You can find all our “K-Pop Lyrics Explained” articles in one place by clicking here. For this week’s article, we’re taking up Jay Park and IU’s ‘GANADARA’, which is piquing the interest of fans all over the world.
Originally recorded 2 years ago in 2020, ‘GANADARA’ is a neo-R&B track, perfectly suited to the musical sensibilities of both Jay Park and IU. This collaboration marks a legendary moment in the history of Korean music, with two of the biggest forces in the industry coming together for a song that is global in essence yet inherently Korean and that is exactly what Jay Park is aiming for with More Vision. The title of the song, ‘GANADARA’ is a romanized way of writing the first 4 Korean alphabets (Hangul): “ㄱㄴㄷㄹ”. You can think of it as the Korean “ABCD”! Let’s take a dive into the lyrics and what they mean! “When I’m walking down the street / All I hear are love songs / Why does this feel unfamiliar to me?” Jay Park sets the premise effortlessly, positing his character in a strange new environment, albeit not quite far from home. He recognizes a love song when he hears one but is too detached from it nonetheless. “My Korean ain’t that good / Even translators are no use / Just wondering about how you feel” Echoing the sentiments of anyone who has ever fallen in love with someone who doesn’t speak their language, and that very evidently includes and refers to international fans of K-Pop who have fallen for the music, the artists, and the language, Jay Park brilliantly voices the clouding of his mind when it comes to communication. “What words should I use? I don’t know / What should I say? I don’t know / Why am I like this? I don’t know / You’re on my mind” While the beginning of this verse delivers a sense of being lost, the latter expresses clarity of intention and feeling. The ability to convey this duality with such simple words speaks volumes of Jay Park’s songwriting and storytelling skills. “Baby, my mind’s really drawing a blank (A blank) / But, I’m confident in body language / Let me show you girl, give me some of your time” If you’ve been a K-Pop fan for any amount of time, you would know the feeling of your tongue being tied at the very thought of speaking to your idol. However, what you’re sure of is being able to express your love for them by cheering endlessly as they take the stage. Jay Park relates a similar emotion with these lyrics. He might not know what to say or how to say it but he sure can show you the world: “Let me take you on a magic carpet ride”. “Take my hand and follow me / Clear day and a full moon / Teach me tonight / GA-NA-DA-RA-MA-BA-SA” Finally, the chorus hits and we see the title of the song being justified. Jay Park spells out the first 7 Korean alphabets with an “-A” suffix: “가 나 다 라 마 바 사”, which is pronounced “GA-NA-DA-RA-MA-BA-SA”. He realizes a need to start from the basics, unlearn and learn the language of love again. IU takes it from there, giving us the smoothest transition ever. “Even if it isn’t perfect / Don’t worry, I think I know how you feel / Should I come take a closer look? / I wonder every night / When I’m walking down the street / I keep thinking about you / I can’t even recognize myself " Everything is possible with your lover by your side. After all, actions speak louder than words and Jay Park has a lot to say. Needless to say, IU is smitten too! “Even your lost fingers / On top of the translator / Keep lingering in my head” IU portrays a significant other who understands the language of the eyes. Even Jay’s misplaced words seem to play around in her head, making her feel warm and fuzzy inside as she sees beyond his messages and into his heart. “I’m okay with body language too / But if you blank out, just smile / I’ll teach you everything tonight” What both lovebirds need to know is not the alphabet, it is each other’s true feelings. It isn’t a surprise, therefore, that her smile can calm him down and his can make her day. A gesture is all it takes to express exactly what is intended. “But my heart melts when I see you / I wouldn’t mind if I died in your arms” Even if all one can manage to eke out is the ABCs, love holds deeper meaning than it all and it shows. Even if you don’t speak the language of your favourite people (read: your bias), you can rest assured that they know how much you love them and vice versa. What did you think of ‘GANADARA’? Share your thoughts with Kpopmap in the comments section down below!
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