Smooth Fusion of Funk and R&B
"Seoul City" by JENNIE from her album Ruby offers a refreshing blend of funk and mellow R&B, bringing together a smooth rhythm and gentle melody. The song's clever wordplay, blending "Seoul" and "soul," adds a layer of depth that elevates the track's narrative, linking the energy of South Korea's vibrant capital with emotional intimacy. JENNIE's vocals glide effortlessly over the beat, setting a laid-back but engaging tone from the very start. Produced by Mike WiLL Made-It, the production is sleek, polished, and serves as a perfect backdrop to JENNIE's sultry voice.
Intimate and Dreamlike Verses
The song’s opening lines set an intimate, almost dreamlike mood. JENNIE’s delicate delivery of lyrics like "Give me hug, need your love, touch my thigh" shows vulnerability and sensuality, creating a connection between the listener and the story she’s telling. There's a distinct feeling of yearning that pervades the verses, as she invites someone to share in her personal paradise. The recurring themes of desire and connection are expressed beautifully, as she croons about seeking both emotional and physical closeness.
Hypnotic and Emotional Chorus
In the chorus, the hook, "In Seoul city, I see your soul," becomes the song's emotional core, representing the interplay between the city's liveliness and the personal connection she feels. The phrase suggests a deeper, spiritual connection with someone that transcends the city's bustling life, adding layers of meaning to the setting of Seoul. The repetition of this line gives the song a hypnotic quality that draws the listener deeper into the narrative, while the smooth transitions between the verses and chorus maintain a relaxed yet captivating flow.
Whimsical and Playful Post-Chorus
The post-chorus, with its reference to "+82" (South Korea's international dialing code) and the playful mention of "Mr. General," adds a whimsical touch to the song. It highlights the global aspect of JENNIE's artistry, blending her Korean roots with a universal appeal. The lyric “Only listen to my general” suggests a push and pull in control, adding intrigue and playfulness to the track. JENNIE continues to explore the balance between autonomy and desire, wrapping these themes in subtle, elegant phrasing.
A Standout Track on Ruby
Overall, "Seoul City" is a standout track that showcases JENNIE's ability to craft an atmosphere of intimacy and emotional depth. The production, combined with her soft, inviting vocals, makes for a track that is both sonically smooth and lyrically poignant. The blend of funk and R&B influences, along with the clever wordplay, make this song an understated yet powerful highlight of her Ruby album.
Listen to Seoul City by JENNIE
Seoul City Lyrics Meaning Explained
The meaning of "Seoul City" by JENNIE is a celebration of self-confidence, intimate connection, and a deep-rooted pride in her South Korean heritage. Through a blend of funk-inspired beats and sensual lyrics, the song explores themes of love, desire, and empowerment while incorporating playful references to her roots. The track also highlights JENNIE's unique ability to blend cultural influences, with the metaphor of "Seoul" symbolizing both a vibrant city and a deeper connection to her partner's soul. The song is a reflection of JENNIE's identity, her emotional complexity, and her strong sense of self within the context of a passionate relationship.
Introduction and Production
"Seoul City" by JENNIE opens with a signature callout to producer Mike WiLL Made-It and his label Ear Drummers, establishing the production's credibility and setting the tone for the track. The soft "Ooh" vocals in the intro immediately create a dreamy, atmospheric vibe that complements the song's funk and R&B influences. This subtle yet smooth introduction serves as the foundation for the sensual and emotional themes that unfold throughout the track.
Verse 1: Yearning for Intimacy
In the first verse, JENNIE expresses a yearning for closeness and affection. Lyrics like "Give me hug, need your love, touch my thigh" highlight her desire for intimacy, both emotionally and physically. The line "Tell me what puts you in that mind" suggests that she seeks a deeper connection, curious about what draws her partner to her. She continues with "Frame it up, draw me in, do me right," indicating her wish to be fully seen and appreciated. The verse concludes with the metaphor "Flying lights, paradise," a vivid image of euphoria and escapism, reflecting the heightened emotional state she experiences in this relationship.
Chorus: The Connection Between Seoul and Soul
The chorus centers around the clever wordplay between "Seoul" and "soul," with JENNIE repeatedly singing, "In Seoul city, I see your soul." Here, the bustling city of Seoul serves as a metaphor for her partner's essence, suggesting that amidst the energy and chaos of the city, she sees their true self. This could also reflect how the vibrancy of Seoul mirrors the intensity of their connection. The simplicity of the chorus underscores the depth of her emotions, portraying the city as a backdrop for their relationship while emphasizing the importance of soul-level understanding.
Post-Chorus: Pride in Roots and Playful Tension
In the post-chorus, JENNIE references "+82, some miracle," with +82 being the international dialing code for South Korea. This shoutout to her homeland suggests a sense of pride in her roots, while "some miracle" implies that the relationship is extraordinary, possibly overcoming physical or emotional distance. The mention of "Mr. General" introduces a playful dynamic, where she refers to a figure of authority who critiques her attitude, saying it's "out of control." JENNIE embraces this characterization, simultaneously acknowledging her strong will and seeking guidance, which adds a layer of playful tension to the song.
Verse 2: Empowerment and Escapism
The second verse continues JENNIE’s confident exploration of her role in the relationship. She asks, "Would you make me your boss, pretty please?" positioning herself as a figure of authority, yet softening it with vulnerability. The lines "Look at me, can you breathe?" suggest that her presence overwhelms her partner, symbolizing the magnetic pull between them. As she sings, "I could give you life," she emphasizes her power to bring joy and meaning into their relationship. The verse ends with "Flying lights, paradise," once again drawing on the imagery of blissful escapism, reinforcing the idea that this relationship feels like a dreamlike escape from reality.
Seoul City Lyrics
[Intro]
(Ear Drummers)
Ooh
Ooh
Ooh
(Mike WiLL Made-It)
[Verse 1]
Give me hug, need your love, touch my thigh
Tell me what puts you in that mind
Frame it up, draw me in, do me right
Don't you dare leave my sight
I could be, be your prize, pick me up
Flying lights, paradise
[Chorus]
In Seoul city (Ooh-ooh)
I see your soul
Seoul city
I see your soul
Yeah, yeah
Hey, ayy, hey
[Post-Chorus]
+82, some miracle
Only listen to my general, oh-oh
He says my attitude out of control
Tell me what to do, Mr. General
Oh-oh
[Verse 2]
Would you make me your boss, pretty please?
Pretty please, let me ease your mind
Look at me, can you breathe? (Ah, ah)
I could give you life
Apple of, of my eye, pick me up
Flying lights, paradise
[Chorus]
In Seoul city (Ooh-ooh)
I see your soul
Seoul city
I see your soul
Yeah, yeah
Hey, ayy, hey
[Post-Chorus]
+82, some miracle
Only listen to my general, oh-oh
He says my attitude out of control
Tell me what to do, Mr. General
Oh-oh