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.
David
noso Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On a church pew, he sits alone
Handsome and suave
But sad when she does
The girls all swarm him
Like moths to a light
Sandy hair
All American boy
With a gorgeous pointy nose
She watches him
Pinching her own
I wanna be serene and blank
Like David
I wanna be a dream
With girls all over me
Community pool
She reads in the shade with her mom
He's on guard
They drown to be held by him
She stares at the sun
To make her eyes hazel
Just like his
Her tears burn
While he turns to gold
I wanna be serene and blank
Like David
I wanna be a dream
With girls all over me
I wanna be serene and blank
Like David
I wanna be a dream
With girls all over me
I wanna be serene and blank
Like David
I wanna be a dream
With girls all over me
I wanna be serene and blank
Like David
I wanna be a dream
With girls all over me
The lyrics of Nosaj Thing's song "David" appear to be about a male character who is highly desirable to women but is emotionally unattainable. The singer, presumably a female, observes this man from a distance and wishes to embody his unemotional state. The opening lines "Look him in the eyes, On a church pew, he sits alone" sets the tone for the song. It suggests that this person is not a part of a larger community and his isolation is further highlighted when it is revealed that he is being observed from afar. The second verse describes how the girls are drawn towards him but he remains sad because of a particular woman. She secretly wishes to be noticed by him and become one of the many women chasing after him.
The third verse provides a faint hint of romantic chemistry between the singer and the man in question in a setting around a community pool. However, this connection is never given a chance to blossom, since the singer is reduced to tears at the unattainability of this man. The repetition of the line "I wanna be serene and blank like David, I wanna be a dream with girls all over me" emphasizes the longing that the singer feels and desires to be like the unapproachable and alluring David.
Overall, "David" is a beautifully written and composed song with a bittersweet sentiment. It examines the desire to be emotionally detached and desired, and the pain that comes from unrequited love.
Line by Line Meaning
Look him in the eyes
Directly face him and meet his gaze
On a church pew, he sits alone
He is sitting by himself on a bench in a church
Handsome and suave
He is attractive and debonair
But sad when she does
However, he is upset when she is not around
The girls all swarm him
The females flock to him
Like moths to a light
Like insects drawn to illumination
Sandy hair
His hair color resembles sand
With waves you could ride
His locks are wavy and voluminous
All American boy
He embodies the ideal American young man
With a gorgeous pointy nose
His nose is attractively sharp and defined
She watches him
She looks at him intently
Pinching her own
She is painfully aware of her longing for him
I wanna be serene and blank
I desire a state of peace and emptiness
Like David
Similar to the character named David
I wanna be a dream
I aspire to be a surreal fantasy
With girls all over me
Surrounded by many female admirers
Community pool
A public swimming pool
She reads in the shade with her mom
She sits in a spot with less sun and reads with her mother
He's on guard
He's attentive and watchful
They drown to be held by him
The females yearn to be embraced by him
She stares at the sun
She looks directly at the sun
To make her eyes hazel
In order to alter her iris color to a light brown
Just like his
Similar to his eye color
Her tears burn
Her crying is stinging and painful
While he turns to gold
While he becomes even more desirable and sought-after
Writer(s): Abby Hwong
Contributed by Peyton C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@torreykat
The lines "Gorgeous pointy nose" "pinching her own" hit hard. When I was 6 I pinched my nose with pliers for an hour because I was told it would "fix" my "flat" Korean nose by a well meaning neighbor girl.
It's a really raw memory I hadn't thought of in a long time. A very particular kind of experience. ❤️
@devonmckenna
this chorus is TOO GOOD
@davidmace3310
We play this song at the bookstore where I work. Luv it.
@papayapanic4206
Just found this and I am SO GLAD I DID! Such a great song
@nicolel8486
Love this song!! :) Was great to see NoSo live at MHOW as well!!! :) awesome show.
@NeverHopeless100
Much love from a fellow nb musician from Argentina! ♥
@chanchalvlogswitheducation2704
NoSo
@felixcoyleskzstories
Your voice is so angelic
@shiftybat7318
Getting strong Methyl Ethel vibes here. Hopefully that means you will have huge output and become quite well-known! Everyone who liked this song should now go watch their performance on KEXP.
@bestbeatstoreacid
THIS TRACK IS ON MY REPITE! 🔥🔥🔥