ITZY – Girls Will Be Girls. Lyrics Meaning: An Anthem of Unbreakable Sisterhood
Ever feel like the world has a script written for you, one you never even auditioned for? That subtle pressure to fit into a neat little box, to follow unwritten rules, or maybe to wait for someone else to come and solve your problems? It’s that frustrating feeling of being underestimated or defined by a label you didn’t choose. But what if there was a soundtrack for tearing up that very script? Well, grab your headphones, because we’re about to dive deep into a song that does just that, revealing a powerful message of unity and self-reliance you might have missed on the first listen.
Beyond the Stereotypes: Unpacking ITZY’s “Girls Will Be Girls”
Right from the get-go, ITZY’s “Girls Will Be Girls” isn’t here to play by the old rules. The song immediately dismantles the classic “damsel in distress” narrative that we’ve seen a million times. Instead of waiting for a knight in shining armor, ITZY makes it crystal clear that they are their own saviors. It’s a bold statement of independence, delivered with their signature confidence.
Just look at how they kick things off:
nareul guwonhae jul hero
ttawin wonchi annneun ego (Uh-huh)
My ego doesn’t want such a thing (Uh-huh)
This isn’t about being arrogant; it’s about being self-sufficient. It’s a powerful declaration that they don’t need external validation or rescue. They’ve got this on their own. The song continues to build on this idea, emphasizing that passivity is not an option. They are active participants in their own story, carving their own path.
gidarineun geon not my way
Waiting is not my way
I slay, I slay, I slay
I slay, I slay, I slay
They’re not just waiting for things to happen; they are making them happen. The repetition of “I slay” feels like a personal mantra, a reminder of their own capability and strength.
The Power of ‘We’: More Than Just a Song, It’s a Syndrome
While the song starts with a strong sense of individual power, its true heart lies in the magic of solidarity. ITZY beautifully illustrates that being strong on your own is amazing, but being strong together is a whole other level of unstoppable. The track pivots from “I” to “we” in a way that feels incredibly genuine and inspiring.
From ‘Me’ to ‘Us’
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of what true support looks like. It’s about letting go of individual burdens to lift each other up. There’s this incredible imagery of willingly dropping what you’re holding onto just to be able to hold your friend’s hand. It’s a selfless and powerful act of unity.
du sone kkwak umkyeojwin
nae modeun geol throw it all
I throw it all
gikkeoi nan drop
I willingly drop it
neoui soneul daesin hold
to hold your hand instead
This isn’t just about friendship; it’s a “syndrome.” The song describes this connection as `igeon uriraneun syndrome` (This is a syndrome called ‘us’). That’s such a cool way to put it! It’s not a sickness, but an infectious, powerful force that spreads when they are together. This synergy makes them fearless, ready to face any obstacle, even if it feels like walking on shattered glass.
kkaejin yuri wira haedo
Even if it’s on broken glass
ditgo seo hit the road
We step on it and hit the road
gikkeoi nan go
I willingly go
neowa hamkkeramyeon glow
If I’m with you, I glow
They don’t just endure the hardship; they glow through it, all because they have each other. That’s the core message here: shared struggles are not only bearable but can become moments of shared strength and brilliance.
Redefining ‘Girls Will Be Girls’
The title phrase itself is a genius act of reclamation. For years, “boys will be boys” has been used to excuse behavior, while “girls will be girls” has often carried a dismissive, sometimes negative, connotation, hinting at drama or cattiness. ITZY completely flips this on its head.
In their hands, “Girls will be girls” is not an excuse or a limitation. It’s a declaration. It’s a war cry. When they chant it over and over in the chorus, it becomes an anthem of empowerment. It means girls will be supportive, girls will be resilient, girls will be powerful, and girls will be there for each other, no matter what. The blaring siren mentioned in the lyrics, `sesange ullin our siren` (Our siren that rang throughout the world), isn’t a sign of distress; it’s an alarm to the world that they are here, united and unapologetically loud.
This song is packed with so many positive messages. It’s a reminder that you are your own hero and you have the power to write your own story. It teaches us that solidarity is a superpower; your personal strength is magnified when you share it with others and let them share theirs with you. The track encourages you to find your “syndrome”—your group, your support system—and face the world together. Ultimately, it’s about breaking free from expectations and creating your own definition of what it means to be you.
So, “Girls Will Be Girls” is way more than just another catchy K-Pop track. It’s a high-five, a promise, and a powerful reminder of the strength found in sisterhood, all rolled into one incredible song. But that’s just my take on it! What do you hear when you listen to this anthem? Does a specific lyric resonate with you, or does the song bring up a different feeling for you? Let’s chat about it!
