What Does “Girls Will Be Girls” Really Stand For in ITZY’ Song?
ITZY – Girls Will Be Girls : An Anthem of Unbreakable Sisterhood
Ever feel like you’re walking on a tightrope, trying to balance who you are with who the world expects you to be? Like there’s this invisible rulebook for how you’re supposed to act, especially as a young woman, and you’re just… not interested in playing by those rules? You’re not waiting for a prince on a white horse, because you’ve already got a whole squad of queens ready to ride into battle with you. That feeling of finding your strength, not in a fairytale hero, but in the fierce, unshakeable loyalty of your friends? That’s a special kind of magic. And guess what? ITZY just dropped an anthem that perfectly captures that very magic, turning a tired old phrase on its head. Let’s dive deep into their track “Girls Will Be Girls” and unpack the powerful story of solidarity they’re telling us.
More Than Just a Phrase: Unpacking ITZY’s “Girls Will Be Girls”
First off, let’s talk about that title. For ages, “boys will be boys” has been used as an excuse for reckless behavior, while “girls will be girls” often carries a condescending, dismissive tone, implying drama or cattiness. But ITZY isn’t having any of that. They’ve grabbed that phrase and completely redefined it. In their world, “Girls Will Be Girls” isn’t an excuse; it’s a declaration. It means girls will be strong, girls will be loyal, and girls will have each other’s backs, no matter what. This song is a vibrant, energetic celebration of female friendship and the incredible power that comes from a genuine, supportive sisterhood.
No Hero Needed, I’ll Slay Myself
The track kicks off with a bold statement that sets the entire tone. They sing, “나를 구원해 줄 hero 따윈 원치 않는 ego” (nareul guwonhae jul hero ttawin wonchi anneun ego). This translates to “An ego that doesn’t want a hero to save me.” Bam! Right from the start, they’re dismantling the whole damsel in distress trope. There’s no waiting in a tower here. Instead, they follow it up with the punchy, confident chant of “I slay, I slay, I slay.” It’s such a clear message: their salvation and success come from within and from each other. They’re not just characters in someone else’s story; they are the main characters, the writers, and the directors of their own lives.
A Syndrome of Sisterhood
This isn’t just a song about individual empowerment; it’s about collective strength. One of the most brilliant lines is “이건 우리라는 syndrome” (igeon uriraneun syndrome), which means “This is a syndrome called ‘us’.” Usually, a syndrome is seen as something negative, a collection of symptoms for an illness. But here, ITZY cleverly flips the script. This “syndrome” is an infectious, unstoppable wave of unity. It’s the shared experience, the inside jokes, the unspoken understanding between friends. It’s so powerful that it spreads like a force of nature. They further illustrate this by singing they’d rather “너의 손을 대신 hold” (neoui soneul daesin hold) — “hold your hand instead” — than chase after their own individual gains. It’s a beautiful picture of prioritizing friendship over ambition, showing that true success is shared.
Painting the Void, Together
The song paints such a vivid picture of what this solidarity looks like in action. They talk about facing a world that can be a “black out” or like walking on “깨진 유리 위라 해도” (kkaejin yuri wira haedo), meaning “even if it’s on top of broken glass.” These aren’t easy, sanitized struggles. This is the real, gritty, sometimes painful reality of life. But the key isn’t avoiding the broken glass; it’s who you walk over it with. The promise is that even in those moments, you’ll have someone there. The most stunning part? They say that with a friend by their side, they “glow.” The hardship doesn’t vanish, but the shared journey transforms it into something beautiful and empowering. They’re not just enduring the darkness; they’re teaming up to “paint the void,” creating their own light and color in a world that can often feel empty.
The whole song feels less like a performance and more like a conversation between friends, a promise whispered and then shouted to the world. It’s packed with so many lines that feel like little nuggets of courage you can put in your pocket for a rainy day. It’s a reminder that your crew is your greatest superpower.
Your Daily Dose of Fierce: Inspirational Quotes from ITZY’s “Girls Will Be Girls”
Beyond the amazing overall message, this song is filled with lines that just hit differently. They are perfect for when you need a quick shot of confidence or a reminder of who you’ve got in your corner. Let’s break down some of the most powerful and inspirational quotes you can take away from this absolute banger of a track.
The Anti-Damsel Declaration
(nareul guwonhae jul hero ttawin wonchi anneun ego)
This is it. This is the thesis statement for modern self-reliance. It translates to, “An ego that doesn’t want a hero to save me.” This line is so important because it’s not about being anti-romance or anti-help; it’s about being fundamentally pro-self. It’s about knowing your own worth and capability so deeply that the idea of needing an external ‘savior’ becomes irrelevant. Your strength, your drive, your ‘ego’ in the most positive sense, is enough. It’s a powerful affirmation to repeat when you feel like you’re being underestimated.
The Pact of Solidarity
(hyeonsiriran ttaeron black out… ne son jabajul nainikka)
Here we have one of the most comforting and realistic promises in K-Pop. “Reality is sometimes a black out… because I’ll be the one to hold your hand.” It acknowledges that life gets tough. Really tough. The “black out” metaphor is perfect for those moments of confusion, fear, or hopelessness. But the line doesn’t offer a magical solution. Instead, it offers something far more valuable: presence. It’s a direct, heartfelt promise of support. This isn’t just a generic “I’m here for you”; it’s a specific commitment to be the person who reaches out their hand in the dark. It’s a testament to the kind of friend we should all aspire to be.
Courage in the Face of Scars
(kkaejin yuri wira haedo ditgo seo hit the road)
This is probably the most visually striking lyric in the entire song. “Even if it’s on top of broken glass, I’ll stand on it and hit the road.” Wow. Just imagine that. It’s a raw and honest admission that the path forward isn’t always smooth. It can be painful, sharp, and dangerous. But resilience isn’t about finding an easy path; it’s about having the courage to walk the difficult one. The line doesn’t say “I’ll sweep the glass away.” It says “I’ll stand on it.” This is about embracing the struggle and moving forward anyway, transforming a place of pain into a stepping stone. It’s a radical act of bravery, made possible by the sisterhood the rest of the song celebrates.
Ultimately, “Girls Will Be Girls” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a manual for modern friendship and self-belief. It’s fierce, fun, and profoundly reassuring. But that’s just how I see it! What does this song mean to you? Did any other lyrics jump out and grab you? I’d love to hear your perspective on what makes this track so special. Let’s discuss it!
