Social Path by STRAY KIDS Lyrics Meaning – Unraveling Youth, Isolation, and the Pursuit of Dreams
Lyrics
For my future
I just want to
Rise up stronger
Where am I right now, now, now, now?
終わらない night, night, night, night, night
日が昇れば 明日が来るさ
I won’t miss it (now or never)
諦めてた みんなが言う青春は
たくさん誘惑耐え抜いた 甘く見てたなら
You’re wrong 溶鉱炉 crystal
強くなってく金属
固さを増し 強固だね
二度ない瞬間へ向かってんね
I know it’s goin’ be lonely
‘Cause everyone keeps turning me down
Countless new surroundings
Cold eyes keep looking me down
I’m still in the crowd, alien of the town
Yeah, they want me to give up right now
They’re making me laugh, it’s so loud
Waking the demon that’s hiding inside
You only get to live one life, I know I’m ready
Take that chance no matter what they tell me
I can not explain this feeling
Yeah, this path was meant to be my dream
Look back, the ashes prove my passion always burns eternally
No regrets, I love this feeling
Down on this road, call it the social path
I’m tossing turning in my bed
Them voices in my head again
I gotta shake ’em off now (now or never)
Never knew I’d see so many people come and go
I see the mirror, it’s only me
Evil thoughts taking over, I’mma let it go
(I fight myself, it’s only me)
I know it’s goin’ be lonely
‘Cause everyone keeps turning me down
Countless new surroundings
Cold eyes keep looking me down
I’m still in the crowd, alien of the town
Yeah, they want me to give up right now
They’re making me laugh, it’s so loud
Waking the demon that’s hiding inside
You only get to live one life, I know I’m ready
Take that chance no matter what they tell me
I can not explain this feeling
Yeah, this path was meant to be my dream
Look back, the ashes prove my passion always burns eternally
No regrets, I love this feeling
Down on this road, call it the social path
No way
Back to the past, I’ll step ahead
Go right in front of me
破れた地図繋ぎ 押し出されても
昔みたいに 上を走る
険しい場所 一人で
夜と向き合い I will rise up
Gave up my youth
For my future
I just want to
Rise up stronger
I’m gonna look back, the ashes prove my passion always burns eternally
No regrets, I love this feeling
Down on this road, call it the social path
STRAY KIDS, the powerhouse of K-pop’s new generation, once again strikes the chord of rebellious clarity with their track ‘Social Path’. The lyrical depth of this anthem goes beyond the common themes of hope and aspiration, delving into the personal struggles and societal pressures that shape our existential journey. It’s a reflection of sacrificing innocence at the altar of ambition and a stark narrative of walking a solitary path towards one’s dreams.
Wrapped in a cacophony of energetic beats and haunting melodies, ‘Social Path’ resonates with the youth’s unspoken narrative. It’s a soliloquy of the strong who march forward, knowing every step toward the spotlight is shadowed by isolation. STRAY KIDS captures this paradox with piercing honesty and paints a compelling picture of what it truly means to chase success in an unforgiving social landscape.
Youth on the Line for a Dream—A Relentless Trade-off
The opening lines of ‘Social Path’ are a bold declaration of a voluntary sacrifice—giving up youth for a brighter future. STRAY KIDS taps into the universal theme of the high stakes involved in chasing one’s dreams. The band expertly navigates the notion that the road to achieving great heights often demands an early farewell to the carefree days of youth, a sentiment that speaks volumes to the driven and the dreamers.
It is within this opening gambit that the song sets its tone. We’re introduced to a journey where the destination shines bright enough to overshadow the present’s pleasures. It’s this unwavering focus and determination that’s been romanticized in countless coming-of-age stories—but STRAY KIDS doesn’t shy away from the darker, lonelier aspects of this narrative. They bring forth the acknowledgment that the dream is fraught with trials just as much as triumphs.
Alien in the Crowd – The Hidden Loneliness of Success
Beyond the quest for success lies an often-ignored reality—the deep-seated feeling of alienation. ‘Social Path’ brings to light the loneliness of being misunderstood and the coldness of public scrutiny. With the poignant imagery of being ‘still in the crowd, alien of the town,’ STRAY KIDS encapsulates the experience of existing in a space where connection feels just out of reach, despite the proximity of others.
The track tells a tale of perseverance in the face of unwelcoming ‘new surroundings’ and ‘cold eyes.’ The metaphorical ‘social path’ embodies this notion of moving through a world where every stride towards one’s ambition is met with resistance or indifference. As much as this journey is laced with glory, it unmasks the solitary nature of not just the pursuit, but also the achievement of greatness.
Dancing with Demons—Embracing the Internal Struggle
‘Social Path’ fiercely acknowledges the internal battles that accompany the external ones. STRAY KIDS doesn’t hold back in displaying the ‘evil thoughts’ and ‘voices in my head’ as adversaries that are as real as any tangible obstacle. It’s a confrontation with the self-doubt and internalized negativity that lurk within, waiting to derail one’s progress.
The song’s narrative propels the listener through a nocturnal world of introspection, of facing one’s own demons. This struggle is not only about overcoming others’ perceptions but also about mastering the conflicts that arise from within, thereby underscoring the belief that the hardest battles often take place in the silence of one’s own mind.
Eternal Flames of Passion – The Spark that Never Dies
In a powerful display of resilience, ‘Social Path’ celebrates the enduring nature of passion. The ‘ashes’ from past failures become evidence of an undying spirit, highlighting the beauty in the persistence to keep the flames of ambition alive. With every verse, STRAY KIDS echoes the sentiment that no defeat can extinguish the fire that fuels one’s dreams.
The song acts as an anthem for those who walk the unbeaten path, acknowledging that while there may be no audience to witness the struggle, the personal satisfaction is a reward in its own right. The love for the dream and journey, the feel of their own ‘social path,’ is a constant companion, keeping the members—and by extension, their listeners—company on this solitary road.
Memorable Lines: The Chorus that Captures a Creed
‘You only get to live one life, I know I’m ready / Take that chance no matter what they tell me’—these lines don’t just catch the ear, they capture a creed. This chorus, as simple and infectious as it sounds, distills the essence of the track into a powerful mantra for the bold and the brave.
It’s not just about recognizing life’s singularity but also about fearlessly seizing opportunities against all odds. The heart of ‘Social Path’ is a celebration of choice and will, a hymn that sings of the irrepressible human spirit. STRAY KIDS, with these words, offers a universal rallying cry that inspires listeners to forge ahead, undeterred by the naysayers and the challenges that arise.
