SUNMI pens a sharp, playful rebuke to a distant lover in ‘CYNICAL,’ a track from her album HEART MAID. The Korean artist writes lyrics that mix frustration with affection, crafting a modern love-hate anthem. She teams up with lyricist 이도희 to create a melody that’s as catchy as it is biting.
The song opens with a cinematic touch, referencing the movie ‘Old Boy’ to set a dramatic tone. SUNMI describes a lover whose smile doesn’t reach their eyes, singing, ‘Even your face, where only your mouth smiles without expression.’ The repeated question, ‘Why so cynical?’ becomes a central plea wrapped in a pop hook.
Ring ring ullyeo peojineun SymphonyRing, ring, a symphony echoes all around,
Like the movie OLD BOYlike the movie ‘Old Boy’.
Nae simjangeul Cut outIt’s cutting my heart out,
You with meand you’re here with me.
Honey I know you hear meHoney, I know you hear me.
La la la laLa, la, la, la.
Pyojeong eopsi immman unneun ne eolguldoEven your face, where only your mouth smiles without expression,
Amureochido antaneun geu maltudoand the way you speak, as if nothing is wrong.
Woo don’t you love me boyWoo, don’t you love me, boy?
I hate you but I love youI hate you, but I love you.
Why so cynical cynical cynicalWhy so cynical, cynical, cynical?
Just relax why that faceJust relax, why that face?
Why so cynical cynical cynicalWhy so cynical, cynical, cynical?
Utseo Smile ireokeSmile for me, just like this.
Why so cynical cynical cynicalWhy so cynical, cynical, cynical?
Just relax why that faceJust relax, why that face?
Why so cynical cynical cynicalWhy so cynical, cynical, cynical?
Byeolla wae geureokeWhy are you being so difficult?
Gieongnani (nani nani)Do you remember? (Member, member).
Nal kkeoango bulleotdeon noraeThe song you sang while holding me close.
HmmmHmmm.
That’s not it who that bThat’s not it, who’s that ‘bi#ch’?
Amuryeom eottaeWhatever, what does it matter?
Still I love youI still love you.
Why so cynical cynical cynicalWhy so cynical, cynical, cynical?
Just relax why that faceJust relax, why that face?
Why so cynical cynical cynicalWhy so cynical, cynical, cynical?
Utseo Smile ireokeSmile for me, just like this.
Why so cynical cynical cynicalWhy so cynical, cynical, cynical?
Just relax why that faceJust relax, why that face?
Why so cynical cynical cynicalWhy so cynical, cynical, cynical?
Byeolla wae geureokeWhy are you being so difficult?
When the sun goes downWhen the sun goes down,
We’ll be togetherwe’ll be together.
When the sun goes upWhen the sun goes up,
We won’t wake upwe won’t wake up.
Utseo boyeojuoShow me your smile,
Deo keuge Babywider, baby.
An geureom naIf you don’t, then I…
I MIGHT KILL YOUI might ‘k#ll’ you.
Why so cynical cynical cynicalWhy so cynical, cynical, cynical?
Just relax why that faceJust relax, why that face?
Why so cynical cynical cynicalWhy so cynical, cynical, cynical?
Utseo Smile ireokeSmile for me, just like this.
Who’s gonna get youWho’s going to get you?
I really wanna get youI really want to get you.
Let me be your misery my loveLet me be your misery, my love.
Who’s gonna get youWho’s going to get you?
If you run away I’ll catch youIf you run away, I’ll catch you.
‘CYNICAL’ balances sweet melody with dark humor, especially in lines like ‘I might kill you.’ The translation of SUNMI’s lyrics shows a relationship teetering between passion and exasperation, all set to an irresistibly danceable beat.
