Baek Hwong, also known by their birth name, has emerged as a prominent voice in the music industry, encapsulating the struggles, triumphs, and reflections of a diverse range of lived experiences. Their music serves as a profound reflection of their growth and self-discovery, providing solace and insight into the complexities of contemporary existence.
Born out of the need to confront the pervasive question "Which Korea are you from?" faced by many Korean Americans, NoSo embodies Hwong's determination to forge a space where their unique identity can thrive. Their music is an indirect yet powerful response to the insecurities and frustrations that often arise from the Asian American experience. Hwong's narrative is akin to a balm for those who feel alienated, their lyrical prowess providing a sense of connection and understanding.
Growing up in a predominantly white environment, Hwong experienced a dissonance between their various identities, particularly grappling with gender dysphoria. This sense of not belonging anywhere and the perceived irreconcilability of their different facets compelled them to explore their identity further. The pivotal turning point came during their time at the University of Southern California, where they encountered a supportive community that encouraged them to delve into their gender identity.
Their debut album, titled "Stay Proud of Me," released on July 8, 2022, under Partisan Records, stands as a poignant reflection of Hwong's personal evolution. The album serves as a time capsule of their journey, capturing the nuances of growth and self-discovery, particularly during a period of quarantine when Hwong returned to their suburban roots. "Stay Proud of Me" is an emblematic transition, allowing Hwong to liberate themselves from the shackles of the past and embrace an empowered future.
Allie
noso Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Blue stars on
Your cheeks
Quietly
He said
Your mouth is small
Which won′t be great for "things"
Where've you been
Allie?
Remember nights
Dressed as Marilyn
How′ve you been
Allie?
Maybe I've gotta be the one to give in
Stop comparing back to you
Maybe I've gotta be the one to fight it
Grey breakfast at noon
You felt it too
You called
To say he holds you
With his whole body
And the way
He curls in your lap
Like a child
When he heard
A crack of thunder
Where′ve you been
Allie?
Remember nights
Dressed as Marilyn
How′ve you been
Allie?
Maybe I've gotta be the one to give in
Stop comparing back to you
Maybe I′ve gotta be the one to fight it
Grey breakfast at noon
You felt it too
You felt it too
You felt it too
You felt it too
The lyrics to noso's song "Allie" paint a vivid picture of a past love that the singer is unable to let go of. The opening lines, "Paint blue stars on your cheeks, quietly," suggest a sense of innocence and playfulness that is contrasted with a later reference to the physical limitation of a small mouth. This juxtaposition likely represents the mixed emotions that the singer feels towards their former partner - on the one hand, they remember the fun and carefree times they shared, but on the other, they also acknowledge the potential frustrations and problems that arose in the relationship.
The chorus, "Maybe I've gotta be the one to give in, stop comparing back to you, maybe I've gotta be the one to fight it, grey breakfast at noon, you felt it too," speaks to the internal conflict that the singer is experiencing. They are torn between letting go of the past and moving on, and holding onto their memories and feelings for their ex. The reference to "grey breakfast at noon" is particularly poignant, as it suggests a sense of melancholy and aimlessness.
The second verse, with its intense imagery of the ex-partner holding someone else "with his whole body" and curling up "like a child" on their lap, only serves to heighten the emotional intensity of the lyrics. The lines "Where've you been, Allie? Remember nights dressed as Marilyn, how've you been, Allie?" capture the longing and pain that the singer feels, as they try to reconnect with their past love and find some kind of closure.
Overall, "Allie" is a powerful exploration of the complex emotions that arise after a relationship has ended. The lyrics are deeply personal and the use of vivid imagery and metaphorical language creates a striking portrait of a troubled heart.
Line by Line Meaning
Paint
Cover with artistic lines
Blue stars on
Use blue color to enrich the cheek's beauty
Your cheeks
The part of your body where blush naturally appears
Quietly
Without unnecessary noise or disturbances
He said
Spoke in the past when referring to an issue
Your mouth is small
Your ability to please halts shortly, denied of pleasures
Which won′t be great for "things"
Restricted from engaging in the act of love
Where've you been
Asking about someone's disappearance
Allie?
Directly addressing the person being asked about
Remember nights
Thinking about past experiences under the cover of darkness
Dressed as Marilyn
Wearing clothes reminiscent of the American icon
How′ve you been
Asking about how someone is doing, looking for an honest answer
Maybe I've gotta be the one to give in
Perhaps it's my turn to compromise instead of always comparing
Stop comparing back to you
Avoid measuring my life against yours
Maybe I've gotta be the one to fight it
Maybe it's time for me to stand up for myself and start to change
Grey breakfast at noon
Eating breakfast late in the day and feeling lifeless
You felt it too
You experienced the same pains that I felt
You felt it too
You felt the same unease that I felt
You felt it too
You also experienced the same discomfort as me
You felt it too
You also perceived the same emotions as me
You called
Using the phone to communicate from afar
To say he holds you
She called to inform that her lover fully embraces her
With his whole body
He surrounds her with care to make her feel cherished
And the way
The manner in which he takes care of her
He curls in your lap
He lays on her lap like a child showing his vulnerable side
Like a child
Innocent and feeble
When he heard
Implying a sudden reaction to an unexpected stimulus
A crack of thunder
A loud noise generated by electricity within the clouds
Writer(s): Abigail Eunsur Hwong
Contributed by Gabriel G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.