What Is Love by EXO-K Lyrics Meaning – The Philosophical Exploration of Devotion in K-Pop
Lyrics
Oh baby my baby, baby, baby, baby, yeah
Haruga machi ilbuncheoreom neukkyeojige mandeulji
Neomanisseumyeon yeonghwasogui juingong
Neol boreodallyeoganeun aeksyeonsinirado jjigeulgeot cheoreom
Nan machi yeongungi doen geotcheoreom
Neon naege wanbyeok sangsanghaebwasseo
Gamkkeramyeon eotteolkka
Nan neoman gwaenchantago malhaejumyeon modu wanbyeokhae oh baby
I lost my mind neoreul cheoeummannasseulttae
Neo hanappaego modeungeoseun get in slow motion
Naege malhaejwo ige sarangiramyeon
Maeilgeudaewa sumanheun gamjeongdeureul nanwojugo baewogamyeo
Ssaugo ulgo anajugo
Naege malhaejwo ige sarangiramyeon
Sesangnamjadeul modu nalbureowohae
Neoreul gajin naega jiltuna jukgennabwa
Haega gado dari gado jeoldae anbyeonhae oh whoa
Nan bogiboda ujikhage mideullamjaraneungeol
Neon algedoeltenikka oh whoa~
I don’t know why jeoldaejeogin igamjeong
Naega saenggakjocha haesseulkka
Nae gyeote isseulttae nan jeomjeom daedanhan namjaga doedo bitnaneun geol
I lost my mind neoreul cheoeummannasseulttae
Neo hanappaego modeungeoseun get in slow motion
Naege malhaejwo ige sarangiramyeon
Maeilgeudaewa sumanheun gamjeongdeureul nanwojugo baewogamyeo
Ssaugo ulgo anajugo
Naege malhaejwo ige sarangiramyeon
Ganjeolhi barago barandamyeon
Irwojilkka donghwayaegicheoreom
Yeongwonhan dulmanui haepiaending happily ever after
Namaneun neol mideojugo jikyeojugo dallaejulkke
Nipyeoni doelkke
Nigyeoteseo jeoldae antteona
I lost my mind neoreul cheoeummannasseulttae
Neo hanappaego modeungeoseun get in slow motion
Naege malhaejwo ige sarangiramyeon
Maeilgeudaewa sumanheun gamjeongdeureul nanwojugo baewogamyeo
Ssaugo ulgo anajugo
Naege malhaejwo ige sarangiramyeon
Sesangnamjadeul modu nalbureowohae
Neoreul gajin naega jiltuna jukgennabwa
My babe, baby babe, baby baby
Neol araboneungeol ige sarangingeol
Aicheoreom neol jaju utgemandeulgo
Chingucheoreom neol gajang pyeonhage mandeulkkeoya
My babe, baby babe, baby baby
Malhaejwo naege what is love
Delving into the meaning behind EXO-K’s ‘What Is Love,’ it becomes apparent that this track is more than just an addictive melody intertwined with seamless Korean and English lyrics. The song is a profound exploration of the intoxicating and often disorienting experience of first love.
Part of EXO’s grand debut in 2012, ‘What Is Love’ served as an early showcase of the group’s vocal prowess and their ability to tug at the heartstrings. It also marked the inaugural entry of K-pop into the consciousness of international audiences who were searching for a fresh yet emotionally relatable sound.
Unveiling the Tale of Timeless Affection
Through the sentimental journey that unfolds in ‘What Is Love,’ EXO-K presents a narrative that’s been echoed through the ages: the desire to become the hero in the story of one’s beloved. The lyrics speak to the transformative power love holds, to the extent that the protagonist feels as if they’ve stepped into the plotline of a movie or a fairytale.
This timeless affection is expressed through captivating imagery, suggesting that being with the object of affection turns every moment into a cinematic experience, akin to an action scene that’s ready to be captured, or the elation akin to that of a hero.
Deciphering the Pulse of First Love
What makes ‘What Is Love’ connect so deeply with listeners is its evocation of the vivid and slow-motion effect love has during its initial encounter. The lyrics encapsulate the sensation where the entire world seems to shrink down to the singular focus on the loved one, a phenomenon many can synonymize with first love.
This slowing of time feels almost supernatural, aligning with the group’s celestial branding and emphasizing that such a moment of connection can feel as if it stands outside of everyday reality, etching itself permanently in one’s memory.
Love as the Ultimate Enigma
EXO-K presents the central question, ‘What is love?’ but ingeniously leaves it unanswered, inviting the listener to ponder this eternal mystery themselves. The song taps into the universal curiosity about the nature of love, and its elusive, indefinable qualities that can neither be fully captured nor understood.
Instead of trying to pin down love, the song instead revolves around the swirling emotions and experiences it evokes—happiness, envy, fear, and a fierce desire to protect and cherish the person at love’s epicenter—emphasizing love’s multidimensional and complex character.
The Hidden Meaning: Love as a Redefining Force
Beneath the veneer of a love song, ‘What Is Love’ artfully tackles the subject of personal growth catalyzed by romantic feelings. As love is felt, the protagonist describes an evolution towards becoming ‘a great man,’ shining ever more brightly. This is not a mere testament to devotion but a revelation that love itself is transformative, guiding individuals toward their best selves.
EXO-K’s reflection on self-improvement through the lens of romantic attachment provides a nuanced look at how relationships influence personal identity and aspirations, showcasing the depth beyond the typical motifs of love and longing.
Memorable Lines That Resonate Across Borders
While ‘What Is Love’ is rich with evocative verses, certain lines stand out for their emotional punch and universal relatability. ‘I lost my mind the moment I saw you / Except you, everything get in slow motion’ depicts the disarming nature of love, a feeling that is immediately understood regardless of language or cultural barriers.
These impactful words capture the quintessence of love’s compelling grip—a theme that has enabled the song to resonate with a global audience, transcending the confines of the K-pop genre, and connecting deeply with the human experience of falling, and being, in love.
