Licorice Lyrics (English Translation) – aespa (에스파)

[Intro]
You’re just like licorice, licorice, licorice
Keep lingering like licorice

[Verse]
Really not like that
Really, really not like that
Yeah, this strange feeling, how should I describe it?
I’m staring at you again, silly (Silly)
Still thinking of you, no kidding (Kidding)
What? Whatever is this?
Just annoyed for no reason (Yeah, yeah)

[Pre-Chorus]
A whole different type, never seen this stuff
A crash out of the blue, this crush (Like, like, like)
The moment I spin away from you
Like a spell I spin right back to you

[Chorus]
It tastes so sweet but sour
Oh, sugar and spice
First time being on such
Emotional rollercoaster
You’re just like licorice, licorice, licorice (Ah, ah, ah, ah)
(Licorice!)

[Post-Chorus]
I wanna scream and shout
One taste, I’m hooked
Even if it’s bad for me I like it
Can’t let you go
You’re just like licorice, licorice, licorice
Keep coming back for more, like licorice

[Verse 2]
It’s the bomb like that
It’s the, it’s the bomb like that
Once it explodes, it’s sticky, sticky
Oh my god, a moment of carelessness
Hooked, falling into the trap
All shook, in my head, no
But say let’s go, let’s go, go

[Pre-Chorus]
Thrills that give me goosebumps, something different
Everything else is boring, mundane (Like, like, like)
Feels paralyzed, all senses
No stimuli comes through

[Chorus]
It tastes so sweet but sour
Oh, sugar and spice
It’s the first time feeling
The explosion of my emotions
You’re really licorice (Woo)
Licorice (Woo)
Licorice (Woo)
Ah-ah-ah-ah

[Verse 3]
This side of me, this side of my heart
I don’t even understand it myself
Can’t avoid it
It’s gravity (Ah, ah, ah)
Dizzying dynamite
But I can’t resist
Somewhere, somewhere
It’s malfunctioning
Bigger, bigger
Spreading farther

[Post-Chorus]
I wanna scream and shout
I don’t know why
It feels subtly good
Sticking right to you
You’re really licorice (Licorice)
Licorice (Licorice)
Licorice (Li-li-li-)
Keep coming back like licorice

[Outro]
Scream and shout
A heart that’s irresistibly drawn
Even if it’s dangerous, I like it
I can’t let you go
Ah-ah-ah-ah
You’re really licorice (Licorice)
Licorice (Licorice)
Licorice (Li-li-li-)
My hand keeps reaching out like licorice

[Intro]
This opening segment sets the metaphorical tone of the song, comparing the subject of affection to licorice. The repetition of “licorice” emphasizes its lingering quality, suggesting that the person being described has a similar enduring presence or impact.

[Verse]
The verse describes the confusion and disbelief experienced when encountering unexpected feelings for someone. Despite trying to dismiss or rationalize these emotions, the speaker finds themselves unable to shake them off, leading to a sense of frustration and bewilderment.

[Pre-Chorus]
Here, the lyrics express the uniqueness and intensity of the attraction felt towards the person. The suddenness and unpredictability of this crush are likened to a crash, indicating its powerful and disruptive nature. Additionally, the imagery of spinning conveys the cyclical nature of the emotions, as the speaker keeps returning to the object of their affection.

[Chorus]
The chorus delves into the contradictory nature of love, describing it as simultaneously sweet and sour, akin to the taste of licorice. The rollercoaster of emotions experienced in love is highlighted, with the speaker acknowledging the addictive quality of their feelings despite the accompanying ups and downs.

[Post-Chorus]
Following the chorus, the post-chorus section amplifies the theme of addiction and inability to resist the allure of the person. Despite recognizing the potential harm, the speaker admits to being hooked on the thrill of the attraction, unable to break free from its grip.

[Verse 2]
In this verse, the explosive and sticky nature of the attraction is emphasized. The suddenness of falling into the trap of love is likened to a bomb exploding, leaving the speaker feeling shaken and unable to think clearly. Despite the chaos, there is a sense of excitement and anticipation.

[Pre-Chorus]
This pre-chorus section reinforces the thrill and novelty of the attraction, contrasting it with the mundane aspects of everyday life. The speaker feels paralyzed by the intensity of their emotions, with nothing else able to capture their attention or stimulate their senses.

[Chorus]
Similar to the earlier chorus, this repetition emphasizes the conflicting emotions experienced in love. The speaker acknowledges the explosion of their emotions for the first time, likening the experience to the taste of licorice and reinforcing the addictive quality of the attraction.

[Verse 3]
Here, the speaker reflects on their internal struggle and inability to comprehend the depth of their feelings. Despite trying to resist, they are drawn to the person like a force of gravity, unable to control their emotions. The escalating intensity of the attraction is compared to a malfunctioning mechanism, spreading farther and becoming increasingly overwhelming.

[Post-Chorus]
This post-chorus section echoes the earlier sentiments of being unable to resist the pull of the attraction. Despite not fully understanding why, the speaker finds solace in the subtle pleasure derived from being close to the person, reinforcing the addictive nature of their feelings.

[Outro]
The outro encapsulates the irresistible draw of the attraction, acknowledging its potential dangers while also admitting an inability to let go. Despite the risks, the speaker’s hand metaphorically reaches out like licorice, emphasizing their continued desire to be connected to the object of their affection.

1. Like licorice, lingering: This phrase likens someone’s presence or impact to that of licorice, suggesting that it remains with the speaker persistently. It implies that the person is unforgettable or leaves a lasting impression, akin to the lingering taste of licorice.

2. A crash out of the blue, this crush: Describing the sudden onset of romantic feelings, this phrase conveys the unexpected and intense nature of a crush. It suggests that the emotions hit the speaker suddenly and forcefully, like a crash that occurs unexpectedly.

3. Emotional rollercoaster: Referring to the highs and lows of love and attraction, this phrase encapsulates the tumultuous nature of emotions experienced in romantic relationships. It implies that the speaker’s feelings fluctuate dramatically, resembling the unpredictable twists and turns of a rollercoaster ride.

4. Sticky, sticky: By likening the aftermath of an explosion to something sticky, this phrase conveys the lingering effects of a moment of impulsiveness or passion. It suggests that the consequences of a careless action or decision cling to the speaker, much like a sticky substance that is difficult to remove.

5. Can’t let you go: Expressing the speaker’s inability to move on or break free from the person’s influence, this phrase highlights the powerful hold that love or attraction has over them. It implies a sense of emotional attachment or dependency, indicating that the speaker feels compelled to remain connected to the object of their affection.