I CAN'T STOP ME

"I CAN'T STOP ME" by TWICE explores the complex theme of the internal conflict between desire and reason, depicting a struggle on the boundary of good and evil. The lyrics articulate the feeling of being uncontrollably drawn towards a temptation, fully aware of the risks and potential negative consequences. This narrative represents a departure from TWICE's earlier, brighter concepts, showcasing a more mature and provocative side of the group. The song delves into the anxiety and thrill that accompany crossing a self-imposed line, symbolizing a journey of personal growth and the acceptance of one's multifaceted nature. Member Dahyun explained that the song "portrays the danger and anxiety that come from standing on the boundary between the good and bad" and captures a provocative mood of boldly crossing that line. The song can be seen as a continuation of the themes from their previous single, "More & More," which was about welcoming temptation. In contrast, "I CAN'T STOP ME" focuses on the anxiety and fear of losing control that comes with this newfound freedom.

The song opens with an alarm-like synth, signaling an internal state of emergency. The narrator finds themselves at a crossroads, staring into an abyss of their own desires. They are acutely aware of a red line they should not cross, a boundary between right and wrong. However, an uncontrollable force is pulling them over, a temptation that is both thrilling and terrifying. They feel themselves losing control, spiraling into a situation they know is risky. The repeated phrase, "I can't stop me," becomes their mantra of surrender.

As the song progresses, the internal battle intensifies. They describe falling deeper into a captivating darkness, a place that feels both dangerous and exciting. Their eyes are wide open to the potential consequences, yet they are mesmerized by the allure of the forbidden. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who is consciously choosing to give in to their impulses, even though a part of them is screaming to turn back. This duality is a central theme, the struggle between their rational mind and their overwhelming desires.

The narrative continues with the feeling of being in a spotlight, yet simultaneously wanting to retreat into the shadows. This imagery highlights the conflict between their public persona and their private self. They are aware that they are the one leading themselves into this precarious situation, recognizing their own complicity in this loss of control. The desire is so powerful that it feels like an addiction, a craving they can no longer deny. The lyrics convey a sense of inevitability, as if they were always destined to cross this line.

The bridge of the song offers a moment of reflection, a final chance to turn back, but the pull is too strong. They are already too far gone, caught in the intoxicating rush of it all. The song concludes with a final, emphatic declaration of their inability to stop, leaving the listener with a sense of unresolved tension and the thrill of the unknown. It's a story of embracing a more mature and complex side of oneself, even if it means venturing into dangerous territory.

"I CAN'T STOP ME" was released on October 26, 2020, as the lead single from TWICE's second Korean-language studio album, "Eyes Wide Open". The album's release coincided with the group's fifth anniversary. The song's lyrics were written by J.Y. Park "The Asiansoul" (the founder of JYP Entertainment) and Shim Eun-ji. The composition was handled by a team including Melanie Joy Fontana, Michel "Lindgren" Schulz, and A Wright. The production of the song was led by Michel "Lindgren" Schulz. The creation of the song and the album involved a host of international talent, including British pop star Dua Lipa who co-wrote a track on the album. The choreography for "I CAN'T STOP ME" was created by Jonte' Moaning, known for his work with Beyoncé, along with Kiel Tutin and Leejung Lee. An English version of the song was released on November 30, 2020.

The song's rhythm is a key element in creating its energetic and driving feel. It has a fast tempo typical of dance-pop and disco-influenced tracks. The rhythmic foundation is built on a prominent drum machine beat that is consistent throughout the verses and explodes with more intensity in the chorus. The synth bass provides a pulsating rhythm that complements the drums and reinforces the retro vibe. The lyrical rhythm often follows the musical rhythm closely, with phrases delivered in a way that emphasizes the beat. While a formal rhyme scheme analysis is complex for a translated song, the original Korean lyrics likely employ various rhyming techniques to enhance their musicality. The chorus is particularly rhythmic and catchy, designed for easy recall and sing-alongs. The interplay between the energetic musical rhythm and the lyrics about losing control creates a compelling sense of urgency and excitement.

Musically, "I CAN'T STOP ME" is a prominent example of the synth-pop and synthwave revival in K-pop. The song is characterized by its 80s-inspired retro sound, blending European electronic music with American synth-pop elements. It features a driving synth bassline, drum machines with gated reverb, and a catchy, melodic chorus. The vocal delivery is more sleek and sophisticated compared to TWICE's earlier work, showing their evolution towards a more mature sound. The song's structure includes a pre-chorus that momentarily slows down the tempo with modern percussion before launching into the powerful chorus. The use of a half-time beat in the pre-chorus builds tension effectively. The rap section is delivered with a playful and breathy tone, contrasting with more aggressive rap styles. Lyrically, the song uses direct and repetitive phrases like "I can't stop me" to create a memorable and impactful hook.

"I CAN'T STOP ME" was a significant release for TWICE, marking a stylistic evolution and achieving considerable success. The song and the album "Eyes Wide Open" received positive reviews from music critics, who praised the group's musical growth and the retro concept. The song performed well on charts both domestically and internationally. It peaked at number 8 on the Gaon Digital Chart in South Korea and became the group's third single to top the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart. The album "Eyes Wide Open" peaked at number 2 on the Gaon Album Chart and at number 72 on the US Billboard 200, which was their highest entry on that chart at the time. The music video for "I CAN'T STOP ME" garnered a huge number of views on YouTube in a short period, becoming the group's fastest video to reach 200 million views. The song's popularity led to numerous performances on South Korean music shows and an appearance on the American TV program "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." An English version of the song was also released, further expanding its global reach.

The music video and lyrics of "I CAN'T STOP ME" are rich with symbolism and metaphors. The "red line" mentioned in the lyrics and visualized in the music video represents the boundary between right and wrong, or innocence and temptation. The act of crossing this line is a central metaphor for giving in to one's desires. The music video also features imagery of flowers, particularly a large lotus flower from which the members emerge, symbolizing their blossoming into womanhood and a new, more mature phase of their careers. The contrast between light and dark outfits worn by the members, as well as the juxtaposition of colorful and dark settings, visually represents the song's central theme of duality and inner conflict. The recurring image of a train can be interpreted as a metaphor for their life's journey and the unstoppable momentum of their choices. The video's connection to their previous release, "MORE & MORE," which featured themes of the Garden of Eden and the forbidden fruit, further deepens the narrative of exploring temptation and its consequences.

The most significant recurring phrase in the song is the title itself, "I can't stop me." This phrase is repeated throughout the song, particularly in the chorus, acting as the central hook and summarizing the song's main theme of being unable to resist temptation. The concept of a "red line" is another recurring lyrical motif that symbolizes the boundary between right and wrong, a line that the narrator is irresistibly drawn to cross. Musically, the song features a recurring synth riff that is introduced at the beginning and reappears throughout, serving as a signature sound for the track. The energetic and melodic chorus acts as a powerful musical motif that is repeated multiple times, ensuring its memorability. The visual motif of the members being split into two versions of themselves (in different colored outfits) in the music video also reinforces the theme of duality and inner conflict.