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Sunday, October 6, 2013

K-Pop Song Spotlight: 으르렁 / 咆哮 (Growl) by Exo

Credit: kavenyou.com

Exo finally released a song that is addictive. I admit, I wasn't crazy about songs such as “Mama” and “Wolf,” which were too musically extreme or intense for my taste (though their style is growing on me), but the song, “Growl,” is the game changer for me. Suddenly, I found myself countlessly looking at the music video over and over again. I am sucked into the Exo world.

Exo stands for the term, “exoplanet,” which is a planet that is outside our solar system. Each member supposedly has a super power and traveled to Earth to spread their music. Exo is comprised of twelve members, who are split into two sub-groups: Exo-K (Korean group) and Exo-M (Mandarin group). Being the newest group from S.M. Entertainment, a prominent entertainment agency, Exo managed to remain popular enough to be invited to various musical specials and year-end shows, which is amazing since they were considered rookies of the music industry. 


Credit: Fanpop.com
The Exo-K team consists of Suho, Baekhyun, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun all of whom are South Koreans. Suho is the leader of Exo-K as well as Exo as a whole.

The Exo-M team consists of Xiumin, Luhan, Kris, Lay, Chen, and Tao. Xiumin and Chen are South Koreans, Kris is Canadian, and the rest are Chinese. Even though he is not the oldest member of Exo-M, Kris is the leader of Exo-M due to his leadership capabilities.

Continuing their success from “Wolf,” Exo released their latest single, “Growl,” from their repackaged album, XOXO. Like “Wolf,” Exo promoted “Growl” with all twelve members instead of promoting each version of their song separately in their respective sub-groups. What was the result? They shot an awesome continuous music video that shows them dancing the whole way. I love their concept of spreading their wolf angle into the newest song as part of a subliminal campaign to draw attention to their new album. I haven’t seen a continuous action music video since Big Bang filmed their 2011 music video, “Love Song.”


Why is Growl such a good song? People who don’t know why surely did not see their music video yet. The choreography is clever and the music video is shot in continuous mode. To add to the fun, viewers, can switch between the Korean or Chinese version and watch it all over again. The singing line-up does not change too much and the lyrics have almost the same meaning. I honestly can’t decide whether I like the Korean or Chinese version better so I think I’ll analyze it in this post.

My favorite choreography moves are when the Exo members do a monkey-like dance during the second and third line of “ 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁 대” (I do growl, growl, growl [Korean version]) or “ 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁 (I growl-growl-growl [for] you [Chinese version]). At the same time, I love these lyrics the most.

Which version of Growl is better? I will have to break it down, explaining the parts that I deem worthy of comparison.

During the beginning rap part (SeHun vs Tao), the winner is: Korean version.
I love the way Sehun draws out the words, “하지마” (don’t do) with attitude.

During the Chorus part, the winner is: Chinese version.
I am more attracted to 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁 (I growl-growl-growl [for] you) instead of “I do growl” in the Korean lyrics. I am more comfortable hearing “I growl you.”  It sounds so sexy and desirable versus doing the action of growling alone.

During the beginning rap part during the bridge section of the song (ChanYeol vs Tao): Chinese version.
I can tell Tao inserted a bit more rap vibe into it with this rap. I also think the lyrics sound better.

During the solo melody during the bridge of the song (LuHan vs D.O.): Korean version.
Both members are excellent singers, but LuHan wins because he has a more delicate-sounding voice, which accentuates his solo part really well.

In conclusion, both the Korean and Chinese version won two points from me. It’s a tie!

I would like to give an overall honorable mention to Chen. Every time he sings, I hear him so clearly and strongly.

 
Credit: En.Korea.com                                                        Credit: data.yule.sohu.com




By the way, D.O. looks like Hong Kong entertainer, 王祖藍 (Wong Cho Lam).

The meaning of the song title, “으르렁,” translates to the sound of growling in Korean. I notice that the Korean language has so many onomatopoeias, but I’ll probably cover that extensively in my “A Korean Destiny” blog in the future. The Chinese song title,  “咆哮”,  is the Chinese equivalent of growling and roaring. They could have used 咆哮 in the main chorus, but I guess 으르렁 sounds better and goes well with the music. I can imagine Exo singing, 咆哮,咆哮,咆哮.It doesn’t sound too bad in my mind.

After my long introduction, I’m sure everyone is hyped up for the actual videos and lyrics. I tried to translate as close to the actual lyrics as possible so my translations may be different from other websites. You are welcome to visit any of the links in the sources section to read more standard lyrics and pronunciations.

We’ll start with the Korean version first!


으르렁 (Growl) by Exo

Korean Version (in the order of appearance):
Tao, Kai, XiuMin, SeHun, BaekHyun, Chen, D.O., SuHo, LuHan, Kris, ChanYeol, Lay

[Tao] Yo!
Ok
(Sexy)

혹시 몰라 경고하는데
[Kai] In case you don’t know, I’m warning you
[XiuMin] (Listen carefully)
지금 위험해
[Kai] You’re in danger right now
[XiuMin] (So dangerous)
자꾸 나를 자극하지마
[SeHun] Stop provoking me
(큰일나)
[XiuMin] (Stop)
나도 몰라
[SeHun] I don’t even know what I’ll do
[XiuMin] (Oh)

숨이 자꾸 멎는다 네가 향해 걸어온다
[BaekHyun] My breath keeps stopping
You are walking toward me
나를 보며 웃는다 너도 내게 끌리는지
[Chen] You are smiling at me
Are you attracted to me as well?
눈앞이 캄캄해
[BaekHyun and Kai] My eyes get cloudy
네가 뚫어져라 쳐다볼
[BaekHyun] When you piercingly look at me
귓가에 가까워진 숨소리
[XiuMin] The sound of you breathing gets closer to my ears
미치게 만드는 너인걸
[Chen] You make me go crazy

아무도 보게
[BaekHyun] I want to hide you in my arms
()
[Kai] (Never)
품에 감추고 싶어
[BaekHyun] So no one can see you
[Tao] (I’m so serious)
노리는 시선들 안에 일어난
[Xiumin] All of the eyes that want you arise within me
거센 소용돌이
[Chen] A rough and swirling wind

[CHORUS]

검은 그림자 안에 깨어나
A black shadow awakens in me
보는 눈에 불꽃이 튄다
Fireworks erupt in my eyes that see you
그녀 곁에서 모두 물러나
Everyone get away from her side
이젠 조금씩 사나워진다
Because I’m getting a bit more ferocious
으르렁 으르렁 으르렁
I growl, growl, growl do [I do growl, growl, growl]
으르렁 으르렁 으르렁
I growl, growl, growl do [I do growl, growl, growl]
으르렁 으르렁 으르렁
I growl, growl, growl do [I do growl, growl, growl]
물러서지 않으면 다쳐도 몰라
[Tao] If you don’t get away, you might get hurt

[END CHORUS]

날이 눈빛과
[D.O.] The eyes get sharper
베일듯한 긴장감
The tension feels like it could cut someone
지금 탐색 중이야 너의 주위를 baby
I am hunting around your surroundings baby

그냥 그대로 있어 나만을 바라보면서
[SuHo] Just stay as you are as you look at only me
절대 보내지 않아 두고 babe
I wont ever let you go, just watch, baby

흐린 공간속에서
[LuHan] In this misty place
(흐린 공간속에서)
[D.O.](In this misty place)
선명하게 빛나는
[LuHan] It clearly shines
(선명하게 빛나는)
[D.O.(It clearly shines)
노리는 시선들
[LuHan] The eyes that want you
안에 울리는 경보 울림소리
[D.O.] It rings an warning alarm inside of me

[CHORUS]

검은 그림자 안에 깨어나
A black shadow awakens in me
보는 눈에 불꽃이 튄다
Fireworks erupt in my eyes that see you
그녀 곁에서 모두 물러나
Everyone get away from her side
이젠 조금씩 사나워진다
Because I’m getting a bit more ferocious
으르렁 으르렁 으르렁
I growl, growl, growl do [I do growl, growl, growl]
으르렁 으르렁 으르렁
I growl, growl, growl do [I do growl, growl, growl]
으르렁 으르렁 으르렁
I growl, growl, growl do [I do growl, growl, growl]
너 물러서지 않으면 다쳐도 몰라
[Kris] If you dont get away
You might get hurt

[END CHORUS]

[SeHun] E. X. O.

다른 늑대들이 볼세라
 [ChanYeol] Other wolves might see you
너무나 완벽한 여자라
Because you’re so perfect
품속엔 부드럽게 너를 안고
I will softly hold you in my arms
너만을 위해서 나는 난폭해지고
For you, I will get violent
결국엔 강한 자가 얻게 되는 미인
[Kai] In the end, the strong will earn the beauty
자리가 없으니까 그냥 돌아가 I win
There’s no room for you so just go back, I win
가능성 제로야 닳으니까 그만
[Kris] Your chances are zero, so stop looking
그녀를 넘본다면 나를 먼저 넘어봐
[Lay] If you have your eyes on her, you need to get past me first

우리 말곤 하나둘씩 지워버리자
[LuHan] Let’s erase everything one by one except for us
너하고 나만 여기 남아멈춰진 듯이
[BaekHyun, Chen, Suho] So that it’s only you and me remaining here
[BaekHyun] Wo~
[SuHo] Yeah~

[CHORUS]

검은 그림자 안에 깨어나
A black shadow awakens in me
보는 눈에 불꽃이 튄다
Fireworks erupt in my eyes that see you
그녀 곁에서 모두 물러나
Everyone get away from her side
이젠 조금씩 사나워진다
Because I’m getting a bit more ferocious
으르렁 으르렁 으르렁
I growl, growl, growl do [I do growl, growl, growl]
으르렁 으르렁 으르렁
I growl, growl, growl do [I do growl, growl, growl]
으르렁 으르렁 으르렁
I growl, growl, growl do [I do growl, growl, growl]
물러서지 않으면 다쳐도 몰라
[Lay] If you don’t get away
You might get hurt

으르렁 으르렁 으르렁
I growl, growl, growl do [I do growl, growl, growl]
으르렁 으르렁 으르렁
I growl, growl, growl do [I do growl, growl, growl]
으르렁 으르렁 으르렁
I growl, growl, growl do [I do growl, growl, growl]
물러서지 않으면 다쳐도 몰라

 [Kai] If you don’t get away
You might get hurt

Now, the Chinese version:


咆哮 - Chinese Version (in the order of appearance):
Tao, Kris, XiuMin, Chen, BaekHyun, Lay, D.O., SuHo, LuHan, ChanYeol, SeHun, Kai  


[Tao] Yo!
Ok
(Sexy)

现在很危险 正要警告你
[Kris] Now very dangerous, Now, want [to] warn you
(警告你)
[XiuMin] (Warn you)
么不知道
[Kris] How [could you] not know
(怎么不知道)
[XiuMin] (How [could you] not know)
拜託 别再 多给我刺激
[Tao] Please do not again a lot give me provoke [Please do not provoke me again]
(刺激
 [XiuMin] (Provoke)
我慌了自己
[Tao] I flustered myself
[XiuMin] (Ah~ Oh~)

连呼吸都快暂停
[Chen] Including breathing, also quickly suspended
当你向我越走越靠近
When you face me, the more [you] move, the more [you] approach [me]
笑了一下 好奇怪
[BaekHyun] Laughed once, so odd
难道你也觉得怪
Could it be [that] you also think [it’s] weird?
感到眼前一片黑
[XiuMin, Chen] [I] feel in front of my eyes, a slice of blackness
尤其你看着我 种表情
[Chen] Epecially [when] you [are] looking [at] me [with] all kinds [of] expressions
你的呼吸声音慢慢清晰 (Oh wait)
[Xiumin] Your breath sound slowly [becomes] distinct (Oh wait)
快要我差点窒息 拜託,girl~
[BaekHyun] Almost, I nearly suffocate, please, girl~

Girl, 我真想藏着你
[Lay] Girl, I really think [of] hiding you
(藏着你)
[Kris] (Hiding you)
藏在我的怀里住
[Lay] Hiding in your embrace stay [Hiding and staying in your embrace]
[Kris] (I’m so serious)
那些视线 让我有一点不开心
[Lay] Those lines of sight make me have a bit of unhappiness
[Kris] (Yo!)
我真的快生气
[Chen] I’m really quickly angry

[CHORUS]

黑色的身影 醒在我心里
Black color of silhouette awake in my heart [A black-colored silhouette awakens my heart]
从我的眼睛里 擦出了激情
From my eyes within, [I] rub out
在她的范围里 全都该撤离
In her range within, all should withdraw/evacuate
不然我一定 慢慢发脾
If not, I certainly [would] slowly lose my temper
으르렁 으르렁 으르렁
I growl-growl-growl [for] you
으르렁 으르렁 으르렁
I growl-growl-growl [for] you
으르렁 으르렁 으르렁
I growl-growl-growl [for] you
如果再不离 就会有危机
[Chen] If, again, not [don’t] leave, [will] have [a] crisis

[END CHORUS]

Woah~ 梦一样速度
[D.O.] Woah~ Dream the same speed
快着火的加速度
Quickly burns, accelerates
探索你的秘密
Explore your secrets
想要看仔 baby
Want to look carefully, baby

是在baby
[SuHo] You still at here
看着我害羞没距离
Looking [at] me shyly, not to be apart
我不会轻易就放开你的 ah~ crazy
I will not easily move towards releasing you, Ah~ Crazy~

Girl 在黑白世界里
 [LuHan] In [the] black [and] white world within
样鲜艳和美丽
[LuHan] That kind of bright color and beauty  
看着你的眼睛 现在警报响
[LuHan] Looking at your eyes, presently, [the] alarm sounds started

[CHORUS]

黑色的身影 醒在我心里
Black color of silhouette awake in my heart [A black-colored silhouette awakens my heart]
从我的眼睛里 擦出了激情
From my eyes within, [I] rub out
在她的范围里 全都该撤离
In her range within, all should withdraw/evacuate
不然我一定 慢慢发脾
If not, I certainly [would] slowly lose my temper
으르렁 으르렁 으르렁
I growl-growl-growl [for] you
으르렁 으르렁 으르렁
I growl-growl-growl [for] you
으르렁 으르렁 으르렁
I growl-growl-growl [for] you
如果再不离开 就会有危机
[ChanYeol] If, again, not [don’t] leave, [will] have [a] crisis

[END CHORUS]

[SeHun] E. X. O.

另一个狼在看这个女人
[Tao] The other wolves looking [at] this woman
你就是这么完美的女人
You exactly so much [a] perfect woman
多想抱抱你
Many thoughts [of] embracing you
在怀里不放下
In [embrace], [I] not [don’t] let go
一分一秒过去
One minute one second pass by
我变得兄悍无常
I become [an] elder brother [who is] fierce and fickle

最后厉害的男人 得到女人香
[Kai] [The] last, awesome man obtains the woman sweet [sweet woman]
[Kris] (That’s right)
难道真不能再有转环的机会
[Kai] Could it be that [you] really cannot again have turning hoop of chance? [Is there really a chance again you cannot turn around?]
快回去结束了 你的结果是零了
[Kris] Quickly go back [to] finish it [meaning to end your feelings], your result is zero
如果想赢他的心
[SeHun] If [you] want to win her heart
先打败我再放电
[SeHun] First defeat me again [release the] electric charge [Defeat me first, release the electrical charge again]

除了我 全部删去
[D.O.] Besides us, all [are] removed
就是这样爱了
[D.O.] Just like this kind of love
留下了爱情 和我和你
[XiuMin, LuHan, Suho] Leave behind romance together with I and you
全停止运行
Completely stop functioning
[Chen] Oh Yeah ~

[CHORUS]

黑色的身影 醒在我心里
Black color of silhouette awake in my heart [A black-colored silhouette awakens my heart]
从我的眼睛里 擦出了激情
From my eyes within, [I] rub out
在她的范围里 全都该撤离
In her range within, all should withdraw/evacuate
不然我一定 慢慢发脾
If not, I certainly [would] slowly lose my temper
으르렁 으르렁 으르렁
I growl-growl-growl [for] you
으르렁 으르렁 으르렁
I growl-growl-growl [for] you
으르렁 으르렁 으르렁
I growl-growl-growl [for] you
如果再不离 就会有危机
[Chen] If, again, not [don’t] leave, [will] have [a] crisis

[END CHORUS]

으르렁 으르렁 으르렁
I growl-growl-growl [for] you
으르렁 으르렁 으르렁
I growl-growl-growl [for] you
으르렁 으르렁 으르렁
I growl-growl-growl [for] you
如果再不离 就会有危机

[LuHan] If, again, not [don’t] leave, [will] have [a] crisis

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