Noir (누아르)

SUNMI's song 'Noir' delves into the complexities and inevitable downfall of a toxic relationship. The term 'noir' itself, borrowed from the film genre known for its dark, cynical themes, sets the tone for the entire song. The lyrics describe a relationship that is stuck in a repetitive cycle of misunderstandings and missed connections. The opening lines, '왜 늘 엇갈리는 거야 / 걸음은 한 발짝 느려,' highlight the constant misalignment between the two individuals, suggesting that no matter how hard they try, they can never seem to get on the same page.

The chorus, 'We are in noir / 이제 없어 너와 / We are in noir / 이제 그만 놔,' emphasizes the realization that the relationship is doomed to fail. The repeated use of 'noir' underscores the dark, inevitable end that both parties seem to be aware of but are reluctant to face. The phrase '이제 그만 놔' (let go now) serves as a plea for release from this toxic cycle, acknowledging that continuing would only lead to more pain and suffering.

SUNMI's use of metaphors and vivid imagery, such as 'I feel so high / 흐릿해져 하나 둘 셋 / Now I’m blind,' conveys the emotional highs and subsequent disillusionment that come with such a relationship. The song also critiques the clichéd nature of these doomed romances, as seen in the lines '봤잖아 그러다 / 제일 먼저 피 보는 클리셰,' suggesting that these patterns are all too familiar and predictable. Ultimately, 'Noir' is a poignant exploration of the dark allure and inevitable demise of a toxic relationship, wrapped in SUNMI's signature style of introspective and evocative storytelling.