Lovesick Girls – BLACKPINK
“Lovesick Girls,” the hit single by BLACKPINK from their first studio album The Album (2020), is a poignant yet empowering anthem that explores the emotional complexities of love and heartbreak. Released on October 2, 2020, along with its vibrant and visually compelling music video, “Lovesick Girls” immediately captivated fans around the globe. With its infectious melody, meaningful lyrics, and cinematic video, the song blends elements of pop, EDM, and a touch of country, creating a sound that’s both refreshing and reflective of BLACKPINK’s versatility as global superstars.
The Concept of “Lovesick Girls”
At its core, “Lovesick Girls” addresses the emotional turmoil that comes with love. While the song deals with themes of heartbreak and loneliness, it simultaneously expresses resilience and the strength to move forward despite pain. Unlike many of BLACKPINK’s previous hits, which often focus on themes of empowerment, luxury, and fierce confidence, “Lovesick Girls” takes a more vulnerable approach, showcasing the emotional struggles that come with love.
The song’s chorus encapsulates the feeling of being trapped in the cycle of love and heartache: “We are the lovesick girls / You can’t end this love on your own / We are the lovesick girls / I’m nothing without this pain.” These lyrics highlight the paradox of love, where despite the heartbreak, there is an undeniable attraction to the feelings it brings, a bittersweet struggle that many can relate to.
A New Sound for BLACKPINK
Musically, “Lovesick Girls” is a departure from the hard-hitting, edgy sounds that have defined much of BLACKPINK’s discography. Produced by the group’s longtime collaborator, Teddy Park, and featuring contributions from BLACKPINK’s own Jisoo and Jennie in the songwriting process, the track introduces a more melodic, emotional tone. The song combines elements of dance-pop and EDM with acoustic guitar-driven verses, creating a sound that is both introspective and anthemic.
The blend of different genres in “Lovesick Girls” is part of what makes the track so captivating. The song opens with a gentle acoustic guitar riff, setting a wistful tone, before exploding into a chorus driven by pulsating EDM beats. This combination of soft, vulnerable moments and powerful, energetic crescendos mirrors the emotional highs and lows of a tumultuous relationship, allowing listeners to feel the song’s message on a deeper level.
The Emotional and Empowering Lyrics
The lyrics of “Lovesick Girls” delve into the theme of emotional dependence, the pain of unrequited love, and the cycle of heartache that often comes with romantic relationships. However, despite the sorrow that runs through the song, there’s a distinct sense of empowerment woven throughout the track. BLACKPINK acknowledges the pain but also embraces the freedom and personal growth that comes from these experiences.
The phrase “lovesick girls” reflects the idea of being caught in the emotional whirlwind of love, but it also represents a collective strength among those who have experienced similar pain. The song’s bridge, sung by Rosé, expresses a desire to break free from the agony of love but ultimately admits that love is something they cannot live without: “But we were born to be alone / Yeah, we were born to be alone / But why we still looking for love?” These lines capture the human longing for connection despite the inherent risks of heartbreak.
The Music Video: A Cinematic Journey Through Love
The music video for “Lovesick Girls” complements the song’s themes by presenting a cinematic portrayal of love and heartbreak. Directed by Seo Hyun Seung, the video features stunning visuals that alternate between moments of intimacy, conflict, and self-reflection. Each member of BLACKPINK—Jennie, Jisoo, Rosé, and Lisa—portrays a different aspect of the emotional journey, with scenes ranging from moments of solitude to passionate outbursts of frustration.
The video begins with the members driving a convertible through open roads, symbolizing the pursuit of freedom and escape from heartache. As the video progresses, viewers are shown a series of emotionally charged scenes: Rosé runs through the rain in anguish, Jisoo faces inner turmoil in a crowded city, Lisa struggles with anger and frustration, and Jennie experiences moments of self-reflection as she escapes to a solitary cabin. These scenes depict the emotional rollercoaster of love, illustrating both the joy and the sorrow that come with it.
Throughout the video, the contrasting imagery of light and dark, freedom and confinement, love and pain, highlights the dual nature of love as both exhilarating and tormenting. The video’s aesthetic appeal, combined with its narrative structure, offers a visually captivating experience that enhances the song’s emotional depth.
BLACKPINK’s Message of Resilience
While “Lovesick Girls” revolves around the theme of heartbreak, the overall message of the song is one of resilience. BLACKPINK does not dwell on despair but instead highlights the strength it takes to endure emotional pain and emerge stronger. This message resonated with millions of fans around the world, especially during a time when many were grappling with the uncertainty and isolation brought on by the global pandemic in 2020.
The song’s release also marked an important moment for BLACKPINK, as it was one of the few tracks on which the members actively participated in the songwriting process. Jisoo and Jennie’s involvement in writing the lyrics added a personal touch to the song, allowing the group to express their own feelings and experiences more authentically.
Commercial Success and Global Impact
“Lovesick Girls” was an immediate commercial success, topping charts in multiple countries and earning praise from critics for its emotional depth and sonic experimentation. In South Korea, the song debuted at number two on the Gaon Digital Chart, while in the United States, it peaked at number 59 on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video garnered millions of views within hours of its release, further cementing BLACKPINK’s status as one of the most influential K-pop acts in the world.
The song’s popularity also extended to international audiences, as it became a global anthem for anyone who has experienced the highs and lows of love. With its universal themes, powerful message, and infectious melody, “Lovesick Girls” transcended cultural and linguistic barriers, proving once again that music has the power to unite people across the globe.
Conclusion
BLACKPINK’s “Lovesick Girls” is a compelling exploration of love’s complexities—both its joys and its pains. The song’s blend of heartfelt lyrics, dynamic production, and captivating visuals make it a standout track in BLACKPINK’s discography. Through this song, the group shows a more vulnerable and introspective side, while still maintaining their signature strength and resilience. “Lovesick Girls” is not just a song about heartache; it’s an anthem of perseverance, reminding listeners that even in the face of love’s challenges, they can rise above and continue to seek love in all its forms.
영원한 밤
창문 없는 방에 우릴 가둔 love
What can we say
매번 아파도 외치는 love
다치고 망가져도 나
뭘 믿고 버티는 거야
어차피 떠나면 상처투성인 채로 미워하게 될걸
끝장을 보기 전 끝낼 순 없어
이 아픔을 기다린 것처럼
아마 다 잠깐 일지도 몰라
우린 무얼 찾아서 헤매는 걸까
But I don’t care I’ll do it over and over
내 세상 속엔 너만 있으면 돼
We are the lovesick girls
네 멋대로 내 사랑을 끝낼순 없어
We are the lovesick girls
이 아픔 없인 난 아무 의미가 없어
But we were born to be alone
Yeah we were born to be alone
Yeah we were born to be alone
But why we still looking for love
No love letters, no x and o’s
No love never, my exes know
No diamond rings, that set in stone
To the left, better left alone
Didn’t wanna be a princess, I’m priceless
A prince not even on my list
Love is a drug that I quit
No doctor could help when I’m lovesick
아마 다 잠깐 일지도 몰라
우린 무얼 찾아서 헤매는 걸까
불안한 내 눈빛 속에 널 담아
아프더라도 너만 있으면 돼
We are the lovesick girls
네 멋대로 내 사랑을 끝낼 순 없어
We are the lovesick girls
이 아픔 없인 난 아무 의미가 없어
But we were born to be alone
Yeah we were born to be alone
Yeah we were born to be alone
But why we still looking for love
사랑은 slippin’ and fallin’
사랑은 killin’ your darlin’
아프다 아물면 또 찾아오는 이 겁 없는 떨림
들리지 않아 what you say
이 아픔이 난 행복해
나를 불쌍해 하는 네가 내 눈엔 더 불쌍해
We are the lovesick girls
네 멋대로 내 사랑을 끝낼 순 없어
We are the lovesick girls
이 아픔없인 난 아무 의미가 없어
Lovesick girls
모두 결국 떠나가고
Lovesick girls
내 눈물이 무뎌져도
Lovesick girls
아프고 또 아파도
Lovesick girls
But we’re still looking for love