STAYC – BEBE. Lyrics Meaning: Ditching the Mask and Embracing the Real You

Ever been in a room full of people, smiling and nodding, while on the inside you feel like you’re playing a character? You’re sticking to a script, putting on a face you think everyone expects to see. It’s exhausting, right? This pressure to present a simplified, more “acceptable” version of yourself is something we’ve all probably felt at some point.

Well, the incredible girls of STAYC just dropped the perfect anthem for that exact feeling with their track “BEBE.” And let me tell you, it’s about so much more than just a catchy beat. This song is a full-blown declaration of independence from expectations. So, let’s dive deep into why this track is the confidence booster we all need.

More Than Just a Bop: Unpacking STAYC’s Anthem “BEBE”

From the very first lines, STAYC sets a scene that’s both glamorous and a little bit defiant. They’re not asking for permission; they’re stating facts. They’re confident and aware of their own worth.

Hago sipeun daero hae, ’cause I like that

Do what you want, ’cause I like that

Look at me what I do, I’m so priceless

Look at me what I do, I’m so priceless

The “Maknae” Paradox

But then, they throw in a fascinating twist. Right after declaring their pricelessness, they add:

At the same time, lookin’ like a makne

At the same time, lookin’ like a youngest member

For those new to K-Pop, the maknae is the youngest member of the group, and there’s often an unspoken expectation for them to be cute, innocent, and maybe a little naive. By mentioning this, STAYC points out the box people try to put them in. They’re seen as one thing—the sweet, young idol—while feeling entirely different on the inside. They’re tired of that label and the assumptions that come with it. The song is a direct pushback against anyone who tries to simplify them.

Lyrics: "BEBE" by STAYC

STAYC – BEBE [ENGLISH Translation]

STAYC

Dancin’ around in my tight dress (Hoo)
I do what I want, ’cause I like that (Uh)
Look at me what I do, I’m so priceless (Yeah-eh)
At the same time, lookin’ like the youngest one
Oh, excuse me, made you a little salty
Even if you try to hide it, it’s so obvious like you lounge
Yeah, so had enough, fed up with you, girly
The things I don’t wanna see, I’ll just boldly cut them out sometimes, yeah

I was just being myself like a crazy rodeo
No, it’s a shame, copying others is a no
I believe in the two of us, me and the one in the mirror
So here we go again, STAYC girls, it’s going down

Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’
Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’
Honestly, yes, it’s me, yes, it’s me, yes, it’s me
Don’t wanna be a bebe, yeah, that’s me, yes, it’s me

I’m feelin’ some type of way, feelin’ type of way
Let’s go, eh-eh-eh, eh-oh, eh-eh-eh
Whole lotta feelings, feelin’ type of way, feelin’ type of way
Let’s go, eh-eh-eh, eh-oh, eh-eh, eh-oh-eh

Beauty, passion, dream and hypes (Hy-hy-hy—)
Future, ego, brand new vibes
Don’t judge a book by only its cover looks
I’m strong enough, say mood (Uh-huh)
Get it if you need it, the sky is the limit

I was just being myself like a crazy rodeo
No, it’s a shame, copying others is a no
I believe in the two of us, me and the one in the mirror
So here we go again, STAYC girls, it’s going down

Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’
Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’
Honestly, yes, it’s me, yes, it’s me, yes, it’s me
Don’t wanna be a bebe, yeah, that’s me, yes, it’s me

I’m feelin’ some type of way, feelin’ type of way
Let’s go, eh-eh-eh, eh-oh, eh-eh-eh
Whole lotta feelings, feelin’ type of way, feelin’ type of way
Let’s go, eh-eh-eh, eh-oh, eh-eh, eh-oh-eh

When I’m being myself, it’s so easy
When I’m hiding it, it’s so tiring, time’s
Yeah, never turning back so I’ll do as I feel, wow, are you surprised? Surprise
Yeah, I do me and you do you
Tell me what you gonna do, so keep it goin’ on, girl

Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’
Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’
Honestly, yes, it’s me, yes, it’s me, yes, it’s me
Don’t wanna be a bebe, yeah, that’s me, yes, it’s me

Dancin’ around in my tight dress (Hoo)
I do what I want, ’cause I like that (Uh)
Look at me what I do, I’m so priceless (Yeah-eh)
At the same time, lookin’ like the youngest one
Oh, excuse me, made you a little salty
Even if you try to hide it, it’s so obvious like you lounge
Yeah, so had enough, fed up with you, girly
The things I don’t wanna see, I’ll just boldly cut them out sometimes

STAYC – BEBE [ROMAJI Lyric]

STAYC

Dancin’ around in my tight dress (Hoo)
hago sipeun daero hae, ’cause I like that (Uh)
Look at me what I do, I’m so priceless (Yeah-eh)
At the same time, lookin’ like a maknae
Oh, excuse me, made you a little salty
sumgiryeogo haebwatja da tina like you lounge
Yeah, so had enough, fed up with you, girly
bogi sireun geon ttaeron gwagamhi pyeonjip, yeah

jeongsineopsi naega na haetji mwo, rodeo
No, it’s a shame, nameul ttara haneun geon, no
nan dureul mideo, narang tto in the mirror
So here we go again, STAYC girls, it’s going down

Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’
Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’
soljikage, si, c’est moi, si, c’est moi, si, c’est moi
Don’t wanna be a bebe, yeah, that’s me, si, c’est moi

I’m feelin’ some type of way, feelin’ type of way
Let’s go, eh-eh-eh, eh-oh, eh-eh-eh
Whole lotta feelings, feelin’ type of way, feelin’ type of way
Let’s go, eh-eh-eh, eh-oh, eh-eh, eh-oh-eh

Beauty, passion, dream and hypes (Hy-hy-hy—)
Future, ego, brand new vibes
Don’t judge a book by only its cover looks
I’m strong enough, say mood (Uh-huh)
Get it if you need it, haneul is the limit

jeongsineopsi naega na haetji mwo rodeo
No, it’s a shame, nameul ttara haneun geon, no
nan dureul mideo, narang tto in the mirror
So here we go again, STAYC girls, it’s going down

Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’
Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’
soljikage, si, c’est moi, si, c’est moi, si, c’est moi
Don’t wanna be a bebe, yeah, that’s me, si, c’est moi

I’m feelin’ some type of way, feelin’ type of way
Let’s go, eh-eh-eh, eh-oh, eh-eh-eh
Whole lotta feelings, feelin’ type of way, feelin’ type of way
Let’s go, eh-eh-eh, eh-oh, eh-eh, eh-oh-eh

nail ttaen neomu swipgo
gamchul ttaen neomu jichyeo, time’s
Yeah, never turning back so neukkin daero halge, wa, nollaetji? Surprise
Yeah, I do me and you do you
Tell me what you gonna do, so keep it goin’ on, girl

Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’
Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’
soljikage, si, c’est moi, si, c’est moi, si, c’est moi
Don’t wanna be a bebe, yeah, that’s me, si, c’est moi

Dancin’ around in my tight dress (Hoo)
hago sipeun daero hae ’cause I like that (Uh)
Look at me what I do, I’m so priceless (Yeah-eh)
At the same time, lookin’ like a maknae
Oh, excuse me, made you a little salty
sumgiryeogo haebwatja da tina like you lounge
Yeah, so had enough, fed up with you, girly
bogi sireun geon ttaeron gwagamhi pyeonjip

STAYC – BEBE [ORIGINAL Lyric]

STAYC – BEBE [ROMAJI Lyric]

STAYC

Dancin’ around in my tight dress (Hoo)
Hago sipeun daero hae, ’cause I like that (Uh)
Look at me what I do, I’m so priceless (Yeah-eh)
At the same time, lookin’ like a mangnae
Oh, excuse me, made you a little salty
Sumgiryeogo haebwatja da tina like you lounge
Yeah, so had enough, fed up with you, girly
Bogi sileun geon ttaeron gwagamhi pyeonjip, yeah

Jeongsineopsi naega na haetji mwo, rodeo
No, it’s a shame, nameul ttara haneun geon, no
Nan dureul mideo, narang tto in the mirror
So here we go again, STAYC girls, it’s going down

Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’
Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’
Soljikage, si, c’est moi, si, c’est moi, si, c’est moi
Don’t wanna be a bebe, yeah, that’s me, si, c’est moi

I’m feelin’ some type of way, feelin’ type of way
Let’s go, eh-eh-eh, eh-oh, eh-eh-eh
Whole lotta feelings, feelin’ type of way, feelin’ type of way
Let’s go, eh-eh-eh, eh-oh, eh-eh, eh-oh-eh

Beauty, passion, dream and hypes (Hy-hy-hy—)
Future, ego, brand new vibes
Don’t judge a book by only its cover looks
I’m strong enough, say mood (Uh-huh)
Get it if you need it, haneul is the limit

Jeongsineopsi naega na haetji mwo rodeo
No, it’s a shame, nameul ttara haneun geon, no
Nan dureul mideo, narang tto in the mirror
So here we go again, STAYC girls, it’s going down

Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’
Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’
Soljikage, si, c’est moi, si, c’est moi, si, c’est moi
Don’t wanna be a bebe, yeah, that’s me, si, c’est moi

I’m feelin’ some type of way, feelin’ type of way
Let’s go, eh-eh-eh, eh-oh, eh-eh-eh
Whole lotta feelings, feelin’ type of way, feelin’ type of way
Let’s go, eh-eh-eh, eh-oh, eh-eh, eh-oh-eh

Nail ttaen neomu swipgo
Gamchul ttaen neomu jichyeo, time’s
Yeah, never turning back so neukkin daero halge, wa, nollaetji? Surprise
Yeah, I do me and you do you
Tell me what you gonna do, so keep it goin’ on, girl

Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’
Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’
Soljikage, si, c’est moi, si, c’est moi, si, c’est moi
Don’t wanna be a bebe, yeah, that’s me, si, c’est moi

Dancin’ around in my tight dress (Hoo)
Hago sipeun daero hae ’cause I like that (Uh)
Look at me what I do, I’m so priceless (Yeah-eh)
At the same time, lookin’ like a mangnae
Oh, excuse me, made you a little salty
Sumgiryeogo haebwatja da tina like you lounge
Yeah, so had enough, fed up with you, girly
Bogi sileun geon ttaeron gwagamhi pyeonjip

STAYC – BEBE [KOREAN Lyric]

STAYC

Dancin’ around in my tight dress (Hoo)
하고 싶은 대로 해, ’cause I like that (Uh)
Look at me what I do, I’m so priceless (Yeah-eh)
At the same time, lookin’ like a 막내
Oh, excuse me, made you a little salty
숨기려고 해봤자 다 티나 like you lounge
Yeah, so had enough, fed up with you, girly
보기 싫은 건 때론 과감히 편집, yeah

정신없이 내가 나 했지 뭐, rodeo
No, it’s a shame, 남을 따라 하는 건, no
난 둘을 믿어, 나랑 또 in the mirror
So here we go again, STAYC girls, it’s going down

Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’
Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’
솔직하게, si, c’est moi, si, c’est moi, si, c’est moi
Don’t wanna be a bebe, yeah, that’s me, si, c’est moi

I’m feelin’ some type of way, feelin’ type of way
Let’s go, eh-eh-eh, eh-oh, eh-eh-eh
Whole lotta feelings, feelin’ type of way, feelin’ type of way
Let’s go, eh-eh-eh, eh-oh, eh-eh, eh-oh-eh

Beauty, passion, dream and hypes (Hy-hy-hy—)
Future, ego, brand new vibes
Don’t judge a book by only its cover looks
I’m strong enough, say mood (Uh-huh)
Get it if you need it, 하늘 is the limit

정신없이 내가 나 했지 뭐 rodeo
No, it’s a shame, 남을 따라 하는 건, no
난 둘을 믿어, 나랑 또 in the mirror
So here we go again, STAYC girls, it’s going down

Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’
Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’
솔직하게, si, c’est moi, si, c’est moi, si, c’est moi
Don’t wanna be a bebe, yeah, that’s me, si, c’est moi

I’m feelin’ some type of way, feelin’ type of way
Let’s go, eh-eh-eh, eh-oh, eh-eh-eh
Whole lotta feelings, feelin’ type of way, feelin’ type of way
Let’s go, eh-eh-eh, eh-oh, eh-eh, eh-oh-eh

나일 땐 너무 쉽고
감출 땐 너무 지쳐, time’s
Yeah, never turning back so 느낀 대로 할게, 와, 놀랬지? Surprise
Yeah, I do me and you do you
Tell me what you gonna do, so keep it goin’ on, girl

Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’
Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’
솔직하게, si, c’est moi, si, c’est moi, si, c’est moi
Don’t wanna be a bebe, yeah, that’s me, si, c’est moi

Dancin’ around in my tight dress (Hoo)
하고 싶은 대로 해 ’cause I like that (Uh)
Look at me what I do, I’m so priceless (Yeah-eh)
At the same time, lookin’ like a 막내
Oh, excuse me, made you a little salty
숨기려고 해봤자 다 티나 like you lounge
Yeah, so had enough, fed up with you, girly
보기 싫은 건 때론 과감히 편집

STAYC – BEBE [ENGLISH Lyric Translation]

STAYC

Dancin’ around in my tight dress
Do what you wanna cause I like that
Look at me what I do I’m so priceless
At the same time lookin like a Maknae
Oh excuse me made you a little salty
You just can’t hide it like you lunge
Yeah so had enough fed up with you girly
No hesi, edit out what I don’t wanna see (Yeah)

So wild, I did what I do best rodeo
No it’s a shame just doing what others do, no
I trust us two me and her in the mirror
So here we go again
STAYC girls, it’s going down

Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’
Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’
Just be honest si, c’est moi, si, c’est moi si, c’est moi
Don’t wanna be a bebe
Yeah, that’s me, si, c’est moi

I’m feelin’ some type of way, feelin’ type of way
Let’s go, ayy, ayy, ayy, ayy, oh, ayy, ayy, ayy
Whole lotta feelings, feelin’ type of way, feelin’ type of way
Let’s go, ayy, ayy, ayy, ayy, oh, ayy, ayy, ayy, oh, ayy

Beauty, passion, dream and hypes
Future, ego, brand new vibes
Don’t judge a book by only its cover looks
I’m strong enough, say mood (Uh-huh)
Get it if you need it the sky is the limit

So wild, I did what I do best rodeo
No it’s a shame just doing what others do, no
I trust us two me and her in the mirror
So here we go again, STAYC girls, it’s going down

Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’
Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’
Just be honest si, c’est moi, si, c’est moi, si, c’est moi
Don’t wanna be a bebe
Yeah, that’s me, si, c’est moi

I’m feelin’ some type of way, feelin’ type of way
Let’s go, ayy, ayy, ayy, ayy, oh, ayy, ayy, ayy
Whole lotta feelings, feelin’ type of way, feelin’ type of way
Let’s go, ayy, ayy, ayy, ayy, oh, ayy, ayy, ayy, oh, ayy

It’s so easy when I’m myself
It’s too tiring when I hide out time’s
Yeah, never turning back so
I’ll do what I feel like, that’s right, surprise
Yeah I do me and you do you
Tell me what you gonna do
So keep it goin’ on girl

Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’
Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’
Just be honest si, c’est moi, si, c’est moi, si, c’est moi
Don’t wanna be a bebe
Yeah, that’s me, si, c’est moi

Dancin’ around in my tight dress (Hoo)
Do what you wanna cause I like that (Oh)
Look at me what I do I’m so priceless (Yeah)
At the same time lookin’ like a maknae
Oh, excuse me, made you a little salty
You just can’t hide it like you lunge
Yeah, so had enough fed up with you, girly
No hesi, edit out what I don’t wanna see

The Heart of the Message: “Don’t Wanna Be a Bebe”

The chorus is where the song’s core message explodes. It’s direct, unapologetic, and incredibly powerful. This isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s a rebellion.

Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’

Don’t wanna be a bebe, you know I’m sick of lyin’

Soljikhage, si, c’est moi, si, c’est moi, si, c’est moi

Honestly, yes, it’s me, yes, it’s me, yes, it’s me

The word “bebe” here feels like a metaphor for being treated as a child, or as someone who is simple, fragile, and needs to be protected. It represents that persona they’re tired of performing. They’re sick of the “lying” involved in pretending to be that person. And the line “si, c’est moi” (French for “yes, it’s me”) is the ultimate acceptance. It’s them saying, “This complex, multi-faceted person? This is the real me. Take it or leave it.”

Beyond the Cover: A Whole Lotta Feelings

The song beautifully explores the complexity they want to embrace. It’s not about being one-dimensional; it’s about acknowledging all the parts that make them who they are.

Beauty, passion, dream and hypes

Future, ego, brand new vibes

Don’t judge a book by only its cover looks

This list isn’t just a random collection of cool words. It’s a snapshot of a whole person. They have dreams, an ego, passions, and a future they’re building. It’s a direct plea to the listener: look deeper. What you see on the surface, that “bebe” or “maknae” image, is just the cover. The real story is inside.

The Turning Point: Finding Freedom in Honesty

The bridge of the song feels like a moment of pure clarity, a deep breath after holding it for too long. It perfectly captures the emotional weight of pretending versus the lightness of being authentic.

Nail ttaen neomu swipgo

When I’m myself, it’s so easy

Gamchul ttaen neomu jichyeo, time’s

When I hide it, I’m so tired, time’s

Isn’t that the truth? It’s so much easier to just be yourself, yet we spend so much energy trying to hide parts of who we are. STAYC acknowledges this exhaustion and makes a conscious choice: “Yeah, never turning back so neukkin daero halge” (“Yeah, never turning back so I’ll do as I feel”). It’s a promise to themselves to live authentically from now on, and it’s a moment of pure empowerment.

Ultimately, “BEBE” is a vibrant, powerful anthem for anyone who has ever felt misunderstood or confined by expectations. It’s a reminder that your worth isn’t defined by the neat little box others put you in. You are allowed to be complex, confident, ambitious, and everything in between. The most liberating thing you can do is to stop performing and just… be. The song encourages you to trust the person in the mirror and embrace every single part of your identity.

What a powerful message, right? It’s songs like these that do more than just make you want to dance. They make you want to stand a little taller. But that’s just my take! What did you feel when you first heard “BEBE”? Does it resonate with your own experiences? I’d love to hear your thoughts and interpretations in the comments below!

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