The group was formed in 1997, just as other groups like S.E.S. were starting out. Their first single ("Haircut") hit #47 on the Korean charts, and the success of the first album was dismal. This was attributed to the different, edgier style that Baby V.O.X had, considering that their rivals Fin.K.L and S.E.S. had adopted cute looks to great success. DR Music (their record company) then replaced three members (with 간미연 (Kan Miyoun), 이가이 (Lee Gai), and 심은진 (Shim Eunjin)) and had them train for the next year in order to succeed. Their second album, titled 'Baby VOX II', was a much bigger success, hitting #7 on the Korean pop charts. However, there was more internal turmoil when it was revealed that 이가이 (Lee Gai) was much older than the rest of the girls and had actually lied to the management company about her age. Considering that she was also viewed as not fitting in with the rest of the members, she was cut from the group and replaced by 윤은혜 (Yoon Eun Hye), who was significantly younger and appeared to have more mass appeal. Their third album, released in 1999, showed off the new Baby V.O.X, and it was their first major success, topping the Korean music charts and having three strong singles: "Get Up", "Killer", and "Missing You".
Their third album's success can be partially attributed to changing music tastes in Korea. Baby V.O.X, like many K-pop groups, has gone through several image makeovers through the years. However, although they focused on a cuter image for their second album (apparent in their music video and performances for the second album's lead single "야야야" (Ya Ya Ya)), the group was always seen as the more mature and sexier Korean girl group. As older, sexier images were more widely received by the Korean public, Baby V.O.X's success continued.
In 2002, Baby V.O.X released a greatest hits album as their "5.5"th, featuring two CDs of dance music and one of ballads, with a VCD of their music videos included. One of the new songs on the album, "우연" (Uyeon), was a great success, and Baby V.O.X managed to perform it on the network music shows for almost the whole summer. The single's success was sustained by the Latin remix of the single, which fit in with popular tastes at the time. It was also during this time that the group found fame outside of Korea; they were successful in China and Thailand with this album and single.
In spring of 2003, Baby V.O.X released their 6th album, a feat achieved by very few Korean pop groups. They even released a photo album that was purported to have semi-nude images of the girls (with 윤은혜 (Yoon Eun Hye) unable to participate due to her being underage), causing some controversy, but it faded as the image content was found to be hyped up by the media. However, this was also when Baby V.O.X's luck started to change. Although their singles "나 어떡해" (Na Eotteokhae) and "바램" (Baraem) were popular, album sales were lower than usual. In addition, performances appeared to be lackluster, especially with the latter single, as it was not promoted for a long time; this may be attributed to the fact that members have stated that they did not like this album's concept.
Their seventh and last album 'Ride West', released in April 2004, featured songs in English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, as well as appearances by well-known American hip hop artists, such as 2Pac and Jennifer Lopez, although 2Pac's "appearance" is a freestyle rap that he recorded while in prison. This album was proclaimed to be what catapulted Baby V.O.X into the international spotlight, hence the English single. In fact, the music video for the album's feature song, "Xcstasy", was done in English, featuring expensive luxury vehicles and well-dressed, highly preened divas, apparently in emulation of the "Bling bling" style of hip-hop videos popular in the United States during the late 1990s and early 2000s. They performed in this style as well, with sexy dance moves and provocative clothing, seen as a bit extreme in conservative Korea. However, this release was accompanied by much controversy. There was first the issue as to whether their managing group, DR Music, could legally use 2Pac's material in the recording, with 2Pac's repesentatives claiming that DR did not have authorization. Eventually, the group stopped performing the single. A second single, "Play", featuring Jennifer Lopez, was promoted for a short while, but sales were lower than previous albums.
The slow implosion of Baby V.O.X continued in 2005. As their contract was up by the end of 2004, fans wondered whether Baby V.O.X would stay together. 심은진 (Shim Eunjin) decided that she would not, because she did not agree with the group's image and direction, and was the first to leave the group (in order to pursue a solo career). She was followed by 윤은혜 (Yoon Eun Hye), who initially renewed her contract but left it in order to pursue an acting career, which so far has been quite successful (as evidenced by her hit drama Goong). Baby V.O.X continued for a while as a threesome, doing some promotional activities outside of Korea, with their record company promising that Baby V.O.X would continue. However, as the months passed on, so did the members. 김이지 (Kim Eiji, also known as Kim E-Z) left sometime in early 2006 (to pursue acting), with 간미연 (Kan Miyoun) also leaving (and signing a solo deal on another label). 이희진 (Lee Heejin) was the only remaining Baby V.O.X member, and she also left DR Music to pursue a career in acting. However, DR Music eventually created a spinoff group called Baby V.O.X Re.v. This group made its debut in January, visiting various countries; the group's first single is "Shee".
What Can I Do
Baby V.O.X Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Given I'll fantasize
Realize that this way to react
Is just 20 years of dishes and dirt
Dishes and dirt
Despite my concoctions of flowers and walk talks
Heavenly you attack
Just 20 years of killing house flies
Killing house flies
Getting the dark colour out of the white shirts
Momma has taught her well as a young girl
But I can see the lust behind her eyes
What can I do for you this time
What can I do?
What can I do?
What can I do?
My new little girlfriend is like a damn whirlwind
Leaving me in the dust
Love her all the way, we look at each other
Wake in the morning, we gotta go to work
Gotta go to work
Now she's on the rebound
Kids are on the playground
Daddy is a piece of shit
Got a damn truck, don't keep her waiting
I can hear her calling, I gotta get back
I gotta get back
Getting the dark colour out of my white shirts
Momma has taught her well as a young girl
But I can see the lust behind her eyes
What can I do for you this time
What can I do for you this time
What can I do?
What can I do?
What can I do?
The lyrics of Baby V.O.X's song "What Can I Do" depict a conflicted and complicated relationship. The singer is caught in a situation where they feel aware of their partner's deceitfulness and questionable actions. The first verse suggests that the singer has settled for reasons and disregarded their suspicions. They acknowledge that their reaction to the situation is influenced by years of dealing with problems and hardships. The reference to "dishes and dirt" symbolizes the repetitive and mundane nature of their relationship struggles.
The second verse portrays a lover who is both affectionate and deceitful. The singer mentions their partner's attacks, which could be emotional or verbal, despite their attempts to create a peaceful and loving atmosphere. The line about "killing house flies" can be seen as a metaphor for dealing with small, annoying issues within the relationship for many years.
The chorus, "What can I do?" is a plea from the singer to understand their role in this complicated relationship. It reflects their confusion and powerlessness in trying to navigate the situation. Additionally, the chorus is repeated three times in a row, emphasizing the desperation and frustration the singer feels.
Overall, the lyrics of "What Can I Do" delve into the complexities of a troubled relationship where trust and loyalty are questioned. The singer is torn between their desire to make things work and their realization that their partner may not have their best interests at heart.
Line by Line Meaning
Settle for reasons, void your suspicions
Accept and be content with the reasons given, disregarding any doubts or suspicions
Given I'll fantasize
Even though I'll imagine and daydream
Realize that this way to react
Understand that this is the way I choose to respond
Is just 20 years of dishes and dirt
Is simply the accumulation of mundane chores and difficulties over the span of 20 years
Despite my concoctions of flowers and walk talks
In spite of my efforts to create romantic gestures and engage in heartfelt conversations
Heavenly you attack
You assail me with heavenly beauty and allure
I hear you might say, telling some lies
I hear that you might say things that aren't truthful
Just 20 years of killing house flies
Simply 20 years of dealing with small annoyances and troubles
Getting the dark colour out of the white shirts
Removing stains and impurities from white shirts
Momma has taught her well as a young girl
Her mother has instilled in her valuable lessons and skills since she was a young girl
But I can see the lust behind her eyes
However, I can perceive the desire and passion hidden in her gaze
What can I do for you this time
What actions or gestures can I perform to satisfy your current needs or desires
My new little girlfriend is like a damn whirlwind
My recent girlfriend is incredibly dynamic and unpredictable
Leaving me in the dust
Leaving me behind and surpassing me
Love her all the way, we look at each other
We deeply love each other, and our gazes express this affection
Wake in the morning, we gotta go to work
When we wake up in the morning, we have the responsibility to go to work
Now she's on the rebound
Now she is recovering from a previous relationship
Kids are on the playground
Children are playing on the playground
Daddy is a piece of shit
Her father is an unpleasant or worthless person
Got a damn truck, don't keep her waiting
He has a truck and should not keep her waiting
I can hear her calling, I gotta get back
I can hear her calling for me, so I must return
What can I do for you this time
What actions or gestures can I perform to satisfy your current needs or desires
What can I do for you this time
What actions or gestures can I perform to satisfy your current needs or desires
What can I do for you this time
What actions or gestures can I perform to satisfy your current needs or desires
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Hendrik Reitsma
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Eros Hawj
This is one of my many favorites from a baby vox.
caia⁷.
thanks to your channel, i've been able to get into 1st gen kpop😌
OldschoolKpopLyrics
Aw glad to hear, that was the goal of this channel ☺️
이니 S
@OldschoolKpopLyrics 두통, 치통, 생리통에 게보린
Thz Tan
The 1st song that make me goes into Kpop since 2003 :)
Annie Sol
i really love this baby vox song when I was a child i just thinking of it as a disco song, but now that i've read the English lyrics, i didn't that this was so heavy.
éris
the intro of this song is so nostalgic
Thz Tan
Agree
Salo Covers
CERTIFIED BOP!!!!!!!!!!
I'm so glad you're back :)
OldschoolKpopLyrics
Always glad to see your comments 😄