JENNIE – with the IE (way up). Lyrics & Meaning

JENNIE – with the IE (way up) : Rising Above the Noise with Bulletproof Confidence

Ever felt like every single move you make is being watched? Like you’re under a microscope, and every tiny decision is up for debate by a jury you never asked for? It’s exhausting, right? That feeling of having to constantly be ‘on’, to perform, to meet expectations that seem to shift every single day.

Now, imagine that feeling cranked up to a million. That’s the world someone like JENNIE from BLACKPINK lives in, where every outfit, every word, and every glance becomes a trending topic. It’s a level of scrutiny most of us can’t even fathom. But what if, instead of crumbling under that pressure, you decided to build an anthem out of it? And her track, “with the IE (way up),” is basically a masterclass in how to handle it all. Let’s really get into what she’s telling us here, because it’s so much deeper than just a catchy beat.

Breaking Down “with the IE (way up)” by JENNIE: More Than Just a Vibe

From the first listen, this song just oozes a cool, unbothered energy. It’s the kind of track you put on when you need to hype yourself up. But when you listen closer, you realize JENNIE is painting a vivid picture of her journey—navigating the highs and lows of fame with a brand-new attitude.

• JENNIE – Seoul City : A Dance of Power and Intimacy in the Neon Glow
• JENNIE – F.T.S. : An Anthem for Finally Saying ‘I’m Done’
• JENNIE – ZEN : An Unshakeable Anthem for Your Inner Peace
• The Weeknd, Jennie & Lily Rose Depp – One Of The Girls [from “The Idol Episode 4” soundtrack] : A Haunting Dive into Toxic Desire
• JENNIE – Mantra : The Ultimate Anthem for Your Inner ‘Pretty Girl’
• JENNIE – Damn Right [ft. Childish Gambino & Kali Uchis] : An Anthem for Owning Your Awesome
• JENNIE – with the IE (way up) : Rising Above the Noise with Bulletproof Confidence
• Jennie & Dominic Fike – Love Hangover : The Intoxicating Cycle You Can’t Quit
• JENNIE – Filter : A Bold Anthem for Raw, Unapologetic Self-Love
• JENNIE – You & Me (Coachella Version) : A Celebration of Private, Intimate Love

The ‘Way Up’ Mentality

The chorus is the heart of the song, and it’s a powerful declaration. It’s not just about success; it’s about a state of mind. She isn’t just rising; she’s rising despite the chaos.

Shots fire on my way up
Bulletproof glass when I’m riding through

This isn’t just a cool line; it’s a powerful metaphor. The “shots” are the criticisms, the hate, the endless judgment thrown her way. But she’s not letting it hit her. The “bulletproof glass” is her resilience, her confidence, that protective layer she’s built around herself. She acknowledges the attacks are there, she can see them, but she’s decided they won’t penetrate. She’s going to keep moving forward, all the way up.

Escaping the Merry-Go-Round of Judgment

JENNIE gets incredibly specific about the kind of criticism she faces. It feels personal and relentless, like a never-ending cycle. But she’s making it clear she’s done playing that game.

No more cycles on your merry-go
Straight line’s a hate crime
Villain in a scary coat
Your fricken’ sea of judgment
Watch her, there she floats

The “merry-go-round” is such a perfect image for the repetitive, dizzying nature of public opinion. She’s stepping off. She points out how just moving forward in a “straight line”—being direct and authentic—is somehow treated like a “hate crime” by her critics. They paint her as a “villain,” but she’s just floating above their “sea of judgment.” She’s not sinking in it; she’s riding the waves.

The Double-Edged Sword of the Spotlight

One of the most relatable parts of the song, especially for anyone who’s ever felt unfairly singled out, is when JENNIE touches on the frustrating double standards she experiences in the public eye.

When You’re Always the ‘Problem’

This part feels like a direct page from her diary. It’s a raw and honest admission of how it feels to have your every action scrutinized while others get a free pass.

It seems I got a choke hold on ’em

Wow. You can just feel the frustration here. She’s saying her influence is so strong (a “choke hold”) that she can’t make a move without it becoming a huge deal. What’s normal for others is suddenly a “problem” when it’s her. It’s a classic tale of a successful woman being held to an impossible standard, and she’s laying that feeling bare for all of us to see.

Embracing the Angel and the Diablo

So, how does she cope? She doesn’t try to fit into the neat little box people want to put her in. Instead, she embraces every single part of herself, the good, the bad, and the beautifully complex.

I’m hot cold gelato
An angel diablo

I absolutely love this. She’s not just one thing. She can be sweet and she can be fierce. She’s an “angel” and a “diablo” (devil). It’s her way of saying, “You can’t define me, because I am everything.” She contains multitudes, just like we all do, and she’s not going to apologize for it. It’s a powerful act of self-acceptance.

So, what’s the big takeaway here? This song is more than just a bop you can vibe to. It’s a reminder that you get to define who you are, no one else. It’s about building your own “bulletproof glass” of self-worth to protect you from the negativity that will inevitably come your way when you’re chasing your dreams. It’s an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt judged, misunderstood, or put into a box. JENNIE’s message is clear: let them talk, let them watch, just keep moving way up.

But hey, that’s just my take on it! Music is so personal, right? The beauty of a song like this is how it can mean different things to different people. What do you hear when you listen to this track? Does a different message pop out to you? I’d love to know what you think!