Zen

Album: Ruby (2025)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Zen meditation, or Zazen, is an ancient practice that originated in China as part of Buddhism. It involves sitting in a meditative posture and remaining as much as possible in the present moment.

    Zen philosophy proposes that our perception changes matter more than physical forces do, meaning reality is defined more by how we see it than by what it actually is. Which brings us neatly to Jennie's song "Zen."

    Nobody gon' move my soul, gon' move my aura, my matter
    Nobody gon' move my life, gon' touch my goal, my matter
    Nobody gon', all this power make them scatter
    No, nobody gon' touch my soul, gon' match my glow, like, I dare you


    Jennie makes it clear that nothing around her is going to shake her sense of self. She asserts that her core being - her soul, aura, life, and goals - are impervious to outside forces. In short, she dares anyone to try messing with her energy.
  • Released on January 25, 2025, "Zen" follows "Mantra," another track with a title plucked from Eastern spiritual traditions. But while "Mantra" is all about self-assurance and living unapologetically, "Zen" leans into a more meditative state of mind, focusing on inner peace in the face of external pressures.
  • The song's theme aligns neatly with Buddhist philosophy, though whether Jennie practices Zen meditation is another question entirely. Jennie was raised in a Christian household, but she doesn't publicly follow any one religion - she tends to keep her spiritual life private.
  • The music video for "Zen," a blend of cosmic dreamscapes and sleek futurism, was directed by Cho Gi-Seok, a South Korean photographer and director known for his visually stunning concepts in K-pop. His resumé includes the videos for Kali Uchis' "I Wish You Roses" and XG's "Woke Up."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Sarah Brightman

Sarah BrightmanSongwriter Interviews

One of the most popular classical vocalists in the land is lining up a trip to space, which is the inspiration for many of her songs.

Al Kooper

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.

Reverend Horton Heat

Reverend Horton HeatSongwriter Interviews

The Reverend rants on psychobilly and the egghead academics he bashes in one of his more popular songs.

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TV

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TVSong Writing

Shows like Dawson's Creek, Grey's Anatomy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer changed the way songs were heard on TV, and produced some hits in the process.

Van Dyke Parks

Van Dyke ParksSongwriter Interviews

U2, Carly Simon, Joanna Newsom, Brian Wilson and Fiona Apple have all gone to Van Dyke Parks to make their songs exceptional.

Richard Marx

Richard MarxSongwriter Interviews

Richard explains how Joe Walsh kickstarted his career, and why he chose Hazard, Nebraska for a hit.