NOT!

Stray Kids' song "NOT!" delves into the theme of individuality versus societal conformity. The lyrics begin by questioning the notion that people are inherently different, only to reveal the pressure to conform to societal expectations. The line "Us brainwashed into the same system" suggests a critique of how society molds individuals to fit a certain mold, stripping away their uniqueness. This pressure for perfection leaves little room for true self-expression and individuality.

The turning point in the song comes when the narrator sees their reflection and realizes the truth has been hidden from them. This moment of self-realization is described as a "glitch," a sudden disruption in the system that allows the narrator to see things clearly. The lyrics in Korean further emphasize the confusion and internal struggle, with phrases like "여긴 어딜까 내가 누굴까 난 내가 아니야" (Where am I? Who am I? I am not myself). This existential questioning leads to a powerful awakening, where the narrator decides to break free from the constraints imposed by society.

The chorus, "난 내가 아니야" (I am not myself), is a declaration of this newfound awareness. The narrator acknowledges that they have been holding onto a false identity and now seeks to escape from this mental prison. The imagery of a "temple" in their mind and the need to "깨야 하는 tempo" (break the flow) signifies the struggle to reclaim their true self. The song concludes with a hopeful note, as the narrator envisions a light becoming clearer as they close their eyes, symbolizing the clarity and freedom that comes with self-discovery.