Note: This translation is for non-Korean speakers to get a better feel of RM’s lyrics. This translation should be read in combination with others for meaning.
In terms of the text, RM uses a polite form of address with 요. This could connote politeness, the seriousness of the request, but also distance between the two parties. The entire section (except the last line) should be read in this form and tone. I used polite conditionals in lieu of please.
파도는 원래 무슨 색일까요
What do you think are the original colors of the waves?
[Notes: 까요 can be used to ask another person’s opinion.]
부서질 땐 새하얗잖아요
As you know, pure white when [they] break
[Notes: The word “break” refers to breaking waves which connotes a stronger level of intensity to something simply breaking. 잖아요 can mean “as you know” or “you know”. This line answers the question posed in the line above — seemingly an one-sided conversation.]
그간의 표류는 괜찮았나요
Were you ok, meanwhile adrift?
여기 조약돌로 남아주면 안 돼요
Could you not remain here as a pebble?
[Notes: See RM’s previous use of “pebble” in his thank you section in the BE album: “I would like to be your pebble” and RM’s Weverse Butter CB interview where he speaks about this reference more.]
달을 켜줘요
Would you turn on the moon?
[켜줘요 is used to ask someone to, for example, “turn on” the lights.]
작은 내 굴뚝을 떠나지 마세요
Do not leave my small chimney
[Notes: As chimney is an unusual word choice, I wonder if RM could be referring here to a small, albeit “strong desire” as indicated in the Korean idiom “like a chimney”. For more of an explanation, go to: https://youtu.be/XogrjyLWZsY ]
그대만 아는 그 이름 가져가지 마세요
Do not take away the name that only you know
[Notes: The idea of “그대만 아는” implies something deeply personal and known only to the listener.]
마법은 필요 없어요
I do not need magic
아무 들꽃은 싫어요
I do not want any [old] wildflower
[Notes: 아무 does mean “any” but in the vein of “any old” or something indiscriminately. 싫어 does mean “I do not like” but I translated this line as “I do not want” for how it reads in English.]
새삼스럽지 말아요
Do not do [something] new
[Notes: “새삼스럽다” refers to something feeling suddenly new or unfamiliar, which can mean “don’t act differently” or “don’t make it feel new.” The MV subtitle “Don’t be like this” also captures the intent in a more colloquial manner.]
그냥 여기에
Just [stay] here
[Notes: “그냥” means “just” or “simply,” and “여기에” means “here.” Adding “stay” makes it more natural in English, but it’s implied in the original.]
Translation Only
파도는 원래 무슨 색일까요
What do you think are the original colors of the waves?
부서질 땐 새하얗잖아요
As you know, pure white, when [they] break
그간의 표류는 괜찮았나요
Were you ok, meanwhile adrift?
여기 조약돌로 남아주면 안 돼요
Could you not remain here as a pebble?
달을 켜줘요
Would you turn on the moon?
작은 내 굴뚝을 떠나지 마세요
Do not leave my small chimney
그대만 아는 그 이름 가져가지 마세요
Do not take away the name that only you know
아무 들꽃은 싫어요
I do not want any [old] wildflower
새삼스럽지 말아요
Do not do something new
그냥 여기에
Just [stay] here
