Stray Kids always go all out for their anniversary. From releasing Clé 1: MIROH on their first anniversary to releasing special songs like ‘Mixtape: On Track‘ and ‘Piece of a Puzzle‘ and special dance practices like the one for ‘Hellevator,’ Stray Kids take March 25th very seriously. And this year, as they gear up for four days of fan meetings, Stray Kids released a brand-new digital single: ‘STAY.’
‘STAY’
Written and composed by the same duo who gave us ‘Respirator,’ Han and Seungmin, ‘STAY’ is a beautiful ballad that reflects Stray Kids‘ tumultuous journey and the bond they’ve created with their fans. The English title honors the fandom, but its original Korean title, ‘별, 빛,’ can be translated as ‘Star, Light.’ And indeed, along with beautiful pop melodies and an infectious piano, the imagery of stars and constellations in the lyrics is the key element of the song.
Stray Kids using the imagery of stars and the sky is far from new; it’s one of the many unique and recurring themes in their discography. Songs like ‘Astronaut’ and ‘Star Lost’ are some of their best concert songs and directly reflect the safe space they’ve created with their music. And of course, 5-STAR is one of their most emblematic releases, with ‘S-Class‘ and ‘Hall of Fame’ referencing their destiny in stars, and ‘Collision‘ using strong star and planets imagery. Stray Kids making a song with such imagery feels special and like a full circle. Stray Kids are not the only ones writing their names into the stars; they’re writing STAYS right along with them.
The Lyrics
And with such a beautiful theme and two incredible songwriters behind it, we knew ‘STAY’ would break our hearts and mend them in the same breath. Here are the lyrics that hit us the hardest.
All translations are taken from Genius Translations.
Under the same sky, you told me, “You’re doing great”
Original:
So, moving forward, let’s promise to hold on tight to each other’s hands
같은 하늘 아래 네가 해준 말 “잘 하고 있어”
나아가며 약속해 두 손 꼭 맞잡은 채로
What makes the second verse so special is its direct reference to Stray Kids‘ song ‘Grow Up.’ While its English title is ‘Grow Up,’ the Korean title is ‘잘 하고 있어,’ which translates to ‘You’re doing great,’ and is directly quoted in the lyrics. ‘Grow Up‘ was a B-side on their debut mini-album. And it has remained one of the most special ones in Stray Kids’ discography, carrying a heartwarming message that has accompanied them and their fans throughout their career. The meaning of this small yet impactful line is beyond words. On top of that, mentioning the same sky shows how Stray Kids breaks all boundaries, and their music speaks to everyone from all over the world.
Among the countless stars in the Milky Way
Original:
If one day our paths align into the same orbit
We’ll surely shine brighter than anyone else
There’s only one reason: it’s just you and me
은하수에 걸려 있는 수많은 별
우리도 언젠가 같은 궤도를 그린다면
분명 누구보다 밝게 빛날 수 있어
이유는 하나 그저 너와 나라서
The pre-chorus is where the star and galaxy imagery shines the brightest. It proves vulnerability but also hope; the lyrics reflect how rare Stray Kids‘ one-in-a-million position is and how the support they’ve received is one of the main reasons they are where they are. It’s all about destiny, fate, and lightning-in-a-bottle. On top of being some of the most beautiful moments of the song, it’s the perfect build-up into the chorus.
Even if I become a star swallowed by darkness
Original:
Just like now
Stay by my side
Then I’ll become the universe that surrounds you
어둠이 뒤덮인 별이 된다 해도
그저 지금처럼
곁에 있어 줄래 그럼
널 감싼 우주가 될 테니
By far, the big highlight of this song is the chorus. The song opens with this chorus and closes with it too; it’s at the center of everything Stray Kids want to say, and it’s the most heartbreaking yet beautiful moment of the song. Every single bar in this chorus is worth a close look, but the second part takes the crown as some of the best lyrics they’ve had in their songs. It shows Stray Kids‘ passion, love for music, and their ambition to become even better as people and artists. Songs like ‘STAY’ reflect exactly why Stray Kids continues to grow every single day.
What’s your favorite part of the song? What’s your personal favorite lyric? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.
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