“So Cynical (Badum)” by LE SSERAFIM

🎵 Song Details

📝 Lyric-by-Lyric Breakdown & Meaning

[Intro]

Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-dum
The repeating “Ba-ba-ba” sounds serve as an introductory hook, providing a rhythmic base that sets the catchy and energetic tone for the track. It immediately draws the listener in with its playful and repetitive melody.

[Verse 1: Kim Chaewon, Kazuha]

모른 척해, 유난이야 넌 왜?
“You pretend not to know, why are you acting extra?”
This opening line suggests a feeling of emotional confusion. One person seems to be avoiding acknowledgment of their feelings, acting distant or detached.

우린 어느새 심장이 뛰는데
“Before we knew it, our hearts started racing.”
This highlights the uncontrollable nature of emotions. The connection between the two is deepening, even though one party is not fully acknowledging it.

That L-O-V-E 말로만 들었지
“That L-O-V-E, I’ve only heard of it in words.”
This line reflects doubt about love, suggesting that the character hasn’t fully experienced or understood love beyond just hearing about it.

사랑은 fictional 이럴 줄은 몰랐어
“Love is fictional, I didn’t know it would turn out this way.”
There’s a disillusionment with love—the idealized version of it seems far removed from reality, and the situation feels almost like a fantasy or illusion.

[Pre-Chorus: Huh Yunjin, Hong Eunchae, Sakura, Kim Chaewon]

한 손으론 tapping on it twice
“Tapping on it twice with one hand.”
This could represent nervousness or hesitation, as the act of tapping on something could symbolize indecision or emotional conflict.

표정은 왜 try to hide?
“Why do you try to hide your expression?”
This suggests that one person is trying to conceal their feelings—they’re conflicted and unsure about showing their true emotions.

‘좋아요’ 그 세 글자의 말 / 말로 하면 so uncool
“‘Like’—those three words / It feels so uncool when spoken.”
Here, the phrase “좋아요” (meaning “like”) is used, but the speaker finds it insincere or cliched when it’s said verbally. The speaker implies that actions speak louder than words.

서둘러 다 놓치기 전에 / 때론 과감한 게 나아
“Before everything slips away, sometimes it’s better to be bold.”
This encourages seizing the moment and being decisive rather than letting the opportunity pass by. There’s a push for bold action in love rather than hesitation.

의심하지 마, you and I / Right this moment
“Don’t doubt, you and I / Right this moment.”
A plea to stop questioning the connection between them and to live in the present, enjoying what they have without second-guessing it.

[Chorus: Huh Yunjin, Kazuha]

I want your lo-lo-lo-loving
“I want your lo-lo-lo-loving.”
This is a direct expression of desire—the repetition of “lo-lo-lo” gives the lyric an infectious, rhythmic quality, emphasizing longing for the other person’s love.

아닌 척 좀 그만하자
“Stop pretending it’s not happening.”
This line highlights the games people play when they’re unsure about their feelings. The speaker urges the other person to stop pretending and to acknowledge the attraction between them.

Wa-wa-wa-want it
The repetition here intensifies the sense of desire and urgency. The use of “want it” further emphasizes the need for the other person to reciprocate.

서로가 원하잖아, that
“We both want it, that.”
This line is a realization that both individuals are on the same page and that their feelings are mutual—despite any hesitation.

심장은 kno-no-no-nocking / 네게도 들리잖아
“The heart is knocking, you can hear it too.”
The knocking heart symbolizes the rapid beating of their hearts due to excitement or nervousness in the moment. It’s a vivid metaphor for the intensity of their feelings.

너 lo-lo-lo-loving / 그만 두려워하자 like
“You, lo-lo-lo-loving / Let’s stop being afraid like.”
They acknowledge the mutual attraction and encourage the other person to stop being fearful and to embrace the connection.

[Verse 2: Kazuha, Hong Eunchae]

Replay old days, 그땐 나도 so afraid
“Replay old days, back then I was also so afraid.”
This line reflects regret or nostalgia for past times when the speaker was afraid of love and connection, perhaps due to fear of vulnerability.

다칠까 봐 닫힌 내 심장은 so blue
“My heart closed off, so blue, afraid of getting hurt.”
The speaker reveals how fear of being hurt in the past led to emotional closure and sadness (blue).

너도 time to make a choice, 결정 앞에 don’t avoid
“You too, it’s time to make a choice, don’t avoid the decision.”
Here, the speaker urges the other person to make a choice and stop avoiding the decision, reinforcing the need for commitment.

딴청 피우지 말고, what you waiting for?
“Stop pretending, what are you waiting for?”
This line is a challenge, pushing the other person to stop playing games and face the reality of their feelings.

[Post-Chorus: Kazuha, Kim Chaewon, Huh Yunjin]

So cynical, 이젠 그만할래
“So cynical, I’m done with it now.”
This line reflects frustration with the skepticism or doubts surrounding the relationship. The speaker is now ready to stop being cynical and open up.

두려워 마, if your heart is beating
“Don’t be afraid, if your heart is beating.”
A reassuring line, telling the other person that if they can feel their heart racing (indicating attraction), then they shouldn’t be afraid to act on it.

So cynical, 망설이면 too late
“So cynical, if you hesitate, it’s too late.”
Here, the song warns that hesitation might lead to missed opportunities, pushing for immediate action and less second-guessing.

너-너와 glowing
“You and me, glowing.”
This line symbolizes the radiance or connection they feel when they’re together, highlighting the emotional intensity and positivity of the relationship.

[Outro]

Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-dum
The outro repeats the catchy hook, leaving the listener with a sense of continuity and rhythm, bringing the song back to its energetic, almost hypnotic beat.

💕 Themes & Symbolism

❓ FAQs

❓ What does “So Cynical” mean in the context of the song?

“So Cynical” represents the emotional hesitation and doubt the characters experience. It signifies their skepticism about love and relationships, but by the end of the song, they choose to stop being cynical and take a chance on love.

❓ What do the “ba-ba-ba” and “badum” sounds represent?

The “ba-ba-ba” and “badum” sounds are used to create a rhythmic and catchy hook, adding to the playful and energetic vibe of the song. They act as a musical motif throughout, enhancing the song’s lightheartedness despite the underlying emotional themes.

❓ How does the song handle the theme of vulnerability?

The song explores vulnerability through the internal conflict of the speakers, who are afraid to fully open up due to the potential of getting hurt. Ultimately, they decide that embracing the connection is worth the risk, symbolizing growth in their emotional journey.

❓ Why do they keep saying “I want your lo-lo-lo-loving”?

The repetition of “I want your lo-lo-lo-loving” emphasizes the strong desire and mutual attraction between the two individuals. It’s an energetic and urgent expression of their feelings.

❓ What is the significance of the “glowing” in the post-chorus?

The word “glowing” signifies the positive energy and radiance that comes with a mutual connection. It represents how the two individuals feel when they let go of their fears and embrace their bond.

✅ Conclusion

“So Cynical (Badum)” by LE SSERAFIM is a dynamic K-pop track that blends playful rhythms with emotional depth. The song explores themes of love, vulnerability, and the internal struggle between fear and desire. Through catchy hooks, energetic beats, and emotional lyrics, the track pushes for self-acceptance and the decision to embrace love despite the cynicism and hesitation that often accompany it. The repetitive elements of the song reinforce the feeling of urgency and desire, making it both memorable and relatable for listeners.