Na whoa
식어 버려 향이 날라간 coffee
한입도 베물지 못해 마른 cookie
달콤한 맛은 항상 오래 머물지 못해
마치 여름날 소나기에
씻겨 간 더운 공기처럼
Because my love is always always bitter
몇 번을 반복해도
Love is always always bitter
눈가에 검은 화장이 번질 때
가슴속에 퍼지는 맛
그대라 해도 그 끝은 같군요

그대는 매혹적인 샴페인 같았죠
다음날을 후회해도 취하고 싶었으니
달콤하기만 한 건 존재하지 않나 봐
나의 욕심이 만들어 낸
쓰디쓴 사랑의 chocolate

Because my love is always always bitter
몇 번을 반복해도
Love is always always bitter
내 볼에 흐른 눈물이 마를 때
가슴속에 퍼지는 맛
그대라 해도 그 끝은 같군요

돌고 도는 계절과 같이
익숙한 이 데자부 신기루를 쫓다
막막한 사막 또 혼자 남아

Love is always always bitter
하지만 아직도 난
깊은 그 품이 그리워
잠에서 깨 날 바라보던 눈빛
내게 닿던 너의 입술
막이 내리면 다 지난 얘긴가요

Love is always bitter, oh I know that but
눈가에 검은 화장이 번질 때
가슴속에 퍼지는 맛
Love 그 끝은 쓰군요

Baby baby baby
Love is always bitter whoo yeah
Love you, love you, baby

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Girls' Generation's song "Love Is Bitter" convey the idea that love can often be bitter and disappointing, despite the initial excitement and allure. The opening lines describe the sensation of a cold coffee and a dry cookie, unable to satisfy one's craving. The sweetness of love is fleeting, just like a summer rain shower that quickly washes away the hot air. The chorus repeats the sentiment that love is always bitter, no matter how many times one goes through it. Even when one's heart is filled with love, there is an underlying bitterness that is unavoidable.

The second verse compares the feeling of being enamored with the allure of champagne, despite knowing that regrets will follow. It suggests that there is no such thing as pure sweetness in love, and that the bitterness is a result of one's own desires and expectations. The bridge speaks to the cyclical nature of love, like the changing seasons, and the familiar illusion of déjà vu. It expresses the sentiment of feeling lost in a daunting desert, alone and chasing after something elusive.

Overall, the song portrays a realistic and somewhat pessimistic view of love, emphasizing the inevitable bitterness that accompanies it, even when it involves someone we deeply miss and desire.

Line by Line Meaning

Na whoa
Expressing surprise or disbelief

식어 버려 향이 날라간 coffee
The coffee has become cold and lost its aroma

한입도 베물지 못해 마른 cookie
Unable to take a bite, the cookie remains dry

달콤한 맛은 항상 오래 머물지 못해
The sweet taste never lingers for long

마치 여름날 소나기에
Like a summer rain shower

씻겨 간 더운 공기처럼
Being washed away like the hot air

Because my love is always always bitter
My love always carries a bitter taste

몇 번을 반복해도
No matter how many times it is repeated

Love is always always bitter
Love always brings bitterness

눈가에 검은 화장이 번질 때
When the black makeup smears near the eyes

가슴속에 퍼지는 맛
The taste spreading in the heart