XOXO by Jeon Somi Lyrics Meaning – Decoding the Anthem of Love’s Bittersweet Liberation
Lyrics
내 반쪽 이제 내 거야
나쁜 년이라고 하지 마
나쁜 건 너의 그녀야
XOXO, ooh-ooh-ooh
XOXO, ooh-ooh-ooh (XOXO)
Nothing lasts forever
버릇처럼 뱉던
네 말처럼 보기 좋게 끝났잖니
친구치곤 예쁜 여사친은 개뿔
걔한테 지금 너를 뺏긴 거니 (look out)
눈물 뚝 떨어져 I’m fallin’
In my G65, I’m rollin’
이 두 글자를 지워야겠지 우리
너무 미워도 I should let it go
두 번 다신 널 보고 싶지 않아 XO
반쪽 같은 소리 하지 마
내 반쪽 이제 내 거야
나쁜 년이라고 하지 마
나쁜 건 너의 그녀야
XOXO, ooh-ooh-ooh
XOXO, ooh-ooh-ooh
사탕 발린 말투
달콤했던 만큼
아프니까 제발 don’t speak, yeah
아프니까 청춘
파란만큼 젊음
거울 속에 난 still pretty, yeah
Oh, no 찢었어 너의 photos
지웠어 너의 번호
빛이 나는 solo
Plenty fish up in the sea
But they don’t swim like me, you know it
Keep on rowin’ if you miss it
Hugs and kisses, X and O’s for you
너무 미워도 I should let it go
두 번 다신 널 보고 싶지 않아 XO
반쪽 같은 소리 하지 마
내 반쪽 이제 내 거야
나쁜 년이라고 하지 마
나쁜 건 너의 그녀야
XOXO, ooh-ooh-ooh
XOXO, ooh-ooh-ooh
반쪽을 줬던 내가 안타까워
Had enough
다시 줘도 원하지도 않아
Just because
(반의반의 반) 반쪽 같은 소리 하지 마
내 반쪽 이제 내 거야
나쁜 년이라고 하지 마
나쁜 건 너의 그녀야
XOXO, ooh-ooh-ooh
XOXO, ooh-ooh-ooh
In a cultural moment where empowerment anthems and breakup ballads are seamlessly woven into the fabric of pop music, ‘XOXO’ by Jeon Somi stands as a beacon of self-affirmation in the aftermath of a soured romance. The complexity behind an ostensibly simple kiss-off track has resonated with listeners globally, due in no small part to Somi’s candid songwriting and pulsating production.
To decipher the layers of ‘XOXO’ is to unpack a journey of personal growth that transcends the song’s catchy hooks and sultry beats. Somi’s lyrics offer a dual narrative of pain and power, crafting a message that is at once universal and intimately personal. As we delve deep into the heart of ‘XOXO,’ we unveil a story of reclaiming one’s sense of self in the wake of romantic disillusionment.
The Naked Truth of ‘Halves’ in Relationships
Jeon Somi’s ‘XOXO’ opens with a bold declaration against being considered a mere ‘half’ without her former lover, asserting command over her own wholeness. This symbolic rejection of the ‘half’ status is an empowering refusal of the traditional narrative where one’s identity is tied to their relationship status. It serves as a fierce proclamation of independence, a theme that carries the listener through waves of melodic defiance.
The language Somi chooses—pointed and unapologetic—heightens the sense of autonomy she now wields. This is not just a breakup song; it’s a manifesto of self-ownership, a narrative that wrenches itself free from the grip of past ties and reclaims the story as exclusively her own.
The Art of Letting Go: Releasing Resentment’s Bonds
‘I should let it go’ echoes as a mantra throughout ‘XOXO,’ a lyrical motif signifying both intention and struggle. The path to releasing hate and embracing indifference is littered with the emotional debris of once-cherished memories. Somi’s almost reluctant deliverance from anger bespeaks a deeper message, one of self-preservation through forgiveness—not for the former lover’s sake, but for her own healing.
The duality in wishing never to see the person again, coupled with the acknowledgment of needing to move on, captures the human complexity in the aftermath of heartbreak. It’s a dance between the desire to hold onto justify their anger and the necessity to liberate oneself from its clutches.
The Euphony of Youth and Resilience
‘아프니까 청춘, 파란만큼 젊음, 거울 속에 난 still pretty’ translates to a poetic reflection of pain as an inseparable companion of youth. Somi paints suffering as both a mark of her formative years and as a testament to resilience. In this verse, the song winks at the archetype of the beautiful, embattled protagonist, seeing her reflection, still pretty despite the turmoil, a mix of vulnerability and steadfast confidence.
Somi’s words pivot around the Korean word for youth, ‘청춘,’ which carries connotations of both the pain and vibrancy of being young. The line serves as a reminder that growth is often painful but is also an integral cog in the machinery of personal evolution—echoing the bittersweet realities of coming of age.
A Symphony of Metaphor: Fishes, Seas, and Solitude
The metaphor of ‘fish in the sea’ is perhaps as old as time, but Somi breathes fresh life into it, enriching the message with the notion that her uniqueness is distinct and irreplaceable. The dashing of ‘X and O’s,’ typically symbols of love and affection, become a parting gift—a mix of cheeky farewell and subtle recognition of what once was.
But it’s not just about being different; it’s about recognizing the worth of that difference. The ‘solo’ that shines bright is a not-so-subtle nod to self-reliance and the allure of independence. It’s a statement that reinforces the protagonist’s newfound understanding: her solitude is neither a punishment nor a loss, but a glowing testament to her singular journey.
Unraveling the Song’s Hidden Message: Reclamation
‘Had enough,’ Somi states, a simple yet profound admission of her limits. It’s a line that resonates with anyone who has ever felt pushed too far, too hard, in the name of love. Somi’s song, with its infectious chorus and resonant verses, is more than a pop track—it’s an ode to recognizing one’s worth and demanding respect.
The hidden meaning of ‘XOXO’ is a tapestry of rejection, resilience, autonomy, and ultimately, reclamation. Somi’s journey through the song is not just about moving past a relationship but about emerging on the other side as a complete entity who no longer fits the mold of ‘half.’ In this sense, ‘XOXO’ is Somi’s narrative arc of becoming her own, undivided, unapologetic person.
