SWIPE
ITZY
Empowerment and Boundaries: ITZY's Anthem of Self-Respect
ITZY's song 'SWIPE' is a powerful declaration of self-respect and personal boundaries. The lyrics convey a strong message about rejecting unwanted advances and maintaining one's individuality. The repeated phrase 'Swipe, swipe, swipe' symbolizes the act of dismissing or moving past someone who doesn't respect personal space or autonomy. This metaphor of 'swiping' is reminiscent of the action on dating apps, where one can easily reject potential matches, emphasizing the ease and decisiveness with which the protagonist chooses to move on.
The song addresses the frustration of dealing with someone who becomes increasingly controlling and intrusive. Lines like '처음엔 안 그러더니 갈수록 간섭이 늘어가 너' (At first, you weren't like this, but you became more interfering) highlight the growing discomfort and the need to break free from such constraints. The protagonist asserts their independence by rejecting attempts to change their style or behavior, as seen in '옷차림 말투가 뭐가 어때 뭐 네가 좋아하는 style이 일도 I don’t understand' (What's wrong with my clothes and speech? I don't understand your style at all).
Cultural references to modern dating and communication are evident throughout the song. The constant ringing of the phone and the protagonist's decision to ignore it ('I don’t need it 지금 네 전화벨') reflect the digital age's challenges, where personal boundaries can be easily overstepped. The song's upbeat tempo and assertive lyrics create an empowering anthem for anyone who has felt pressured to conform or compromise their values. ITZY's 'SWIPE' encourages listeners to prioritize their well-being and confidently say 'next' to anything or anyone that doesn't respect their individuality.