The genius lyrics of IVE’s “Kitsch” urged people to reflect on themselves
As girl group IVE takes over the chart with their catchy melodies, the messages conveyed in their songs also draw huge attention.
The Korean music chart on April 11th is basically a battle for 1st place between IVE’s songs “Kitsch” and “I AM”. It doesn’t matter which song wins, however, seeing that IVE will come out as the victor regardless.
IVE, who released their first full-length album “I’ve IVE” on April 10th, and previously dropped the pre-release single “Kitsch”, is conquering the Korean public with their songs. As of the moment, on Korea’s largest domestic music platform, Melon, “Kitsch” still holds the top spot, while “I AM” has pushed “Kitsch” to second place on Bugs and Genie.
IVE’s chart sweep has put a brake on NewJeans’ long-reigning track “Ditto”, making for an interesting event. It’s a head-to-head confrontation between two of the hottest 4th gen groups in K-pop, who share the rare title of “K-pop Game Changer.”
IVE, who nailed consecutive hits with “ELEVEN”, “LOVE DIVE”, and “After LIKE” in less than a year since their debut, has proven their popularity by hitting another grand slam this time. What is it about IVE that the public is so passionate about?
IVE’s charm is defined by themselves as “narcissism, confidence, and freedom”. They claim to demonstrate confidence and a sense of subjectivity in love by incorporating these keywords into every song they release. This is the point where IVE has appealed to the public, and it seems to have been well received. The core message of this full-length album is also based on “narcissism” to convey true self-confidence.
In fact, the mature lyrics may be a major factor in IVE’s popularity. In the previous work “After LIKE”, the phrase “Twice, thrice, don’t ask me again / You know what my strength is? It’s that I’m honest” deeply penetrated the public’s mind, and IVE’s lyrics have a sharp wit that leaves the other person speechless.
Instead of the vulnerability of a passive girl craving for love, there is a powerful punch that delivers a knockout blow to the opponent. In other words, IVE brings forth a mature understanding rather than naive innocence.
Such thrilling lyrics have contributed to IVE being called the “MZ Icon”, and the girl group has continued this streak in the lyrics of “Kitsch”.
“I’m good, worrying about me is a waste of time
No reply after reading the DM you sent
That’s my answer (That’s my style)”
Listening to these lyrics feels like the MZ generation is confidently saying what they want to say. At first, it might be a bit perplexing and make people wonder, “What’s going on?”. However, there isn’t a single wrong word, so one has no choice but to listen. In response to the question of why there is no reply even after reading the DM, saying “not having an answer is my answer” is a testament to their smartness.
“When it comes to my favorite things / Don’t judge them”
This part is also interesting. It seems like a blow to the established generation who likes to give scores and rank things, as well as a blow to friends who engage in gaslighting, a behavior that manipulates others’ emotions and situations, making them doubt themselves and enhancing control over them.
“Sweet words, I won’t follow your hidden intentions / Because I’m smart”
“I live the way I want, what more do you want / That’s my style (That’s my style)”
These lyrics can make people reflect on themselves. There must have been times people were dragged along by others, against their favor and will. These lyrics thus felt like a scolding which said, “Don’t live like that”. As a result, people with even a bit of the “good child syndrome”, who hide their emotions and comply with others’, might feel like they’re hit hard by these lyrics.
IVE consistently reveals their unwavering self-confidence in any situation through their songs. Although “Kitsch” is not a title track, it is a song that clearly embodies IVE’s identity and message. Their values are also well-represented through direct lyrics like “Who cares if I only do what I like, huh / This ain’t your life” and “Useless thoughts can go away”.
All in all, IVE’s lyrics equally resonate with the slightly intimidated MZ generation, who want to be more MZ-like, and the non-MZ generation who didn’t know how to be confident from the start.
Source: Daum
