Chapter 17: The Inspiration Behind the Lyrics

The lyrics of 5-STAR were incredibly personal, drawing from the members' own experiences. Stray Kids had always been open about their struggles and their growth, but on this album, they took that honesty to a new level. The lyrics were raw, vulnerable, and often emotional, exploring themes of self-doubt, personal growth, love, and overcoming adversity.

The members wrote from their hearts. Bang Chan, as the leader, often took the lead in the writing process, but each member contributed their own unique perspective. Han's introspective lyrics added depth and nuance, while Lee Know's poetic approach brought a sense of beauty to even the darkest moments. Felix, Seungmin, and I.N each contributed their own experiences, making the lyrics feel deeply personal and universally relatable.

There were moments when the members struggled to put their feelings into words. Some songs took longer than others, as they tried to express emotions that were difficult to articulate. But when the lyrics finally came together, they felt like a release—a way for Stray Kids to share their most intimate thoughts and experiences with the world.