moonlight, it feels as if they are momentarily suspended in that long passage of time.

This attitude could be called contemplation.

It is simply observing without seeking to gain anything, without blaming anyone, and without shouting to change the world.

What's more interesting is the era in which this song emerged.

The late 1940s in Korea was by no means a peaceful and prosperous society.

It had only recently emerged from Japanese colonial rule, society was chaotic, and the economy was struggling. A few years later, the tragedy of the Korean War would follow.

It is fascinating that a pop song created in such an era sang about the moonlit night of Shilla a thousand years ago instead of directly addressing the pain of the world.

Perhaps for people at that time, simply escaping reality for a moment and gazing at ancient history and nature was a source of comfort.

Today, we live in a completely opposite world.

When you turn on your smartphone, countless people showcase their happiness and success. Some boast about love, others talk about breakups, and some flaunt their wealth and abilities.

Music is no different.

To capture people's attention in a short time, emotional expressions become stronger, and messages become more direct.

In such a world, a song that gazes at the moonlight of an ancient city seems out of place.

If a new artist brought such lyrics to a record company today, what kind of reaction would they get?

"So what story are you trying to tell? Maybe add a love story or something."

I imagine they might hear something like that.

However, as I grow older, I find myself beginning to understand such songs.

When I was young, I listened to music while thinking about love, dreaming of the future, and confirming my feelings.

But as time passes, I realize that not every song needs to be about my story.

It's okay to simply gaze at the moon or recall an ancient city. Sometimes, just the thought that people lived a thousand years ago and that they too must have looked at the moon in the night sky like us is enough.

Perhaps the reason 'Shilla's Moonlit Night' sounds strange is not just because the song is so old.

It's because the way we view the world has changed so much.

A song without love, success, anger, or self-promotion.

It doesn't assert anything, nor does it demand any special feelings from the listener.

It simply lays out an old city under the moonlight quietly.

One might think, what kind of pop song is this, yet after listening, it strangely brings peace to the heart.

Perhaps what we have lost is not the old songs, but the peace of mind that allowed us to quietly observe the world without wanting anything.