Welcome to the 21st article in our series, “K-Pop Lyrics Explained”, where we take a look at the lyrics to some of your favorite songs. From new releases to old classics, OSTs to non-Korean songs, we’ve got all the bases covered. If you’d like to request a song to be featured in this series, leave a comment below!
You can find all of our “K-Pop Lyrics Explained” articles in one place by clicking here!
This week we’re diving deep into Purple Kiss’ new title track ‘Nerdy’ from their latest mini-album “Geekyland”. As the name suggests, Purple Kiss brings us the nerd anthem in this comeback, and it couldn’t get any cooler.
Musically, ‘Nerdy’ is bringing out Halloween vibes with its incredibly catchy melody, combined with the group’s signature strong vocals and rapping. The music video follows a similar nerve where the members transform into scary witches for mischief. However, the song’s lyrics tell an entirely different story.
Keep reading for our explanation of ‘Nerdy’ by Purple Kiss!
purple kiss twitter
Right off the bat, the message Purple Kiss intends to convey comes through loud and clear from the very first verse. The girls start by listing some of the most recognizable aesthetic markers of a nerdy person – oversized clothes that prioritize comfort and round glasses for reading, gaming or other hobbies. However, they are not presented as stereotypes because Purple Kiss are proudly claiming them.
“My shirt, size large, my sweatshirt which is a little baggy. / OOTD, my round glasses?! / Yes, I’m a Nerd, I’m a stubborn freak / But we’ll take it all“
For those who don’t know, a “nerd” is defined in the Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries as “Sense: a person who is boring, stupid, and unfashionable“. Other descriptives include “socially boring“, “unsophisticated“, It is “strange“. However, someone who identifies as a nerd would tell you that there is much more than meets the eye and that is exactly what Purple Kiss highlights.
“Okay, I’m a nerd / But I’m not stupid so what / Na na ni nanina / I love myself“
A term that is often used disparagingly is being redefined by Purple Kiss to encourage fans to express pride in their own interests, no matter how obscure, unconventional or, in some cases, mainstream. Purple Kiss is telling you to be proud of what you love and show it to the world, regardless of society’s opinion.
It’s worth noting here that this is especially relevant in the context of K-Pop. Even in this day and age, when K-Pop is the biggest cultural force in the world, it’s quite common to be shamed and belittled for being a K-Pop fan.
I’ve seen so many tweets lately about kpop fans eating alone in the bathroom instead of the cafeteria or fans not putting photocards in their phone cases so they won’t be disturbed. So I’m wondering, have you ever been bullied for liking kpop?
— chris⁷ (@93DI0R) February 7, 2020
Purple Kiss is reminding “nerds” around the world to be confident in who they are and love themselves for it. You don’t need anyone’s approval to do what you love. Being different is cool. Who wants to be sheep anyway? Bullies who spend their time and energy putting someone down for what they like are the pitiful ones in reality. (“You make fun of me / You make me cool”). The clever callback to another song on this EP, ‘Bye Bye Bully’ doesn’t go unnoticed either. (“Bully bully bye bye“).
“Who cares what you think? / I just like what I like / I don’t mind playing alone”
This song is dedicated to anyone who has ever been humiliated for what makes them happy, and Purple Kiss empowers them to stand up for themselves and step into their own glory. Now, that’s what we call true role models.
purple kiss twitter
Without a doubt, Purple Kiss is bringing a much-needed air of change to the K-Pop industry, constantly evolving into a force to be reckoned with. Their music is what this generation needs, and they are fulfilling their role to the fullest.
What’s your favorite song from “Geekyland”? Tell us in the comments section below!
