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.
In Your Mind
noso Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Cartoon intros
Islands are cold
But dissolve
Your weary eyes
Cloudy gaze
And the way
It was never your laugh
You gripped my arm to dance
Thought I found light
I was too unaware
That week
I′m a fool for hoping
Maybe
The world could try
I know you fight and lose
In your mind
I'll wait
Tighten your fist
To the one
Fire shrieks in your sense
Burns to a numb smile
Clench my breath
As you gasp for innocence
They joke and sing
But you tremble in defense
That week
I′m a fool for hoping
Maybe
The world could try
'Cause I know you fight and lose
In your mind
In Nosso's song "In Your Mind," the lyrics paint a picture of a complicated and possibly toxic relationship. The song opens with striking imagery of "falling," "plain," and "blue" crowds suggesting a sense of emptiness and loneliness. The reference to "cartoon intros" adds a layer of nostalgia and longing for simpler times. The line "islands are cold but dissolve" may indicate that the two people in the relationship are isolated from the rest of the world, but their connection is tenuous and fragile.
The second verse explores the tension in the relationship more deeply. The lyric "your weary eyes, cloudy gaze" creates a sense of sadness and detachment. The hand graze is a small moment of physical contact that suggests a deeper intimacy, but it is fleeting. The next lines suggest that the singer was hoping for something more substantial, but they were oblivious to the reality of the situation. The metaphor of "finding light" implies that the singer was looking for clarity or direction, but they were unable to see the truth of the situation.
The chorus of the song is a plea for understanding and empathy. The line "I know you fight and lose in your mind" suggests that the other person in the relationship is struggling with mental health issues, and the singer is trying to be supportive. However, the repetition of the phrase "that week" indicates that this is a cyclical pattern, and the singer feels powerless to help. The final lines of the song are a vivid description of the other person's pain and the singer's reaction to it. The metaphor of "fire shrieks in your sense" suggests intense emotional pain, and the line "clench my breath" implies that the singer is struggling to cope with their own feelings.
Line by Line Meaning
Fall, plain, blue crowds
The depressing and plain feeling of falling into a sea of blue crowds.
Cartoon intros
The superficial and unrealistic expectations set by media and entertainment.
Islands are cold
The loneliness and isolation felt when detached from others.
But dissolve
Despite the coldness, the barriers between us can dissolve.
Your weary eyes
The exhaustion and pain you try to hide in your eyes.
Cloudy gaze
The unclear and hazy vision of the world due to internal struggles.
And the way
The small gestures and actions that reveal vulnerabilities.
Your hand grazed mine
The physical touch that reveals a deeper connection.
It was never your laugh
The realization that what drew me to you was not your happiness.
You gripped my arm to dance
The brief moment of joy and release from struggles in dancing together.
Thought I found light
The hope that I could help you find happiness and peace.
I was too unaware
The regret over not recognizing how deep your struggles were.
That week
The brief moment of hope amidst ongoing struggles.
I'm a fool for hoping
The acknowledgement of the naivety of hoping for change.
Maybe
The small chance that the world could be different.
The world could try
The call for society to make an effort to support those struggling.
I know you fight and lose
The understanding that even when trying to heal, setbacks happen.
In your mind
The internal battles that can't be seen from the outside.
I'll wait
The commitment to support and wait for you despite the struggles.
Tighten your fist
The physical tension and pain felt when struggling with mental health.
To the one
The struggle and battle with oneself.
Fire shrieks in your sense
The overwhelming and painful emotions consuming you from within.
Burns to a numb smile
The forced, numb smile masking inner pain.
Clench my breath
The fear and anxiety felt when someone you care for is struggling.
As you gasp for innocence
The desire to return to an innocent and carefree time in life.
They joke and sing
The insensitivity of those around you who don't understand your struggles.
But you tremble in defense
The emotional and physical defense mechanisms when feeling attacked or misunderstood.
Writer(s): Abigail Eunsur Hwong
Contributed by Muhammad Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@PequnaSol
Always love finding new artists and listening to their songs on repeat! 😁👍
@instrumentaali
I heard this at an H&M today and had to look it up right away! So good.
@Kez_74
Been listening on repeat since I heard it tonight on the radio! Big love from the UK 💜
@soupbug
genuinely amazing wtf
@merediths.693
This is actually incredible
@Wailn_
Sweet song dude!
@pgplanas
I had to Shazam this song today at the mall. Amazing... can't get it out of my head. Definitely on my lists now.
@maem.villocino3206
OMG me too!! Was in H&M when I heard it
@elleswickhart2588
@@maem.villocino3206 so was I!! Had to Shazam it today in H&M and it’s been stuck in my head since
@franc7s.
THE AESTHETIC OF THIS I’m in love