My Pace
Stray Kids
Embracing Your Own Journey with Stray Kids' 'My Pace'
Stray Kids' song 'My Pace' is an anthem of self-acceptance and the importance of following one's own path at one's own speed. The lyrics express the common human experience of comparing oneself to others and feeling inadequate or left behind. The repeated phrase 'na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na' serves as a catchy hook that emphasizes the message of the song: to stay focused on one's own journey without getting distracted by others' progress.
The song addresses the pressure to conform to societal expectations and the anxiety that comes with constant comparison. Stray Kids encourage listeners to reject these comparisons, as they are meaningless ('비교 따윈 의미 없잖아'). They remind us that moving at 'my pace' is okay, and that being first or fastest isn't what's important—it's about staying true to oneself and one's goals ('나의 길을 따라, my lane'). The message is clear: take your time, don't rush, and don't let the pace of others dictate your own progress.
'My Pace' also touches on the uncertainty of the future ('난 아직 나의 목적지가 어디인지는 몰라'). Despite not knowing where the finish line is or what it will look like, the song encourages perseverance and focus on the present path. The refrain to not look to the side but to remember 'my speed, my lane, my pace' serves as a powerful reminder to maintain self-awareness and confidence in one's own journey, regardless of external pressures.