What IVE's "Either Way" Lyrics Really Mean: The Hidden Story Fans Need to Know

IVE's "Either Way" lyrics marked a significant milestone as the group's third digital single, released on September 25, 2023, ahead of their first EP "I've Mine." Following their successful tracks like "ELEVEN," "LOVE DIVE," and "After Like", this pre-release single showcases the group's evolving musical journey.

The song, specifically crafted with lyrics by renowned singer-songwriter Seonwoo Jung-ah, combines the members' emotional vocals with dreamy synth elements. Under the direction of Yoo Kwang-goong, known for his distinctive visual approach, the music video adds another layer to the song's artistic expression.

Decoding Either Way's Core Message of Self-Acceptance

At the heart of "Either Way" lies a powerful message about embracing one's authentic self. The song delves into the complex journey of self-acceptance, particularly focusing on breaking free from societal judgments.

Key lyrical themes and metaphors

The song's central theme revolves around celebrating self-acceptance and loving others unconditionally. Through its dreamy synth atmosphere, the track explores several key elements:

Finding peace with personal identity
Embracing authenticity despite external pressures
Celebrating individual uniqueness
Building emotional resilience

The duality of personality representation

Moreover, the song acknowledges the complexity of human nature through its exploration of duality. The lyrics reflect how individuals often present different aspects of their personality while maintaining their core authenticity. This concept is particularly evident in the song's repeated mantra "Either way, I'm good," which serves as an affirmation of self-acceptance regardless of others' perceptions.

Hidden references to personal growth

Additionally, the track contains subtle nods to personal development and emotional maturity. The lyrics emphasize the importance of staying focused on individual values and aspirations rather than conforming to external expectations. This message aligns with IVE's broader artistic approach, as their lyrics consistently explore themes of identity and self-perception.

The song's metaphorical elements, especially the imagery of countless stars in the universe, represent the endless possibilities of self-expression and personal growth. Consequently, this symbolism reinforces the track's underlying message that authenticity and self-acceptance are fundamental to personal development.

Breaking Down Either Way's Lyrics Verse by Verse

The lyrical journey of "Either Way" unfolds through carefully crafted verses that tell a story of personal growth and self-discovery. Each section of the song reveals different aspects of dealing with external judgments and internal acceptance.

Verse 1: Confronting others' perceptions

The opening verse immediately addresses the conflicting perceptions others hold about the members. Some criticize them for sounding "full of themselves," while others label them as "too kind to the point of being foolish". This juxtaposition effectively illustrates the impossibility of pleasing everyone and the futility of trying to conform to others' expectations.

Pre-chorus: The journey to self-discovery

Subsequently, the pre-chorus delves into the emotional impact of these judgments. The lyrics acknowledge the confusion and occasional unfairness of others' gazes. Furthermore, the song introduces a powerful revelation: the "countless versions" of oneself created by misunderstandings are all valid parts of one's identity.

Chorus: Embracing all aspects of oneself

The chorus emerges as the emotional centerpiece, delivering the song's core message through several key elements:

Indeed, the recurring phrase "Either way, I'm good" serves as an anthem of self-acceptance. The chorus notably emphasizes that personal worth isn't determined by others' validation, but rather by embracing all aspects of oneself without the need to "pick and choose".

The Personal Stories Behind Either Way

Behind the polished production of "Either Way" lies a deeply personal narrative crafted by singer-songwriter Sunwoo Jung-a. The song's creation process involved multiple talented contributors, including Ryan S. Jhun, Luke Fitton, Lauren Aquilina, and Liam O'Donnell, who collectively shaped its distinctive sound.

IVE members' contributions to lyrics

The members brought their authentic experiences to the song, addressing the emotional challenges they face as public figures. Generally, the track explores their vulnerability in dealing with constant scrutiny and judgment. The lyrics reflect their collective experiences with conflicting perceptions, from being labeled "full of themselves" to being considered "too kind".

Real-life experiences that inspired the song

The song draws inspiration from several key themes:

Daily encounters with public judgment
Internal struggles with self-identity
The journey toward accepting multiple versions of oneself
The strength found in unity and mutual support

Nevertheless, the music video, shot on film stock by cinematographer Han Da-som, visually captures these experiences through scenes alternating between everyday life and fantasy spaces.

Connection to fans' personal journeys

Essentially, "Either Way" has struck a chord with listeners who relate to its message of self-acceptance. The song acknowledges how fans often form deep connections with artists while reminding them that behind every performance lies genuine emotion and vulnerability. Accordingly, the track's impact extends beyond mere entertainment, as evidenced by positive fan reactions praising its emotional depth and comforting message.

The song similarly resonates with anyone experiencing judgment or struggling with self-identity, creating a shared space for both artists and fans to explore these universal themes together. Through its honest portrayal of personal struggles, "Either Way" has become more than just another K-pop release - it stands as a testament to the power of authentic storytelling in music.

Understanding the Song's Musical Elements

Initially, the musical composition of "Either Way" stands out through its carefully crafted elements in A-flat major, moving at a measured pace of 123 beats per minute. The song's structure creates an intimate atmosphere that perfectly complements its message of self-discovery.

Vocal delivery and emotional expression

The members' vocals shine through with remarkable nuance, offering a more sophisticated performance compared to their previous releases. Their voices blend seamlessly, creating a harmonious balance between lighter and deeper tones. Notably, Yujin's contribution to the chorus adds vibrancy and depth, elevating the overall emotional impact.

Production choices that enhance the message

The production team crafted a distinctive soundscape with several key elements:

Dreamy synth arrangements that create a contemplative mood
Subdued instrumental backing that highlights vocal performances
Slow and paced synths that complement the ballad style

The song's production notably differs from IVE's previous releases, primarily focusing on a more subdued sound that allows the emotional depth of the lyrics to resonate.

Dance choreography symbolism

The visual presentation of "Either Way" aligns perfectly with its musical elements. Shot on film stock by cinematographer Han Da-som, the choreography alternates between everyday movements and artistic expressions. The dance sequences essentially mirror the song's themes, with movements that represent:

Internal struggles with identity
Moments of vulnerability
The journey toward self-acceptance

Ultimately, the combination of these musical elements creates a cohesive artistic statement that supports the song's core message about embracing one's authentic self.

How Either Way Reflects IVE's Artistic Growth

"Either Way" represents a significant artistic pivot for IVE, marking their venture into more emotionally complex territory. The song showcases their ability to master different musical styles without losing their signature sound.

Evolution from previous releases

The track notably deviates from IVE's previous high-energy releases, adopting a more contemplative approach. Their artistic progression is evident through:

A shift toward stripped-back production
Enhanced focus on emotional vocal delivery
Deeper exploration of personal narratives
Sophisticated lyrical themes

Maturity in songwriting approach

The group's songwriting maturity shines through their collaboration with acclaimed writer Sunwoo Jung-a. Essentially, the track demonstrates their growing confidence in tackling complex themes about identity and self-perception. The members' involvement in expressing personal experiences through music highlights their evolution as artists.

Future direction hints

"Either Way" serves as the first of three title tracks from their EP "I'VE MINE". This strategic release pattern primarily showcases different facets of their artistry, with each song exploring distinct aspects of identity. The upcoming tracks "Off the Record" and "Baddie" simultaneously demonstrate their commitment to musical diversity.

The song's success in achieving both critical acclaim and commercial recognition underscores IVE's artistic growth. Their ability to maintain authenticity while exploring new musical territories positions them as trendsetters in the industry. Notably, this release signals their readiness to tackle more sophisticated themes and complex musical arrangements, setting the stage for their continued artistic evolution.