JISOO – Hugs & Kisses. Lyrics & Meaning

JISOO – Hugs & Kisses : The Ultimate Anthem for Saying “I’m Done”

Ever been in that spot where someone messes up, and you can just feel the insincerity when they try to make it right? They drop the ball, hurt your feelings, and then try to smooth it all over with a quick hug or a thoughtless “I love you.” It feels cheap, doesn’t it? Like they’re just going through the motions, hoping a simple physical gesture will erase the disrespect. It’s a classic move, and it’s beyond frustrating.

Well, if you’ve ever felt that exact sting of empty affection, JISOO has crafted the perfect soundtrack for your moment of realization. Her song “Hugs & Kisses” isn’t just a catchy pop track; it’s a powerful, sassy, and incredibly validating story of someone finally seeing through the facade. Let’s dive into why this song is the ultimate declaration of self-worth when words and actions just don’t line up.

Breaking Down the Bittersweet Truth in JISOO’s “Hugs & Kisses”

Right from the get-go, the song paints a vivid picture of suspicion and betrayal. It’s not about a sudden, shocking event, but rather the slow burn of realizing you’re being played. JISOO sets the scene with lines that are probably all too familiar to anyone who’s dealt with a two-timer.

Baby (Baby)
Sneaking around, thinking about how you could play me (Play me)

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You can almost see it, can’t you? The late-night texts, the vague excuses, that gut feeling you just can’t shake. The narrative gets even more pointed when she calls out the classic gaslighting technique of making you feel like you’re the one who’s overreacting.

Call her a friend while you’ve been calling me crazy
Call her a friend while you’ve been calling me crazy

Oof. That line hits hard. It’s the manipulation, the attempt to twist reality and make you doubt your own intuition. But this isn’t a story of someone who keeps falling for it. This is the story of the moment the blinders come off for good.

The “Safety Net” Snaps

What really kicks this song into high gear is the pre-chorus. This is where the frustration boils over into a firm decision. She’s figured out her role in this person’s life, and she’s not having it anymore. She’s not a partner; she’s a convenience.

‘Cause I’m tired of you using me like a safety net
I’m not buying your excuses, don’t even waste your breath, oh, yeah
‘Cause I’m tired of you using me like a safety net
I’m not buying your excuses, don’t even waste your breath, oh, yeah

This is the turning point. The idea of being a “safety net” is so powerful—the person they come back to only when other options fall through. JISOO declares that she’s done being the reliable backup plan. The excuses are meaningless, and the conversation is over before it even starts. The power dynamic has officially flipped.

The Explosive Chorus: When Affection Becomes an Insult

And then comes the chorus, where the song’s title is brilliantly turned on its head. “Hugs and Kisses” are usually symbols of love and comfort, right? But here, they are rejected outright because they’ve been stripped of all meaning. They’re just empty gestures meant to patch things up without any real change or remorse.

Don’t need your hugs and kisses
Hugs and kisses won’t make a difference
‘Cause you did me dirty, so malicious
Don’t need your hugs and kisses
Hugs and kisses won’t make a difference
‘Cause you did me dirty, so malicious

The use of the word malicious is so important here. This wasn’t just a simple mistake or a thoughtless error. The actions were deliberately hurtful. And when the hurt is intentional, a hug feels less like an apology and more like an insult. It’s a way of saying, “I’m not going to let you pretend this is okay.” She’s already moved on, and he’s the last one to realize it.

The Final Kiss-Off: No Turning Back

If there was any doubt about her resolve, the second verse and the bridge erase it completely. She’s not just leaving; she’s scorching the earth behind her. The lines are sharp, confident, and dripping with finality.

Faithful
You wouldn’t know even if you were an angel
…
You’re not heaven sent, go back where you came from
Faithful
You wouldn’t know even if you were an angel
…
You’re not heaven sent, go back where you came from

It’s such a cutting and clever dismissal! She’s done with the pedestal he put himself on. The bridge serves as the final, playful nail in the coffin. She takes the abbreviation for hugs and kisses, “X-O-X-O,” and turns it into a command to be left alone.

Won’t you miss me with that X-O-X-O
Miss me with that X-O
Baby, you should let go
Won’t you miss me with that X-O-X-O
Miss me with that X-O
Baby, you should let go

“Miss me with that” is such a modern, dismissive phrase, and it fits perfectly. It’s the final, confident wave goodbye, leaving no room for negotiation or doubt.

At its heart, “Hugs & Kisses” is a powerful reminder that affection has to be backed by respect and action. It teaches us that we shouldn’t accept hollow gestures as a substitute for genuine loyalty and care. The song’s true message is one of empowerment: recognize your worth, trust your gut, and never let anyone treat you like a backup plan. It’s about having the strength to walk away from something that looks like love but doesn’t feel like it.

This song is just packed with so much attitude and self-respect, it’s impossible not to feel empowered after listening. But that’s just my take on it. What about you? Do you see a different story in the lyrics, or does a particular line resonate with you? Let’s chat about it!