What Is The 27 Club? The Devastating Truth Behind BTS RM’s Lyrics In “Stop The Rain”
Content Warning
Recently, BTS‘s RM and Epik High‘s Tablo released a collaboration track titled “Stop The Rain.”
The song features extremely heavy lyrics, which Tablo warned listeners about before the release. The topics addressed include the various struggles the two stars have gone through in their lives, and many praised how they shared their hurts without overshadowing each other.
Soon!
It's an honest song, and because it's honest, there is pain there. But that's also what makes it an empowering song.
What we want is for you to nod your head to it, blast it at the gym or in your car on the way to work, dance & sing along to it, make memes, make it… pic.twitter.com/9GtpCx76if
— tablo (@blobyblo) May 1, 2025
Some of the lyrics that have stood out to fans mention ages in RM’s life and a reference the “27 club.”
When I was a kid
I was convinced that I was destined for the 27 club
I’m twenty nine, sinkin’ in the bathtub, sippin’ gin, lookin’ for another club— RM in “Stop The Rain”
The 27 club that RM is referencing is not an actual club, but a phenomenon that has occurred enough times with celebrities to earn a name.
Following American musician Kurt Cobain’s death by suicide, the name was tokenized and a “pattern” was noticed. Many popular musicians, including Jimmy Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Amy Winehouse are considered “members” of the club as they all passed away at the age of 27.
The “27 club” primarily is primarily discussed and sensationalized in Western media, but was mentioned the context of K-Pop in 2017 when SHINee‘s Jonghyun passed away at that age. RM’s lyrics share that he believed he would pass away at by the age of 27, and rather be a certain indication of plans of self-harm, it also could mean that at that time, the idol did not believe his lifestyle at the time would result in a long life.
Many have reflected on these lyrics and expressed heartfelt emotions for RM and the struggles he faced, as well as celebrating that he has continued on.
“i was convinced that i was destined for the 27 club” but at 27 he said “life is better than the death i’ll prove it” instead. you’re the bravest person i’ve ever come across in this universe, namjoon. a hero who keeps fighting and spreading his wings further despite the weight pic.twitter.com/nvjC1c0pue
— (ꪜ)-luvr (@vnteshwa) May 2, 2025
"when i was a kid i was convinced that i was destined for the 27 club"
but at 27, namjoon brought us "life is better than the death, i'll prove it"
— goldenbeary⁷ (@extraRYce) May 1, 2025
the growth too… because life and death has been a pretty constant theme in his music since the beginning, and seeing his perspective change over time and give in to the art of living is beautiful. i wish for you to be surrounded by hope and love, joon. https://t.co/0Cs7EpduLz
— zee⁷ is seeing hobi •͈ᴗ•͈ (@jairpods33) May 1, 2025
