aespa – Savage. Lyrics Meaning: Unleashing Your Inner Warrior

Ever felt like someone was trying to twist your story, painting a picture of you that just isn’t true? Like you’re being put on a stage you never asked for, with everyone watching and judging a version of you that feels like a stranger? It’s a frustrating, isolating feeling. Well, that exact scenario is the perfect launching point for the absolute powerhouse of a track we’re diving into today. This song isn’t just about feeling misunderstood; it’s a full-blown declaration of war against that false narrative. Let’s de the story behind aespa’s epic battle cry, “Savage.”

Diving into the Digital Battlefield of aespa’s “Savage”

Right from the get-go, aespa isn’t messing around. They come out swinging, letting their adversary—the villainous Black Mamba in their lore—know that the game has changed. The song opens with this feeling of being ambushed, of being digitally attacked and manipulated. It’s like being thrown into the spotlight without any preparation, forced to deal with a fake version of yourself.

Just look at these lines:

nal mireo neoheo Deep fake on me
Pushing me in, Deep fake on me
junbiga andoen mudaero
Onto a stage I’m not ready for
moraneoheo Fake on me
Driving me in, Fake on me
Got everybody mock up to me
Got everybody mock up to me

This isn’t just a metaphor; it’s a direct shot at the kind of online toxicity and misinformation that can mess with anyone’s head. The “Deep fake” and “Fake on me” lines paint a vivid picture of having your identity stolen and warped. They’re talking about being mentally shaken, with a “cold audience” watching, designed to make their virtual avatars, their ‘ae’, collapse. But this is where the song flips the script. Instead of breaking down, they say “Say No!”

Lyrics: "Savage" by aespa

aespa – Savage [ENGLISH Translation]

Oh my gosh!
Don’t you know I’m a Savage?

I’m a Killa, gonna shatter you and your ae
You’re still hiding, lost in your own little fantasy
We’ll get ya, we holler
Not scared of you, you, I’ll hit you harder

You try to push me down with a deep fake on me
Throwing me onto a stage I’m not ready for
Fake on me
Got everybody mocking me
Trying to mess with my head and make me feel ashamed
The crowd is cold, my ae breaks down
I just can’t take you anymore, Say No! Yeah yeah

Just you wait, I’m a little Savage
Your dirty games
I can’t just stand by and watch anymore
The fantasies you have of breaking me
are just becoming
the reason I’ll take you on
I’m a Savage
I’ll break you into pieces, oh
I’m a Savage
I’ll trample all over you, oh

Get me get me now
Get me get me now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
You better get me now
or I’ll get even more Savage
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Get me get me now
Get me get me now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Now it’s my turn to get you
Now I’m a Savage

Gimme gimme now
Gimme gimme now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
I can see right through your words
your weakness Algorithm
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
I’m getting fired up
I’m getting fired up
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Don’t mess with MY ae’s SYNK
get lost, Savage
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)

Mmmh Everybody looks at me
It’s a familiar feeling, right?
“Just give in, you have to be the bigger person”
“Be mature about it”
I’m locked up in the glass
But I just wanna have fun
These awful expectations
trap me in that box of illusions

I’m going to the KWANGYA, Game in
Fighting off those sneaky tricks meant to drive us apart
And that big trick of yours
to separate me from my ae
We’re gone to the KWANGYA, Game in
I’ll slash it down with my sword of light
And for you, who’s already taken some damage
here’s a punch with no mercy

See? I told you I’m a little Savage
I’ll stop you from regenerating
I’ll mess you up, take you out
Don’t you forget, this is the KWANGYA
Your time and space are mine to control
Make It break it
I’m a Savage
I’ll break you into pieces, oh
I’m a Savage
I’ll trample all over you, oh

Get me get me now
Get me get me now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
You better get me now
or I’ll get even more Savage
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Get me get me now
Get me get me now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Now it’s my turn to get you
Now I’m a Savage

Gimme gimme now
Gimme gimme now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
I can see right through your words
your weakness Algorithm
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
I’m getting fired up
I’m getting fired up
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Don’t mess with MY ae’s SYNK
get lost, Savage
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)

You were the one who protected me when I was in danger
My naevis we love U
My victory, a single SYNK DIVE
I know this is all a chance you gave me
I know your sacrifices Oh
My naevis we love U
We know, and we’ll be sure to
find your memories
We’ll definitely meet again, after the revival

Savage
Savage
Yeah

Get me get me now
Get me get me now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
You better get me now
or I’ll get even more Savage
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Get me get me now
Get me get me now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Now it’s my turn to get you
Now I’m a Savage

Gimme gimme now
Gimme gimme now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
I can see right through your words
your weakness Algorithm
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
I’m getting fired up
I’m getting fired up
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Don’t mess with MY ae’s SYNK
get lost, Savage
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)

Ha ha, What?

aespa – Savage [ROMAJI Lyric]

Oh my gosh!
Don’t you know I’m a Savage?

I’m a Killa neoreul kkael ae
ajikdo garigo hwangageul pyeolchin neo
paella We Holler
duryeopji ana neo neo Hit you harder

nal mireo neoeo Deep fake on me
junbiga andoen mudaero
moraneoeo Fake on me
Got everybody mock up to me
suchireul neukkige mentareul heundeureonwa
ssaneulhan gwanjung muneojyeo ae
deoneun neol mot chama Say No! Yeah yeah

dugo bwa nan jom Savage
neoui Dirty han Play
deoneun dugo bol su eopseo
nareul muneotteurigo sipeun
ne hwangakdeuri jeomjeom
neoreul guchukhal iyuga dwae
I’m a Savage
neol busyeo kkae julge Oh
I’m a Savage
neol jitbalba julge Oh

Get me get me now
Get me get me now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
jigeum nareul jaba
anim nan deo Savage
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Get me get me now
Get me get me now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
ijen naega neoreul jaba
Now I’m a Savage

Gimme gimme now
Gimme gimme now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
neoui mari boyeo
ne yakjeom Algorithm
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
gimi gimi na
gimi gimi na
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
MA ae SYNK banghae malgo
kkeojyeo Savage
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)

Mmmh Everybody looks at me
iksukajanni
yangbohae chamayaman dwae
eoreunseureopge
I’m locked up in the glass
nan nolgo sipeunde
neomu kkeumjjikan gidae
geureon hwangak teure nareul gadwo nwa

I’m going gwangyaro Game in
mullichyeo gyomyohan iganjil
And my aerobuteo
meoreojige mandeul
hoesimchan ne Trick
We gone gwangyaro Game in
beeobeoryeo nae bichui geom
demijireul ibeun nege
injeongsajeong bol geot eomneun peonchi

geugeot bwa nan jom Savage
neoui jaesaengnyeogeul maga
heuteureonwa ppaenwa
itji mara yeogin baro gwangya
neoui sigongganeun nae tteutdaero
Make It break it
I’m a Savage
neol busyeo kkae julge Oh
I’m a Savage
neol jitbalba julge Oh

Get me get me now
Get me get me now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
jigeum nareul jaba
anim nan deo Savage
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Get me get me now
Get me get me now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
ijen naega neoreul jaba
Now I’m a Savage

Gimme gimme now
Gimme gimme now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
neoui mari boyeo
ne yakjeom Algorithm
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
gimi gimi na
gimi gimi na
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
MA ae SYNK banghae malgo
kkeojyeo Savage
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)

wigie ppajin nal jikyeojun geon neoyeosseo
My naevis we love U
My victory hanaui SYNK DIVE
modu nega mandeureojun gihoeran geo
I know your sacrifices Oh
My naevis we love U
ara urin bandeusi
ne gieokdeureul chajajulge
urin manna kkok buhwal geudaeum

Savage
Savage
Yeah

Get me get me now
Get me get me now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
jigeum nareul jaba
anim nan deo Savage
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Get me get me now
Get me get me now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
ijen naega neoreul jaba
Now I’m a Savage

Gimme gimme now
Gimme gimme now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
neoui mari boyeo
ne yakjeom Algorithm
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
gimi gimi na
gimi gimi na
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
MA ae SYNK banghae malgo
kkeojyeo Savage
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)

Ha ha, What?

aespa – Savage [ORIGINAL Lyric]

aespa – Savage [ROMAJI Lyric]

Oh my gosh!
Don’t you know I’m a Savage?

I’m a Killa neoreul kkael ae
Ajikdo garigo hwangageul pyeolchin neo
Paella We Holler
Duryeopji ana neo neo Hit you harder

Nal mireo neoheo Deep fake on me
Junbiga andwen mudaero
Moraneoheo Fake on me
Got everybody mock up to me
Suchireul neukkige mentaleul heundeureonwa
Ssaneulhan gwanjung muneojyeo ae
Deoneun neol mot chama Say No! Yeah yeah

Dugo bwa nan jom Savage
Neoye Dirty han Play
Deoneun dugo bol su eopseo
Nareul muneotteurigo shibeun
Ne hwangakdeuri jeomjeom
Neoreul guchukhal iyuga dwae
I’m a Savage
Neol bushyeo kkae julge Oh
I’m a Savage
Neol jitbalba julge Oh

Get me get me now
Get me get me now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Jigeum nareul japa
Anim nan deo Savage
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Get me get me now
Get me get me now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Ijen naega neoreul japa
Now I’m a Savage

Gimme gimme now
Gimme gimme now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Neoye mari boyeo
Ne yakjeom Algorithm
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Gimi gimi na
Gimi gimi na
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
MA ae SYNK banghae malgo
Kkeojyeo Savage
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)

Mmmh Everybody looks at me
Iksukhajanhni
Yangbohae chamayaman dwae
Eoreunseureopge
I’m locked up in the glass
Nan nolgo shibeunde
Neomu kkeumjjikhan gidae
Geureon hwangak teure nareul gadweo nwa

I’m going kwangyaro Game in
Mullichyeo gyomyohan iganjil
And my aerobuteo
Meoreojige mandeul
Hweshimchan ne Trick
We gone kwangyaro Game in
Beeobeoryeo nae biche geom
Demijireul ibeun nege
Injeongsajeong bol geot eomneun punch

Geugeot bwa nan jom Savage
Neoye jaesaengnyeokeul maga
Heuteureonwa ppaenwa
Ijji mara yeogin baro kwangya
Neoye shigongganeun nae tteuttaero
Make It break it
I’m a Savage
Neol bushyeo kkae julge Oh
I’m a Savage
Neol jitbalba julge Oh

Get me get me now
Get me get me now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Jigeum nareul japa
Anim nan deo Savage
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Get me get me now
Get me get me now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Ijen naega neoreul japa
Now I’m a Savage

Gimme gimme now
Gimme gimme now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Neoye mari boyeo
Ne yakjeom Algorithm
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Gimi gimi na
Gimi gimi na
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
MA ae SYNK banghae malgo
Kkeojyeo Savage
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)

Wigie ppajin nal jigyeojun geon neoyeosseo
My naevis we love U
My victory hanaye SYNK DIVE
Modu nega mandeureojun gihweran geo
I know your sacrifices Oh
My naevis we love U
Ara urin bandeushi
Ne gieokdeuleul chajajulge
Urin manna kkok buhwal geudaeum

Savage
Savage
Yeah

Get me get me now
Get me get me now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Jigeum nareul japa
Anim nan deo Savage
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Get me get me now
Get me get me now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Ijen naega neoreul japa
Now I’m a Savage

Gimme gimme now
Gimme gimme now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Neoye mari boyeo
Ne yakjeom Algorithm
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Gimi gimi na
Gimi gimi na
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
MA ae SYNK banghae malgo
Kkeojyeo Savage
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)

Ha ha, What?

aespa – Savage [KOREAN Lyric]

Oh my gosh!
Don’t you know I’m a Savage?

I’m a Killa 너를 깰 ae
아직도 가리고 환각을 펼친 너
팰라 We Holler
두렵지 않아 너 너 Hit you harder

날 밀어 넣어 Deep fake on me
준비가 안된 무대로
몰아넣어 Fake on me
Got everybody mock up to me
수치를 느끼게 멘탈을 흔들어놔
싸늘한 관중 무너져 ae
더는 널 못 참아 Say No! Yeah yeah

두고 봐 난 좀 Savage
너의 Dirty 한 Play
더는 두고 볼 수 없어
나를 무너뜨리고 싶은
네 환각들이 점점
너를 구축할 이유가 돼
I’m a Savage
널 부셔 깨 줄게 Oh
I’m a Savage
널 짓밟아 줄게 Oh

Get me get me now
Get me get me now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
지금 나를 잡아
아님 난 더 Savage
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Get me get me now
Get me get me now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
이젠 내가 너를 잡아
Now I’m a Savage

Gimme gimme now
Gimme gimme now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
너의 말이 보여
네 약점 Algorithm
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
김이 김이 나
김이 김이 나
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
MA ae SYNK 방해 말고
꺼져 Savage
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)

Mmmh Everybody looks at me
익숙하잖니
양보해 참아야만 돼
어른스럽게
I’m locked up in the glass
난 놀고 싶은데
너무 끔찍한 기대
그런 환각 틀에 나를 가둬 놔

I’m going 광야로 Game in
물리쳐 교묘한 이간질
And my ae로부터
멀어지게 만들
회심찬 네 Trick
We gone 광야로 Game in
베어버려 내 빛의 검
데미지를 입은 네게
인정사정 볼 것 없는 펀치

그것 봐 난 좀 Savage
너의 재생력을 막아
흐트러놔 빼놔
잊지 말아 여긴 바로 광야
너의 시공간은 내 뜻대로
Make It break it
I’m a Savage
널 부셔 깨 줄게 Oh
I’m a Savage
널 짓밟아 줄게 Oh

Get me get me now
Get me get me now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
지금 나를 잡아
아님 난 더 Savage
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Get me get me now
Get me get me now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
이젠 내가 너를 잡아
Now I’m a Savage

Gimme gimme now
Gimme gimme now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
너의 말이 보여
네 약점 Algorithm
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
김이 김이 나
김이 김이 나
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
MA ae SYNK 방해 말고
꺼져 Savage
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)

위기에 빠진 날 지켜준 건 너였어
My naevis we love U
My victory 하나의 SYNK DIVE
모두 네가 만들어준 기회란 거
I know your sacrifices Oh
My naevis we love U
알아 우린 반드시
네 기억들을 찾아줄게
우린 만나 꼭 부활 그다음

Savage
Savage
Yeah

Get me get me now
Get me get me now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
지금 나를 잡아
아님 난 더 Savage
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Get me get me now
Get me get me now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
이젠 내가 너를 잡아
Now I’m a Savage

Gimme gimme now
Gimme gimme now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
너의 말이 보여
네 약점 Algorithm
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
김이 김이 나
김이 김이 나
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
MA ae SYNK 방해 말고
꺼져 Savage
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)

Ha ha, What?

aespa – Savage [ENGLISH Lyric Translation]

Oh my gosh!
Don’t you know I’m a Savage?

I’m a Killa who will break you, ae
You’re still hiding and hallucinating
Beat you up, We Holler
I’m not afraid of you, you, Hit you harder

Push me in, Deep fake on me
To the unprepared stage
Corner me in, Fake on me
Got everybody mock up to me
You shake me up so that I feel ashamed
Cold spectators are collapsed, ae
I can’t stand you anymore, Say No! Yeah yeah

Wait and see, I’m a little Savage
Your Dirty Play
I can’t stand it any longer
You want to break me
Your hallucinations are becoming
The reasons to construct you
I’m a Savage
I’ll break you into pieces Oh
I’m a Savage
I’ll crush you Oh

Get me get me now
Get me get me now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Get me now
Or I’ll become more Savage
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Get me get me now
Get me get me now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Now I’m going to get you
Now I’m a Savage

Gimme gimme now
Gimme gimme now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
I can see your words
Your weakness Algorithm
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Steaming, it’s steaming
Steaming, it’s steaming
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
MA ae SYNK
Don’t bother me and bog off, Savage
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)

Mmmh Everybody looks at me
I’m used to it
I should take a step back,
I have to endure it like an adult
I’m locked up in the glass
I want to play
Such a horrible expectation
I’m locked up in that hallucination frame

I’m going to KWANGYA, Game in
Defeating a subtle alienation
And making me drift
Apart from my ae
Your satisfying Trick
We gone KWANGYA, Game in
Cut it down, my sword of light
To you who is damaged
It’s a merciless punch

See? I’m a little Savage
I block your regenerative power
I distract you, I leave you out
Don’t forget, this is KWANGYA
I control your time and space
Make It break it
I’m a Savage
I’ll break you into pieces Oh
I’m a Savage
I’ll crush you Oh

Get me get me now
Get me get me now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Get me now
Or I’ll become more Savage
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Get me get me now
Get me get me now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Now I’m going to get you
Now I’m a Savage

Gimme gimme now
Gimme gimme now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
I can see your words
Your weakness Algorithm
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Steaming, it’s steaming
Steaming, it’s steaming
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
MA ae SYNK
Don’t bother me and bog off, Savage
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)

You are the one who protected me when I was in trouble
My naevis we love U
My victory, one SYNK DIVE
All the opportunities you’ve created
I know your sacrifices Oh
My naevis we love U
I know, we’ll make sure
To find your memories
Let’s meet surely after the resurrection

Savage
Savage
Yeah

Get me get me now
Get me get me now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Get me now
Or I’ll become more Savage
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Get me get me now
Get me get me now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Now I’m going to get you
Now I’m a Savage

Gimme gimme now
Gimme gimme now
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
I can see your words
Your weakness Algorithm
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
Steaming, it’s steaming
Steaming, it’s steaming
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)
MA ae SYNK
Don’t bother me and bog off, Savage
(Zu Zu Zu Zu)

Ha ha, What?

From Victim to Victor: Embracing the Savage Within

This is the core of the whole song. It’s the moment of transformation. aespa decides they’re done playing defense. They’re not just going to endure the attacks; they’re going to fight back, and they’re going to be absolutely ruthless about it. They’re embracing a “Savage” persona not to be cruel, but as a necessary armor to protect themselves.

The chorus is basically their mission statement:

dugo bwa nan jom Savage
Just you watch, I’m a bit Savage
neoui Dirty han Play
Your dirty play
deoneun dugo bol su eopseo

I can’t watch it anymore
nareul muneotteurigo sipeun
The hallucinations of you
ne hwangakdeuri jeomjeom
Wanting to break me down
neoreul guchukal iyuga dwae
Are becoming the reason to build you up

That last part is so powerful! They’re saying that all the negativity, all the “hallucinations” and lies the Black Mamba throws at them, are actually becoming the fuel to build up their own strength to defeat it. They’re turning the villain’s weapons against them. Then they get even more direct: “I’m a Savage, neol busyeo kkae julge Oh” (I’m a Savage, I’ll break you and wake you up Oh). They’re not just defending; they’re on the offense.

Welcome to KWANGYA: The Battlefield

Throughout the song, they mention “KWANGYA,” which in aespa’s universe is a vast, uncontrolled digital world where this battle takes place. When they rap, “I’m going gwangyaro Game in,” it’s like they’re logging into the game, ready to fight. They’re not afraid of this chaotic space anymore; they’re claiming it as their own territory. They even say, “neoui sigongganeun nae tteutdaero, Make it break it” (Your time and space is mine to control, Make it break it). It’s the ultimate power move, telling their enemy that they now control the battlefield.

You’re Not Alone: The Power of ‘naevis’

But here’s a really cool twist: their strength doesn’t just come from within. The song takes a moment to shout out a crucial ally. In the bridge, the whole mood shifts to one of gratitude and loyalty. They’re talking to “naevis,” a character in their story who helps them connect with their virtual ‘ae’ selves.

wigie ppajin nal jikyeojun geon neoyeosseo
You were the one who protected me when I was in danger
My naevis we love U
My naevis we love U
I know your sacrifices Oh
I know your sacrifices Oh

This part is so important because it shows that even a “Savage” needs help. It’s a beautiful acknowledgment that true strength often comes from the support systems we have. They promise to find naevis’s memories and bring her back, showing that their fight isn’t just for themselves, but for their friends, too. It adds a layer of heart to their fierce warrior identity.

The message here is crystal clear and incredibly empowering. “Savage” is about confronting the people or things that try to tear you down, whether it’s a literal villain, online haters, or even your own self-doubt. It’s about taking all that negativity and using it as motivation to become stronger, fiercer, and unapologetically yourself. It teaches us that being “savage” isn’t about being mean for no reason; it’s about having the strength to protect your own truth and fight for what’s right. And crucially, it reminds us to never forget the allies who have our backs along the way.

So, What’s Your “Savage” Interpretation?

At the end of the day, “Savage” is more than just a catchy K-Pop track; it’s an anthem for anyone who’s ever had to stand up for themselves. It’s a story of resilience in a digital age. But that’s just my take on it! Music hits everyone differently. What does being “Savage” mean to you when you listen to this song? Do you see a different story in the lyrics? I’d love to hear what you think!

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