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.
I Love The Mountains
noso Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The ASB president watching me change
I tried really hard in badminton
′Cause I fucking love badminton
Nobody knew me but I was always listening
Mormon girl Carol
With the steady boyfriend
We're gonna take the long way home
There was an effect, I know it′s true
I love the mountains and I miss high school
I love the mountains and I miss high school
Fast food parking lots
Reading terrible homemade poetry
We mosey to Silverlake
Gliding down a slanted street
Meet new people smoke their stash, they're really nice
And they call me a friend
Weird art party
An abandoned American Apparel factory
We climb up to the rooftop
Cloudy shadows hovering
I'm swimming and waving to those who
Sit on the fire escape
Mormon girl Carol
With the steady boyfriend
Who lives in Oregon
We′re gonna take the long way home
There was an effect, I know it′s true
I love the mountains and I miss high school
I love the mountains and I miss high school
The first verse of noso's "I Love the Mountains" describes a nostalgic feeling of reminiscing on high school days. The singer reminisces about their experiences in gym class, specifically mentioning the ASB (Associated Student Body) president watching them change. The singer highlights their passion for badminton, calling attention to the fact that they worked hard at it. Despite feeling unnoticed by their peers, the singer always listened. The singer then mentions a Mormon girl named Carol who had a steady boyfriend in Oregon, referencing a specific individual from their high school days. The two plan to take the long way home, which could signify a desire to prolong their time together in this moment of nostalgia. The singer then acknowledges an effect that they attribute to high school: the love for mountains.
In the second verse, the singer describes their experiences after high school. They hang out in fast food parking lots, read terrible homemade poetry, and then travel to Silverlake. There, they meet new people and share a smoke. The singer feels welcomed, calling them a friend. They then attend a weird art party at an abandoned American Apparel factory where they climb up to the rooftop. The imagery of "cloudy shadows hovering" could represent a sense of uncertainty about this new phase of life. Despite this uncertainty, the singer still feels joy and connection when they wave to those sitting on a fire escape. They then return to the mention of Carol and the love for mountains that they credit to their high school days.
Overall, the song paints a picture of nostalgia and a desire to relive the moments of high school. The singer longs for the simplicity and connections of those times, attributing their appreciation for nature to that time period. The lyrics seem to suggest a sense of longing for an earlier time, while also recognizing the joy and freedom that comes with new experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
Yes I liked gym class
I enjoyed participating in physical education class
The ASB president watching me change
The student body president observed me while I changed clothes
I tried really hard in badminton
I put forth a lot of effort in playing badminton
′Cause I fucking love badminton
I really enjoy playing badminton
Nobody knew me but I was always listening
I wasn't well-known but I paid attention to everything around me
Mormon girl Carol
A girl named Carol who is Mormon
With the steady boyfriend
Has a committed partner
Who lives in Oregon
Resides in the state of Oregon
We're gonna take the long way home
We plan to travel a longer route to get back home
There was an effect, I know it's true
There was an impact or influence, I am sure of it
I love the mountains and I miss high school
I have a strong affection for the mountains and I feel nostalgic about my high school experience
Fast food parking lots
Parking areas near fast food establishments
Reading terrible homemade poetry
Reading poorly written poems created by amateurs
We mosey to Silverlake
We casually stroll towards Silverlake
Gliding down a slanted street
Traveling down a sloped road effortlessly
Meet new people smoke their stash, they're really nice
Meeting unfamiliar individuals and smoking their marijuana supply, they were very friendly
And they call me a friend
They refer to me as a friend
Weird art party
A strange art gathering
An abandoned American Apparel factory
A deserted American Apparel manufacturing plant
We climb up to the rooftop
We ascend to the top of the building
Cloudy shadows hovering
Obscure shades looming
I'm swimming and waving to those who
I am swimming and greeting those who
Sit on the fire escape
Are seated on the emergency exit stairs
Contributed by Carter G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@mayabendavid1859
Your music is brilliant and soothing, I hope you'll get the recognition you deserve ♥
@vyampire
Im addicted to your music
Thank you for existing ❤️
@romitblues6706
❤❤❤❤❤
@gargafc
Awesome song, muy buena
@Wailn_
Beautiful sound
@vanillacandy3996
Instagram algorithm worked in yer favor 🥰
@cornsauce5807
Sooooooo good! Would love to see you and Chance Peña collab i think your styles are similar