Lyrics of WHY? — Stray Kids

Song Details and Overview

• Featuring Artists: Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, I.N (Stray Kids)
• Producer: Hong Ji Sang
• Composer: Bang Chan, Changbin, Han, Hong Ji Sang
• Lyricists: Bang Chan, Changbin, Han, D&H (PURPLE NIGHT), Yo-Hei
• Release Date: April 12, 2024
• Musical Genre: J-Pop/Rock
• Album: GIANT
• Track #: 5
• Language(s): Japanese, with some English
• Theme: Independence, self-identity, defiance
• Mood: Energetic, rebellious, assertive

Exploring the Meaning of "WHY?"

WHY? by Stray Kids explores themes of resistance, independence, and the pressure to conform. The track serves as an anthem of defiance, where the group expresses frustration with societal expectations and the desire to break free from the judgment of others. Mirroring the protagonist of the Japanese drama *Re: Revenge - In the End of Desire*, the song embraces a "stay true to yourself" mentality, empowering listeners to overcome obstacles with resilience. The chorus's repetition of "Leave us alone" captures the band's refusal to be influenced by external voices, urging people to respect individuality.

[Verse 1]

In the opening lines, members Hyunjin, Changbin, and Felix highlight the struggles of youth and defiance. The phrase "Age is only a number" establishes their dismissal of conventional expectations tied to age or societal roles. Their lines reveal frustration with gossip and judgment, referring to critical onlookers as “starving hyenas.” The “why” in the song’s title reflects their confusion and frustration with constant criticism, echoing the universal desire to be understood on one’s own terms.

[Pre-Chorus]

Lee Know, Seungmin, and Changbin introduce a theme of self-liberation. They sing about "killing the sound" and breaking the "chains," symbolizing a break from oppressive routines and societal pressure. The phrase "Paint the town" suggests a rebellious self-expression, where the band refuses to compromise their way of life.

[Chorus]

The chorus amplifies the call for autonomy with the repeated line, "Leave us alone." It serves as a mantra for independence, demanding that outside pressures and judgments cease. The escalating repetition adds to the track’s urgency, giving a voice to those who feel misunderstood or misrepresented.

[Post-Chorus]

Bang Chan, Seungmin, and Han assert resilience by urging the audience to "zip it up now," dismissing any dissenting opinions. The line "遊びじゃない game" (This isn’t a game) underscores their commitment to their personal journey, dismissing any trivialization of their struggles or efforts.

[Verse 2]

Lee Know, Han, Hyunjin, and Changbin further delve into the concept of distorted perceptions. The line "白が黒で黒は白" (white is black, black is white) reflects the distorted reality and judgment they feel surrounded by, hinting at how people impose their assumptions without fully understanding. Changbin’s blunt critique of these "trash in the streets" reveals their view of hypocritical critics as background noise, which they choose to ignore.

[Bridge]

The bridge intensifies the frustration, culminating in an explosive line from Changbin, "Watch me snap." Here, the band’s rejection of outside pressures reaches a breaking point, with the urgent plea for isolation—"leave us alone"—asserting a fierce need for personal space and respect for individuality.

Similar Songs

Stray Kids’ track WHY? resonates with themes of individuality and resilience also explored in other songs by the group and similar artists:

• Stray Kids – "My Pace": A song emphasizing self-acceptance and following one's path, without comparing to others.
• BTS – "Not Today": A declaration against oppression and an anthem for pushing through hardships.
• ATEEZ – "Say My Name": A song centered on personal identity and defiance of society's restrictions.
• Stray Kids – "Side Effects": An exploration of internal struggles, defiance, and self-awareness.
• NCT 127 – "Limitless": Encourages self-belief and breaking free from limiting perceptions.

Chart Performance and Reception

WHY? gained rapid attention, quickly climbing streaming charts in Japan and South Korea due to its role in the popular drama *Re: Revenge - In the End of Desire*. With its rebellious tone and assertive lyrics, the song resonated well with fans who value Stray Kids' bold approach to self-expression. The song's rock-influenced energy added to its appeal, likely contributing to its high engagement on music streaming platforms.

Quotes

“WHY? isn’t just about ignoring others; it’s about finding strength in yourself, especially when everyone else has something to say about it.”

— Bang Chan, Stray Kids

“This song’s powerful energy captures the frustration of the youth fighting for their own path.”

— J-Pop Review, 2024