The song "Not Shy" by ITZY is an upbeat and empowering track that emphasizes self-confidence and fearlessness. The lyrics speak to the idea that the members of the group are unafraid to express their desires and aim to break free from societal expectations.
The song opens with an introduction, where Yuna, Chaeryeong, and Ryujin sing the lines "Not shy, not me, Nan da wonhae dada." This establishes the central theme of the song: the members of ITZY are unapologetically themselves and are not shy about expressing their desires and wants. "Da wonhae dada" translates to "I want, I like" in Korean, further emphasizing their determination to pursue what they desire.
In the first verse, Lia, Yeji, Ryujin, and Chaeryeong take turns singing. They assert their need for quick action and express the frustration they feel when they cannot get what they want immediately. The line "Nan ppallippalli wonhaneun geol malhae" means "I say I want it quickly" in English. They question why they need to wait and justify their impatience by stating that time shouldn't be wasted. This conveys a sense of urgency and determination in pursuing their desires.
The pre-chorus adds to the narrative by highlighting their confidence and their self-awareness. They claim their strong connection to their own feelings and thoughts, asserting that they know what they want. The lines "Nae mameun nae geo geureonikka, Joahandago jayunikka" mean "My heart is mine, I like it, and it's unique" in English. This demonstrates their belief in their individuality and their unwavering commitment to being true to themselves.
The chorus, sung by Yeji, Chaeryeong, Ryujin, and Yuna, reaffirms their boldness and determination. They proudly declare their lack of shyness and their desire for what they want. The repetition of the phrase "Not shy, not me" emphasizes their refusal to conform and highlights their confidence in pursuing their desires without hesitation. The line "Neoreul wonhae mwo eottae 'cause I'm not shy" directly asserts their unwavering sense of self and their commitment to expressing their feelings.
In the second verse, Chaeryeong, Ryujin, Yeji, and Yuna continue to emphasize their fearlessness and confidence. They claim that they are the ones who have the power to make things happen and affirm that others will enjoy it as well. The line "Naega miwo aniramyeon biwo" means "If you don't hate, just leave" in English, suggesting that anyone who doesn't support them can simply move on. They assert their uniqueness and establish themselves as the only ones for their desired person.
The bridge, sung by Lia, Yeji, and Chaeryeong, serves as a moment of reflection, reminding listeners to embrace authenticity and confidently be themselves. The lines "Let's just be who we are, Do what we do ne mamdaero hae" convey the message of not being swayed by others' expectations and instead staying true to oneself. The beat drop signifies a shift towards empowerment and serves as a moment of release and celebration.
The final chorus, led by Yuna, Chaeryeong, Ryujin, and Yeji, reinforces the central message that they are not shy in pursuing what they desire. They confidently express their wants, demanding to be understood and refusing to compromise their desires for anyone else.
In conclusion, "Not Shy" by ITZY is a powerful anthem that encourages listeners to embrace their true selves and fearlessly pursue their desires. The song exudes confidence and defiance, emphasizing the members' determination to be unapologetically themselves. Through its catchy melody and empowering lyrics, "Not Shy" serves as a rallying cry for self-acceptance and the pursuit of personal happiness.