Introduction

Cupid, the popular mythological figure, has inspired countless songs about love and desire. One such song is Cupid by the South Korean girl group Fifty Fifty. Released as a single album titled The Beginning: Cupid, the song features both a Korean version and an English version known as the Twin Version, sung by group members Sio and Aran. 

Cupid is a beautiful fusion of K-pop, disco-pop, synth-pop, and bubblegum pop genres that Siahn produced, group member Keena wrote, and a team of Swedish producers composed. Despite its danceable beats, the Cupid Fifty Fifty lyrics in the English version contain profound undertones of longing and disappointment in love, presenting a compelling contrast that makes the song unique.

In this article, we will delve into the meaning and message behind the lyrics of Fifty Fifty’s Cupid (Twin Version), exploring the themes of unrequited love, the struggles of finding love, and the relentless pursuit of a soulmate.

The Lyrics of Cupid (Twin Version)

The lyrics of Cupid (Twin Version) tell the story of a young woman’s unrequited love and her feelings of frustration and hopelessness.

The song starts with a catchy “la la la” chorus that sets the tone for the upbeat and playful mood of the song. However, the verses reveal the darker side of the narrator’s feelings, as they lament their lack of love and question their fate. These feelings of loneliness and yearning for love are recurring themes in the Cupid Fifty Fifty lyrics.

The pre-chorus builds up the tension and anticipation for the chorus as the narrator expresses their desire for a lover that could hold them and make them feel less lonely. The chorus then delivers the punchline, as the narrator blames Cupid for their misery and calls him “so dumb”. The chorus is catchy and memorable, using alliteration (“second chance to Cupid”, “left here feeling stupid“) and rhyme (“Cupid” and “stupid”) to create a strong impact.

The second verse continues the narrative, as the narrator reveals that they have been waiting for Cupid’s arrows every day, but to no avail. They wonder if love is as good as they say, implying that they have never experienced it before. The second pre-chorus and chorus repeat the same lyrics as before, reinforcing the theme and message of the song.

The bridge introduces a new element, as the narrator identifies themselves as a “hopeless girl” who is seeking someone who will share their feelings. They also admit that they are a “fool for love”, showing their vulnerability and honesty.

The final chorus then adds a twist as the narrator sings along with another voice, implying that they have found their match. The song ends on a hopeful note, as the narrator says that they are a “fool for love” with pride and joy.

The Frustration and Vulnerability of Love

Fifty Fifty’s Cupid (Twin Version) delves into the frustration and vulnerability that come with being in love. The lyrics emphasise the protagonist’s feelings of foolishness and scepticism towards love. She admits, “I’m a fool for love, a fool for love,” highlighting her willingness to believe in love despite her past disappointments. The song captures the emotional rollercoaster of love, where hope and cynicism often coexist.

The lyrics also depict the protagonist’s struggle with her emotions. She confesses, “Now I’m crying in my room, so sceptical of love.” This line portrays her vulnerability and the pain she experiences as she navigates the complexities of love. Despite her scepticism, she still longs for a connection and is determined not to give up on finding her soulmate.

The Symbolism of Cupid

Cupid, the iconic figure from Roman mythology, holds significant symbolism in Fifty Fifty’s Cupid (Twin Version). In mythology, Cupid is known as the god of love and desire and is portrayed as mischievous and playful. He is often depicted as a winged infant or a young boy with a bow and arrow. Cupid uses his arrows to ignite feelings of love and desire in others.

The song’s lyrics draw upon the image of Cupid and his arrows as a metaphor for falling in love. Cupid’s arrows are said to have the power to make even the most cold-hearted individuals fall in love.

In Cupid (Twin Version), the protagonist feels let down by Cupid’s arrows, blaming him for her struggles to find love. The song explores the idea that love can be elusive and unpredictable, just like Cupid himself.

The Analysis of Cupid (Twin Version)

Cupid (Twin Version) is a clever and catchy song that appeals to both K-pop fans and general listeners. The song uses a retro-inspired sound that blends elements of disco, funk, pop, and synth-wave, creating a nostalgic and fun atmosphere. The song also features impressive vocals from Aran and Sio, who sing the English version with clarity and charisma.

The song’s lyrics are simple but effective, using repetition, rhyme, and contrast to convey the message. The song portrays the narrator as a hopeless romantic who is looking for love in a cynical world. The song also reflects the paradox of wanting love but being sceptical of it at the same time. The song captures the mixed emotions of longing, despair, anger, and hope that many people experience when they are searching for their soulmate.

The Impact and Success of Cupid (Twin Version)

When a sped-up version of Cupid (Twin Version) went viral on TikTok, it catapulted Fifty Fifty to global fame and commercial success. The song became their first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart.

In the Hot 100, Cupid peaked at number 17, boasting a 10-week-long chart run and making it the longest-charting song by a K-pop girl group at the time. The song also reached number eight in the UK, making Fifty Fifty the first K-pop girl group to enter the top 10.

The success of Cupid (Twin Version) can be attributed to its infectious and catchy sound combined with relatable lyrics about love and heartbreak. The song resonated with audiences worldwide, capturing the universal experiences and emotions associated with love. Fifty Fifty’s unique blend of K-pop, disco-pop, synth-pop, and bubblegum music created a distinct sound that appealed to a wide range of listeners.

Conclusion

Fifty Fifty’s Cupid (Twin Version) delves into the themes of unrequited love, the struggles of finding love, and the determination to continue searching for a soulmate. The song’s lyrics capture the frustration, vulnerability, and hope that often accompany the journey of love. By referencing the mythological figure of Cupid, the song adds a layer of symbolism and metaphor to its exploration of love.

The success of Cupid (Twin Version) on the charts reflects its universal appeal and relatability. Fifty Fifty’s unique sound and heartfelt lyrics struck a chord with listeners worldwide, cementing their place as one of the fastest-rising K-pop girl groups in the industry. Cupid (Twin Version) not only showcases Fifty Fifty’s talent but also resonates with anyone who has experienced the highs and lows of love.