Lyrics of Falling Up — Stray Kids

Song Details and Overview

• Featuring Artists: Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, I.N (Stray Kids)
• Writers: Bang Chan, Changbin, Restart (KOR), Chae Kang Hae, KM-Markit
• Lyricists: Bang Chan, Changbin, KM-Markit
• Composer: Bang Chan, Changbin, Restart (KOR), Chae Kang Hae
• Release Date: October 6, 2024
• Musical Genre: J-Pop/Rap
• Album: GIANT
• Track #: 4
• Language(s): Japanese, with some English
• Theme: Perseverance, ambition, self-growth
• Mood: Determined, resilient, uplifting

Exploring the Meaning of "Falling Up"

In Falling Up, Stray Kids deliver an empowering anthem about growth and resilience. This song delves into the metaphor of "falling up"—an experience of rising through setbacks, with each stumble serving as a stepping stone toward higher goals. Created as a tie-in for the anime *Tower of God*, the lyrics parallel the anime’s themes of ambition, struggle, and ascension. The song’s central message is a refusal to surrender, even when facing uncertainty and challenges.

[Verse 1]

Felix, Changbin, and Hyunjin set the tone by describing a path that’s both strenuous and endless. Words like "階段" (staircase) and "崖" (cliff) symbolize the arduous journey of ambition, with no clear endpoint in sight. The verse suggests that setbacks and challenges are intrinsic to their journey, but giving up is never an option.

[Pre-Chorus]

Seungmin and Lee Know convey a feeling of solitude and resilience, comparing themselves to a "flower blooming on dry land." This imagery underscores the beauty of perseverance, thriving despite adversity. The line "Push me off again" reveals their readiness to face setbacks, knowing they’ll rise stronger each time.

[Chorus]

In the chorus, Bang Chan and I.N emphasize the core theme of "falling up." Each "fall" is paradoxically an upward movement, with blood, sweat, and tears fueling their climb. The repeated line "I got no slump" asserts that obstacles won’t break their spirits, reinforcing the track's motivational tone.

[Verse 2]

Changbin, Hyunjin, and Felix convey the importance of self-belief in the face of changing circumstances. Changbin’s line "I never change, I just follow me" highlights staying true to oneself. The metaphor of a "withered tree sprouting new leaves" symbolizes resilience, while Felix’s line "影なんて後ろにいるだけ" (shadows are just behind me) suggests leaving negativity in the past to focus on brighter prospects ahead.

[Interlude]

Han’s interlude adds a brief moment of contemplation, reinforcing the upward journey's intensity and passion.

[Outro]

Felix’s closing line, "I'm falling up," leaves listeners with a final reminder that each setback in life is part of the climb. It’s an affirmation of continuous growth and resilience, embracing challenges as opportunities to rise.

Similar Songs

Falling Up shares thematic resonance with other songs that explore persistence and resilience. Here are some similar songs that highlight themes of ambition and self-growth:

• Stray Kids – "My Pace": A track about moving forward without comparing oneself to others.
• BTS – "Not Today": An empowering song that encourages resilience in the face of adversity.
• ATEEZ – "Wave": A song that celebrates taking on life’s challenges with courage.
• NCT 127 – "Limitless": A track focused on breaking barriers and achieving one's fullest potential.
• Stray Kids – "TOP": Reflecting on challenges, aiming for greatness, a fitting track for their anime tie-in work.

Chart Performance and Reception

Upon its release, Falling Up quickly gained popularity among fans, particularly due to its association with the anime *Tower of God*. The song’s inspiring theme resonated strongly with listeners, solidifying it as a memorable addition to Stray Kids’ repertoire. Streaming numbers soared in both South Korea and Japan, showcasing the song’s wide appeal and emotional impact.

Quotes

“We wanted to create a track that reminds people of the strength in never giving up, even when everything seems like it's going downhill.”

— Bang Chan, Stray Kids

“Falling Up is about rising through every challenge. The higher we climb, the stronger we become.”

— Changbin, Stray Kids