Gnarly

"Gnarly" by KATSEYE is a satirical and chaotic anthem that critiques and embraces the absurdity of modern pop culture and language. At its core, the song explores the dual meaning of the word "gnarly," which can signify something either wonderful and cool or twisted and distasteful. The track opens by stating how a single word can be used to describe everything, immediately highlighting the theme of oversimplification in contemporary communication.

Lyrically, the song presents a stream-of-consciousness list of seemingly random, Gen Z-coded items like "Boba tea," "Tesla," and "fried chicken," labeling each as "gnarly." This is an intentional choice to reflect the chaotic and often nonsensical nature of internet trends and consumer culture. The inclusion of "Tesla," for instance, is seen by some as a potentially critical or sarcastic use of the word, given the controversies surrounding the company, while "boba tea" is a beloved trend. This ambiguity is central to the song's meaning; as group member Manon stated, "gnarly can be a good thing or a bad thing... It's kind of up for interpretation."

Beyond social commentary, "Gnarly" is a powerful statement of self-confidence and unapologetic attitude. The chorus, with lines like "Hottie, hottie, like a bag of Takis / I'm the shit," is a bold declaration of self-worth and individuality. The song rejects conformity and external validation, instead celebrating a brash, fearless persona. It's designed to feel chaotic, unpredictable, and powerful, mirroring what the group describes as the experience of being a young woman growing up online, where the digital and real worlds blur.

The song begins with a spoken-word introduction, observing how a single, versatile word can be used to describe absolutely anything. This sets the stage for a whirlwind tour of modern cultural touchstones, all filtered through the lens of the word "gnarly." The verses then list a seemingly random assortment of items and experiences, from consumer products like boba tea and Teslas to simple pleasures like fried chicken and the extravagant lifestyle of partying in the Hollywood Hills. Each of these is declared to be "gnarly," blurring the lines between positive and negative connotations and suggesting a world saturated with trends and stimuli.

The narrative voice then shifts to a more personal and boastful tone. The group proclaims their own coolness and the energy of their current creative session, using phrases like "gang, gang" to establish a sense of in-group camaraderie. They celebrate their own song, acknowledging its exciting and fresh sound with a self-congratulatory air. This confidence builds into the pre-chorus, where the repetition of "gnarly" becomes a hypnotic chant, reinforcing the idea that this one word encapsulates their entire reality.

The chorus erupts with bold self-affirmation. Using the metaphor of "a bag of Takis," the lyrics convey a fiery and spicy self-image. The declaration "I'm the shit" is repeated, an unapologetic statement of self-worth and a dismissal of anyone who might try to copy their style. This braggadocio is a core element, portraying a persona that is fully confident and in control.

The song continues to mock and defy societal expectations. It dismisses boring people and asserts a sense of superiority, referencing a luxurious mansion with a great view as a symbol of their success. The lyrics maintain a playful yet confrontational edge, challenging listeners and critics alike. The core message revolves around the dual meaning of "gnarly"—something can be both excellent and distasteful, and the group embraces this ambiguity. They revel in the chaos and randomness of modern culture, using the word as a tool to both critique and celebrate its absurdity, ultimately carving out a space for their unique, defiant, and self-assured identity.

"Gnarly" was released on April 30, 2025, as a single by the global girl group KATSEYE, formed through the HYBE x Geffen Records collaboration project, The Debut: Dream Academy. The song marked a significant stylistic departure from their debut EP, SIS (Soft Is Strong), leaning into a more abrasive, experimental, and hyperpop sound.

The track's origins can be traced back to a demo by hyperpop artist Alice Longyu Gao, who is a credited writer. An early version was shared on TikTok in April 2023. Gao, a pioneer in the hyperpop genre, was inspired by her own "gnarly" experiences with things like boba tea and fried chicken and her interest in expanding her English vocabulary as a non-native speaker. The final version was written by Gao alongside Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Madison Love, Kyle Buckley, and Tim Randolph. Production was handled by a notable team including Buckley, Tim Randolph, Slow Rabbit, and HYBE founder "hitman" Bang (Bang Si-hyuk).

The group members themselves acknowledged the song's polarizing nature from the beginning, sharing a TikTok where they lip-synced to a Nicki Minaj audio clip suggesting it takes a few listens to "get it." They embraced the chaotic and bold sound as a way to explore a new artistic side and showcase their attitude and confidence. Lara Raj described the song as representing the confusing and stimulating experience of growing up with social media. The creation process involved the members experimenting with different personas and attitudes to find the right vibe for the track.

"Gnarly" is built on a foundation of symbolic language that satirizes modern culture through its central, multifaceted keyword.

• The Word "Gnarly": The primary symbol is the word "gnarly" itself. It represents the ambiguity and oversimplification inherent in modern slang and internet culture. The song intentionally leverages its dual meaning—both "excellent" and "distasteful"—to comment on how disparate and even contradictory things (like boba tea vs. Tesla) are flattened into a single, trendy descriptor. This makes the word a symbol for the chaotic, often nonsensical nature of contemporary life.
• Consumer Products (Boba Tea, Tesla, Fried Chicken): The list of items in the first verse acts as a symbolic representation of Gen Z consumer culture and fleeting trends. They are not just random objects but cultural signifiers. "Boba tea" and "fried chicken" represent popular, enjoyable trends, while "Tesla" can be interpreted more critically or sarcastically due to its association with controversy, showcasing the song's ironic tone.
• Takis: The line "Hottie, hottie, like a bag of Takis" uses the popular spicy snack as a metaphor for the group's persona. Takis are known for their bold, intense flavor and fiery color, symbolizing the group's confidence, spiciness, and unapologetic "heat." It's a pop culture-infused metaphor for self-love and a powerful, assertive identity.

The predominant emotional tone of "Gnarly" is one of unapologetic confidence and defiant energy. The song exudes a brash, fearless attitude from its opening lines to its final beat. This is created through the combination of aggressive, bass-heavy hyperpop production, confrontational lyrics like "I'm the shit," and a vocal delivery that is both playful and sneering. The atmosphere is intentionally chaotic and overwhelming, designed to make the listener feel a surge of unstoppable energy.

There is also a strong undercurrent of satirical amusement and campy irreverence. The absurd listing of things that are "gnarly" (boba tea, Tesla) and the over-the-top bravado are delivered with a wink, suggesting the group is in on the joke. They are not just being arrogant; they are parodying the very nature of arrogance and trend-chasing in modern culture. This creates a mixed emotional landscape where raw, in-your-face confidence is blended with a playful, tongue-in-cheek sense of humor. The song doesn't shift emotions so much as it layers them, maintaining its high-octane, chaotic feel while hinting at a clever, self-aware critique bubbling just beneath the surface.

Upon its release, "Gnarly" was met with a polarizing response from fans and critics, a reaction the group themselves anticipated. Many were initially confused or taken aback by the sharp departure from the more melodic pop sound of their previous single, "Touch," calling the new hyperpop direction abrasive and the lyrics nonsensical.

However, the song quickly became a cultural phenomenon, proving to be a slow-burn success. A key factor in its rise was the group's compelling live performances on shows like M Countdown and Studio Choom, where their sharp choreography and confident stage presence helped audiences "get" the song's chaotic energy. Despite the initial backlash, "Gnarly" became KATSEYE's first entry on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 92, and also charted on the UK singles chart. The track also gained traction on a global scale, entering the top ten in countries like Japan and New Zealand.

The song's success led to invitations for KATSEYE to perform at major U.S. music festivals like Lollapalooza and Wango Tango, placing them alongside prominent Western artists. "Gnarly" is the lead single for their second EP, Beautiful Chaos, setting the tone for a new, edgier era for the group. Its journey from a controversial track to a chart-topping hit highlights the power of performance and internet culture in shaping a song's legacy.

The rhyme and rhythm of "Gnarly" are intentionally disruptive and energetic, mirroring its hyperpop genre and chaotic themes. The song operates at a driving tempo of approximately 135 beats per minute, creating a high-energy, danceable feel.

The rhyme scheme is relatively simple and direct, often relying on perfect or near-perfect rhymes in the chorus, such as "Takis" and "copy." This straightforward structure makes the bold, declarative statements more impactful and memorable. The lyrical rhythm is characterized by a staccato, talk-singing delivery, particularly in the verses. This technique emphasizes the conversational and almost dismissive tone of the lyrics, as if the singers are casually listing off cultural phenomena. The phrasing is often syncopated against the driving electronic beat, creating a dynamic interplay between the vocals and the instrumentation.

The pre-chorus, with its repetitive chant of "Na-na-na-na-na-gnarly," serves as a rhythmic build-up, creating tension that is released in the hard-hitting chorus. This recurring motif acts as both a lyrical and rhythmic hook, contributing significantly to the song's earworm quality. The overall rhythmic structure feels less like a traditional pop song and more like a chaotic, rhythmic assault, which perfectly aligns with its unapologetic and unconventional message.

"Gnarly" employs a range of stylistic techniques, both musically and lyrically, to create its distinctive chaotic and confrontational sound.

• Musical Techniques: The song is firmly rooted in the hyperpop genre, characterized by its abrasive and experimental production. It features "quaking 808s, gritty rave synths," and a heavy, pulsing bass beat that gives it a futuristic, club-like feel. The production, handled by names like Slow Rabbit and "hitman" Bang, is intentionally jarring and unpredictable, mirroring the lyrical themes of chaos. The vocal delivery often shifts from singing to a talk-style rap, with exaggerated, drawn-out pronunciations that add to the song's satirical and campy tone.
• Literary Techniques: The song's structure is built on repetition, with the word "gnarly" and the phrase "I'm the shit" acting as powerful, chant-like refrains that drive home the themes of absurdity and confidence. The lyrics utilize satire to critique pop culture's vapidity by embodying it in an exaggerated form. The use of juxtaposition is key, placing mundane items like "fried chicken" next to luxury symbols like "Tesla" and "partyin' in the Hollywood Hills" to highlight the arbitrary nature of what society deems "gnarly." The chorus also features a simile, "Hottie, hottie, like a bag of Takis," which uses a modern cultural reference to create a vivid image of the group's fiery persona.

What is the meaning behind KATSEYE's song 'Gnarly'?

'Gnarly' is a satirical hyperpop track about the absurdity of modern culture and language. It uses the word 'gnarly'—which can mean both 'cool' or 'disgusting'—to comment on how random trends and items are labeled. The song is also a bold anthem of self-confidence and unapologetic individuality.

Why does the song 'Gnarly' mention boba tea, Tesla, and fried chicken?

The song lists these seemingly random items to reflect the chaotic and trend-driven nature of Gen Z and internet culture. By labeling both beloved things (boba tea) and potentially controversial things (Tesla) as 'gnarly,' KATSEYE highlights the ambiguity and humor in how we describe the world around us.

Who originally wrote 'Gnarly' by KATSEYE?

The song was co-written by a team, but it originated from a demo by hyperpop artist Alice Longyu Gao, who is known for her experimental and chaotic style. The final version also includes writing credits for Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Madison Love, Kyle Buckley, and Tim Randolph.

What genre of music is 'Gnarly'?

'Gnarly' is primarily a hyperpop song. It incorporates elements of experimental pop, electronic, and dance music, characterized by its abrasive synths, heavy bass, and chaotic production style, which was a notable departure from KATSEYE's earlier releases.

How did fans react to 'Gnarly' when it was released?

The initial reaction to 'Gnarly' was highly polarized. Many fans were confused by its abrasive sound and nonsensical lyrics, a stark contrast to their previous music. However, the song grew in popularity, especially after the group's powerful live performances, eventually becoming a viral hit and their first entry on the Billboard Hot 100.

What do the lyrics 'Hottie, hottie, like a bag of Takis' mean?

This line is a metaphor for the group's fiery and confident persona. Takis are a popular brand of intensely spicy rolled tortilla chips. By comparing themselves to Takis, the members of KATSEYE are expressing that they are 'hot,' bold, and unapologetically intense.