BoA’s hit song “No.1” is a bittersweet pop anthem about holding onto the memory of a past love. It explores the lingering pain of a breakup, the desire for the ex-partner’s happiness, and the wish that, despite moving on, the lost romance remains the most special connection.

Song Credits

  • Artist: BoA
  • Album: No.1
  • Released: April 12, 2002
  • Length: 3:13
  • Label: SM Entertainment
  • Lyrics: Kim Young-ah
  • Composers: Sigurd “Ziggy” Røsnes

BoA “No.1” Official MV

BoA “No.1” Lyrics

Hangul

어둠 속에 니 얼굴 보다가
나도 몰래 눈물이 흘렀어
소리 없이 날 따라오며 비춘 건
Finally 날 알고 감싸 준거니?
처음 내 사랑 비춰 주던 넌
나의 이별까지 본 거야

You still my no.1
날 찾지 말아줘
나의 슬픔 가려줘
저 구름 뒤에 너를 숨겨 빛을 닫아줘 (닫아줘)
그를 아는 이 길이 내 눈물 모르게

변한 그를 욕하진 말아줘
니 얼굴도 조금씩 변하니까
But I miss you 널 잊을 수 있을까?
(Want you back in my life)
(I want you back in my life)

나의 사랑도, 지난 추억도
모두 다 사라져 가지만

You still my no.1
보름이 지나면 작아지는 슬픈 빛
날 대신해서 그의 길을 배웅해 줄래? (해줄래?)
못다 전한 내 사랑 나처럼 비춰줘

가끔 잠든 나의 창에 찾아와
그의 안부를 전해줄래?
나 꿈결 속에서 따뜻한 그의 손
느낄 수 있도록 whoa

뚜, 뚜루루-뚭뚜
뚜루루-뚭뚜
뚜루룹뚭-뚜루룹뚭-뚜루룹뚭뚜
뚜루루-뚭뚜
뚜루루-뚭뚜
뚜루룹뚭-뚜루룹뚭-뚜루룹뚭뚜

하지만 오늘밤 날 찾지 말아줘
나의 슬픔 가려줘
저 구름 뒤에 너를 숨겨 빛을 닫아줘 (닫아줘)
그를 아는 이 길이 내 눈물 모르게

보름이 지나면 작아지는 슬픈 빛
날 대신해서 그의 길을 배웅해 줄래? (해줄래)
못다 전한 내 사랑
You still my no.1
(You still my no.1)

Romanized

Eodumsoge nieolgul bodaga
Nadomollae nunmuri heulleosseo
Sorieopshi nal ttaraomyeo bichungeon
Finally nal algo gamssajungeoni
Cheoeum nae sarang bichweo judeon neon
Naye ibyeolkkaji bongeoya

You’re still my No.1
Nal chatji marajweo naye seulpeum garyeojweo
Jeo gureum dwie neoreul sumgyeo bicheul dadajweo
Geureul aneun i giri nae nunmul moreuge

Byeonhan geureul yokajin marajweo
Ni eolguldo jogeumsshik byeonhanikka
But I miss you neol ijeul su isseulkka
(Want you back in my life
I want you back in my life)

Naye sarangdo jinan chueokdo
Modu da sarajeo gajiman

You’re still my No.1 boreumi jinamyeon
Jagajineun seulpeun bit
Nal daeshinaeseo geuye gireul baeunghaejullae
Motta jeonhan nae sarang nacheoreom bichweojweo

Gakkeum jamdeun naye change chajawa
Geuye anbul jeonhae jullae
Na kkumkkyeol sogeseo ttatteutan geuye son
Neukkil su ittorok

Hajiman oneulbam nal chatji marajweo
Naye seulpeum garyeojweo
Jeo gureumdwie neoreul sumgyeo bicheul dadajweo
Geureul aneun i giri nae nunmul moreuge

Boreumi jinamyeon
Jagajineun seulpeun bit
Nal daeshinaeseo geuye gireul baeung haejullae
Motta jeonhan nae sarang
You’re still my No.1

Translation

When I looked into your eyes
I didn’t know that you were secretly crying
Without any sound I’ll come and shine on you… Finally
Do I know how to care for you?
I know that first my love should shine on
You are my strength until I reach the stars

You still my No.1
I’ll search for words to say
My sadness will become cloudy and you will shut out the light
This path won’t know any of my tears

I won’t curse you for changing
Are you changing your views bit by bit?
But I miss you, I can’t forget about you
(Want you back in my life
I want you back in my life)

Even if my love passes
If all my memories disappear

You still my No.1, when the cresent-shaped moon passes
I’ll take the place of the sadness and change it to light
Show me the way down this path
My love can convey everything like I am a guiding light

As I’m sleeping a window opens to my soul
Could you tell him about that?
I can feel his warm touch
In my dreams

But tonight I’ll search for words to say
My sadness will become cloudy
And you will shut out the light (Shut it out)
This path won’t know any of my tears

When the cresent-shaped moon passes
I’ll take the place of the sadness and change it to light
Show me the way down this path (Do it for me)
My love can convey everything
You still my No.1 (You’re still my No. 1)

BoA “No.1” Meaning

“No.1” by BoA is a bittersweet pop song about cherishing the memory of a past love. Although the relationship has ended, the narrator continues to hold a special place in her heart for the person she once loved, reflecting on the emotions that remain long after a breakup.

A central theme is enduring affection. The phrase “You’re still my number one” symbolizes how an unforgettable first love can remain meaningful even when both people have moved on. Rather than trying to erase the memories, the narrator chooses to treasure them.

The song also expresses selfless love and goodwill. Instead of resentment, the lyrics wish happiness and success for the former partner. This mature perspective highlights the ability to care for someone even after the relationship has come to an end.

Overall, “No.1” captures the contrast between a bright outward appearance and hidden heartbreak. Beneath its energetic sound lies a touching story about longing, acceptance, and the lasting impact of a love that once meant everything.