We’ve got an enigma today k-dreamers. Normally when I like a song, I can pinpoint with precision what I like about it. Songs I like tend to have either good lyrics, good instrumentation, or both. The new pre-release “Lemon Candy” by Pink Fantasy has nice moments musically, but what truly grabbed my attention were the odd but catchy lyrics. Perhaps we can combine our brain cells and decipher the meaning behind this strange tale. Forgive me if I get too analytical on this one. I refuse to believe that these lyrics are only for the sake of being catchy. These girls are turning into Dora the Explorer in order to find this lemon candy and I am dying to know why!
What does the candy represent?
I think the big question on everyone’s minds when they listen to this song is: what are they referring to when they talk about the lemon candy? My first thought was that it was referring to a boy (because it’s always about a boy). However, in the chorus, Yechan seems to be speaking to somebody who is already in her life:
If I can confidently hold it in my hand
It’ll be a happy ending like a fairy tale with you
This seems to indicate that the lemon candy is not referring to a boy. Then what is it? My mind drifted to the possibility that it represented commercial success as a group. I mean, it would make sense if Yechan was talking to her fans (luvits) since she never specifies a gender or plurality. But success isn’t really something you can look for with a magnifying glass.
This strange tale doesn’t add up in some places.
As if the song wasn’t confusing enough, there are certain words that pop up in the lyrics that are not thoroughly explained. After asking for lemon candy and how to find it, Harin suddenly asks someone to hand over their glasses. It’s unclear whether she needs them in order to find the lemon candy or if she wants to wear them after she finds the lemon candy. The latter explanation baffles me.
There’s also the line “What kind of moon are you?” that I don’t fully understand. In the context of the song, they are probably hoping for the moon to be full so that they can search for candy in the dark. But in 2019, Moonbyul from MAMAMOO released Eclipse and said the exact same lyrics. I get the feeling that this is some sort of reference but I’m not familiar with the source.
Finally, why are there dinosaurs wandering around? They make a reference to Hansel and Gretel, which explains why they’re searching through forests and villages for candy instead of going to the convenience store. But I don’t recall there being dinosaurs in Hansel and Gretel. The strange tale gets even more strange…
Honourable Mentions: Hoppipolla – Your Ocean, AB6IX – Stay Young ( I went from hopeful to sad to GIVE ME LEMON CANDY in a span of ten minutes.)
If you like this song, check out: fromis_9 – Love Bomb (2018), Super Junior – SUPER Clap (2019), Winner – Hold (2020)
Word on the street is that this song is polarizing, but I strangely enjoy it. I don’t know, do you think I’m reading too much into “Lemon Candy” by Pink Fantasy? Perhaps it’s just meant to be catchy. Let me know in the comments!