Back in November, the K-pop girl group BABYMONSTER made their official debut with “BATTER UP,” a lively pop-rap tune that justified the all caps and heralded the arrival of six self-assured young women ready for their moment under the lights. Today, the group returns with “Stuck In the Middle,” a very different type of song that nevertheless debuted inside the Top 10 of the Genius Top Songs chart.
Produced by DEE. P, who wrote the song with Dan Whittemore and Jared Lee, “Stuck In the Middle” is a starry-eyed piano ballad about falling hard for someone who can’t make up their mind about whether they want to be in the relationship. It’s all about longing and uncertainty, and in the opening verse, BABYMONSTER member Chiquita tries to deny her feelings to protect herself from getting hurt.
Maybe it’s make believe, maybe it can be true
I try to tell myself I’m not in love with you
I thought that I knew everything (Thing)
I guess I don’t know anything, yeah
In the pre-chorus, Rora describes the highs of this romance.
You lift my feet off of the ground
Keep me spinnin’ around and around
But Rami takes us back to earth with the chorus.
You tell me that you need me then you walk away
Keep promising’ forever with the words you say
It’s true (True, true)
Don’t know what I’m supposed to do
The song’s titular phrase comes up in the post-chorus, as Rora finds herself perpetually halfway between misery and elation.
I’m stuck in the middle with you, you, you
With you, you, oh, boy, you got me really confused
Don’t know what I’m supposed to do
I’m stuck in the middle with you
The drums finally kick in during the third verse, as Ruka asks this person where their head is at.
You say you want me (Want me), you say you care (Care)
When we’re together (Together), are you even there?
In the bridge, Asa, Rami (italics), and Chiquita (bold) try again to reach this person, but it’s doubtful they’ll break the cycle.
I’ve tried and I’ve tried to be good to myself
Good for my health
Is it selfish if I’m constantly turning to you, to you?
If you knew what I’m feeling right now
You’d comfort my heart
“Stuck in the Middle” comes with a music video in which the elegantly dressed ladies grapple with their sadness in front of floral and cosmic backdrops.
You can read all the lyrics to “Stuck In the Middle” on Genius now.
