“Regular (English Ver.)” by NCT 127 is a bold and aspirational anthem centered on the themes of ambition, wealth, and the manifestation of dreams into reality. The song’s core meaning is a confident declaration of achieving a luxurious lifestyle through hard work and relentless drive (“grindin'”).
It portrays a world where the members are no longer just dreaming of success but are actively living it, surrounded by diamonds, expensive cars, and global recognition, all while remaining hungry for more. In this article, we explore the meaning of this song, breaking down its metaphors and emotions.
Introduction to the Song
Released in October 2018, “Regular” served as the title track for NCT 127’s first full-length studio album, Regular-Irregular. The group released both a Korean and a full English version of the song simultaneously, a strategic move that signaled their major push into the American and global markets. The English version, in particular, was pivotal, as the group performed it for their U.S. television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on October 8, 2018, generating significant buzz before the album’s official release.
The track marked a significant evolution in NCT 127’s sound, embracing a Latin trap-infused genre that was both commercially appealing and sonically adventurous. Characterized by its signature “brra” vocal riff, heavy bass, and bilingual swagger, “Regular” became an instant fan favorite. It perfectly encapsulated the group’s “neo” identity—a brand of cool that is futuristic, experimental, and unapologetically confident.
The song is a cornerstone of the album’s dual concept, which explores the transition between “regular” reality and the “irregular” world of dreams. “Regular” is the explosive manifestation of the dream side, a vivid fantasy of fame and fortune. It’s less a literal depiction of their lives at the time and more a powerful statement of intent, a vision of the superstar status they were determined to achieve.
Central Theme & Message
The central theme of “Regular” is the relentless pursuit and glorious attainment of success. The song is an auditory mood board for a life of luxury, where every lyric is a brushstroke painting a picture of immense wealth and influence. The primary message is that this success isn’t accidental; it’s the direct result of hard work (“I be grindin’, you waste time”) and an unshakeable belief in one’s own uniqueness (“We are not the same / Only one of me”).
The lyrics are filled with classic hip-hop tropes celebrating financial success: VVS diamonds, luxury cars (“the Jag,” “the coupe”), private jets (“Crew fly, Dubai”), and making millions without satisfaction. However, the song’s message goes beyond mere materialism. The recurring line, “‘Cause I need that bag on the regular,” signifies a perpetual state of ambition. It’s not enough to succeed once; the drive to earn, achieve, and spend is a constant, “regular” part of their existence. This reflects a hustler’s mentality where satisfaction is fleeting and the next goal is always on the horizon.
Furthermore, the song is a message of ultimate confidence. NCT 127 presents themselves as global players, making “the world go” and collecting currency from all over the globe (“Dinero, peso, yen”). They position themselves as being “too rich to compete,” operating on a level that is beyond comparison. This isn’t just bragging; it’s a form of self-manifestation, projecting an image of the global superstars they intend to become. The song tells the world, and reminds themselves, that they are destined for the top.
Verse-by-Verse Meaning
To understand the confident narrative woven through “Regular,” let’s break down the lyrics section by section.
Verse 1: Mark & Taeyong
I like shinin’, you be lyin’ I be grindin’, you waste time Know you wanna roll with me ‘Cause you know I put it down When I show up, I’m the one and only Yeah, pull up in the Jag Haters gon’ be mad
The song kicks off with a direct contrast between the group and their detractors. Mark and Taeyong establish a clear dichotomy: they are authentic (“shinin'”) and hardworking (“grindin'”), while others are fake (“lyin'”) and lazy (“waste time”). This verse sets the foundation for their success narrative—it’s earned, not given. They assert their status as desirable and unique (“the one and only”) and immediately introduce the imagery of wealth (“pull up in the Jag”) and the envy it inspires (“haters gon’ be mad”).
Verse 2: Jaehyun, Jungwoo & Taeyong
I be walkin’ with the cheese That’s that queso (Queso, queso) Diamonds drippin’ Better bring your raincoat (Splash) I got them racks on me (On me) I brought the whole lit team with me I might pull up in a spaceship Hop out, it don’t look like I live here
This verse dives deeper into the lyrical flexing. “Cheese” is slang for money, and the bilingual pun with “queso” adds a playful, Latin-inspired flair. The “diamonds drippin'” metaphor paints a picture of such overwhelming brilliance that it’s like a downpour. The verse emphasizes not just individual wealth (“racks on me”) but collective success (“brought the whole lit team with me”). The “spaceship” line elevates their status from merely rich to otherworldly and futuristic, reinforcing their “neo” concept.
Pre-Chorus & Chorus
The pre-chorus builds the atmosphere of exclusivity with talk of a gated home (“crib came with a gate and a code”) and being so “cold” (cool and bejeweled) that one needs to keep their distance. The chorus is the song’s thesis statement. “VVS my diamonds, I don’t need no light to shine” is a powerful metaphor for their innate talent—they don’t need external validation to be brilliant. The overflowing wealth is so extreme that their diamond-covered wrists obscure the time. Yet, despite making millions, they are “still not satisfied,” because the hunger for success (“that bag”) is a “regular” part of their lives.
Verse 2 (Second Part): Johnny, Yuta & Taeyong
I am too rich to compete So don’t compare to me (Yeah, yeah, yeah) We are not the same Only one of me (Hey, hey) Hop out the coupe The sky is the roof My whole team ball We never lose
This section reinforces their elite status. They place themselves on a pedestal, beyond competition or comparison. The imagery of a convertible (“The sky is the roof”) symbolizes limitless potential. The verse once again emphasizes their collective success (“My whole team ball”) and their unwavering winning streak, creating an aura of invincibility.
Verse 3: Haechan, Winwin & Mark
This verse continues the theme of opulent appearances (“casket-fresh,” “fashion show,” “water show”). Mark’s rap then launches their ambition to an interplanetary scale (“One way, no stop, to the stars,” “One way to Mars”). It also contains a powerful declaration of self-reliance: “You better watch yourself / I did it all by myself,” which reinforces the “grindin'” theme from the opening verse. Their success is self-made.
Verse 4: Taeyong & Mark
This verse features a mix of English and Korean, a signature of NCT’s style. Taeyong’s Korean line, “PLR your eyes, 번쩍 눈이 부셔, your brain go” (번쩍 눈이 부셔 means “blindingly bright”), describes their flashing, dazzling presence. The second Korean line, “자체발광, we flash / 주체 안돼, let’s dance” (자체발광 means “self-luminous” and 주체 안돼 means “can’t control it”), reinforces the idea that their shine is natural and uncontrollable. The final Korean line references a children’s song (“Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes”) before telling the listener to “bounce,” a playful and unexpected end to the flex-heavy rap.
Emotional Tone & Mood
The emotional tone of “Regular” is one of supreme, unshakeable confidence. It’s a mood that is celebratory, ambitious, and unapologetically arrogant in the way that is characteristic of the hip-hop genre. The song is not subtle; it is a full-frontal sonic assault of swagger and self-belief. The mood is designed to be aspirational and empowering, making the listener feel like they are part of this luxurious, high-flying world.
The Latin trap beat, with its distinctive rhythm and heavy 808 bass, creates a mood that is perfect for a party or a confident strut. It’s energetic, commanding, and cool. The members’ vocal and rap deliveries are sharp and dripping with attitude. They switch effortlessly between smooth, sung pre-choruses and aggressive, fast-paced rap verses, creating a dynamic texture that keeps the energy high.
The overall mood is one of fantasy fulfillment. It’s the feeling of a dream coming true in the most spectacular way possible. There is no doubt, no insecurity, only the pure, exhilarating feeling of being on top of the world. It’s a mood that is both intimidating and incredibly infectious, inviting listeners to share in the group’s vision of limitless success.
Artist’s Perspective / Backstory
NCT 127’s members have often discussed “Regular” in the context of the album’s dual concept. The album Regular-Irregular is structured to represent two states of being: the first half is the “Regular” side, depicting everyday reality, while the second half is the “Irregular” side, which delves into the world of dreams. The track “Regular” is the climax of that dream sequence.
In an interview with Billboard in 2018, Johnny explained the concept: “‘Regular’ is about our dreams. It’s about us dreaming of being on the stage and being this rich guy. It’s a fun song for us to show a different side.” Mark added that the song is about “how we want to be perceived on our ‘dream’ side,” emphasizing that it’s a confident expression of their ambitions.
The decision to release a full English version was a conscious and pivotal part of their career trajectory. It was their invitation to the Western music scene, a way to connect directly with a global audience without a language barrier. Performing it on American television before the album was even released was a high-stakes move that communicated their confidence and readiness for the world stage. The song, therefore, is not just about dreaming of wealth, but also about the very real dream of global crossover success.
Real-Life Events or Facts Related to the Song
The release of “Regular” was a landmark moment for NCT 127. The song was their vehicle for their official U.S. promotions, a period that cemented their status as rising global K-pop stars.
- U.S. Television Debut: On October 8, 2018, NCT 127 performed “Regular (English Ver.)” on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, marking their official debut on American broadcast television. This performance was widely covered by outlets like Rolling Stone and Billboard and was a major statement of their global ambitions.
- Apple Music Up Next Artist: In October 2018, Apple Music selected NCT 127 as their “Up Next” artist, the first K-pop act to receive this honor. This campaign included a short documentary, an interview with Beats 1, and prominent playlist placement, with “Regular” as the centerpiece of the promotion.
- Album Concept: The song is the title track of Regular-Irregular, NCT 127’s first full-length album. The album is conceptually divided into two halves. “Regular” is part of the “Irregular” (dream) half, while its B-side counterpart, “City 127,” represents the “Regular” (reality) side. This duality was a major talking point during the album’s promotion.
- Songwriting Credits: The English version was notably co-written by American songwriter Vedo, known for his work with artists like Usher and Chris Brown, and production team Tha Aristocrats, highlighting SM Entertainment’s commitment to creating an authentic English-language track for the global market.
These events show that “Regular” was more than just a song; it was the spearhead of a carefully orchestrated campaign to launch NCT 127 into the international stratosphere. The song’s themes of ambition and success were mirrored by the group’s real-life career moves at the time.
Metaphors & Symbolism
“Regular” is built on a foundation of rich metaphors and symbols, primarily drawn from hip-hop culture, to illustrate a life of extreme luxury and success.
- “Diamonds Drippin’ / Water Faucet / Water Show”: This recurring water imagery is a powerful metaphor for the sheer volume and brilliance of their jewelry. Their diamonds are so plentiful and dazzling that they appear to be flowing like liquid. It symbolizes a wealth that is fluid, overwhelming, and impossible to contain.
- “Stand Too Close, Might Catch a Cold”: This is a classic hip-hop metaphor connecting wealth with temperature. “Ice” is slang for diamonds, and their “ice” is so abundant that it makes the air around them “cold.” It’s a clever way of saying their level of coolness and wealth is so intense it’s almost a physical phenomenon.
- “VVS My Diamonds, I Don’t Need No Light to Shine”: VVS (Very, Very Slightly Included) is a high grade for diamond clarity. This line is a two-layered metaphor. On the surface, it’s a flex about the quality of their gems. On a deeper level, it symbolizes their innate talent and star power. They are so inherently brilliant that they don’t need external validation (a “light”) to be recognized.
- “Iced Out Both My Wrists, Now I Can Barely See the Time”: This symbolizes a level of opulence where luxury transcends practicality. The diamonds on their watches are so extravagant that they obscure the watch’s actual function. It’s a statement that their wealth is for show and status, not for utility.
- “Hoppin’ Out Casket-Fresh”: This is a slang term meaning to look exceptionally sharp and stylish, as if dressed for one’s own lavish funeral. It’s a morbidly fashionable metaphor that enhances their larger-than-life persona, suggesting they look “to die for.”
- “The Sky is the Roof”: This metaphor, referring to a convertible car, symbolizes limitless ambition and freedom. With no roof above them, there is nothing holding them back, and their potential is as vast as the sky.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question 1: What is the main theme of “Regular”?
Answer 1: The main theme is the confident pursuit and achievement of wealth, fame, and a luxurious lifestyle. It’s an aspirational anthem about manifesting dreams into reality through hard work and ambition.
Question 2: Why did NCT 127 release an English version of “Regular”?
Answer 2: The English version was a key part of their strategic push into the U.S. and global markets. It allowed them to connect directly with an international audience and was used for their American television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Question 3: What do “VVS diamonds” mean?
Answer 3: VVS stands for “Very, Very Slightly Included,” which is a high grade of clarity for a diamond. In the song, it’s used as a metaphor for their innate, high-quality talent and star power that shines without needing external help.
Question 4: What is the “Regular-Irregular” album concept?
Answer 4: The album is split into two halves. The “Regular” side represents reality and daily life, while the “Irregular” side represents the world of dreams and ambition. The song “Regular” is the centerpiece of the “Irregular” dream sequence.
Question 5: What does “I be walkin’ with the cheese / That’s that queso” mean?
Answer 5: “Cheese” is American slang for money. The line playfully extends the slang by referencing “queso,” the Spanish word for cheese, which ties into the song’s Latin trap genre influences.
Question 6: Why do they mention “dinero, peso, yen” in the post-chorus?
Answer 6: By listing different world currencies (Spanish for “money,” “peso,” and Japanese “yen”), they are symbolizing their global reach and success. It implies they are earning money from all over the world.
Question 7: What does “hoppin’ out casket-fresh” mean?
Answer 7: “Casket-fresh” is a slang term for looking extremely stylish and well-dressed, essentially looking “to die for.” It’s a hyperbolic way to describe their impeccable fashion sense.
Question 8: What was the significance of their U.S. TV debut with this song?
Answer 8: It was a major milestone that signaled their official entry into the competitive American music market. Performing a full English song on a major late-night show like Jimmy Kimmel Live! was a statement of their global ambitions and readiness.
Question 9: What is the “brra” sound in the post-chorus?
Answer 9: The “brra” sound is a vocal ad-lib common in trap and hip-hop music, often used to mimic the sound of an automatic weapon. In this context, it adds to the song’s energetic, confident, and aggressive swagger.
Question 10: Was the song about NCT 127’s real lives at the time?
Answer 10: Not literally. As part of the album’s “dream” sequence, the song was more aspirational. It was a projection of the immense success they were working towards, rather than a depiction of their actual lifestyles in 2018.
Question 11: What does the Korean line “PLR your eyes, 번쩍 눈이 부셔” mean?
Answer 11: The Korean phrase “번쩍 눈이 부셔” (beonjjeok nuni busyeo) translates to “so bright/flashy, it’s blinding.” The line essentially means their diamonds and presence are so dazzling that they will blind you.
Question 12: What are the main differences between the Korean and English versions?
Answer 12: The primary difference is the language of the lyrics. While the core theme of ambition and wealth remains the same, the specific expressions and slang are adapted for each language. The underlying track and production are identical.
Question 13: Who wrote “Regular (English Ver.)”?
Answer 13: The song was composed by Mike Daley, Mitchell Owens, Vedo, and George Kranz, with production by Tha Aristocrats. The English lyrics were written by Vedo, with NCT members Taeyong and Mark contributing to their own rap verses.
Question 14: What does “I need that bag on the regular” mean?
Answer 14: “The bag” is slang for a bag of money or, more broadly, securing wealth. The phrase means they have a constant, routine need to earn money and achieve success. It’s not a one-time goal but a continuous part of their lifestyle.
Question 15: What is the role of the rap verses versus the vocal pre-chorus?
Answer 15: The aggressive rap verses are used to deliver the core “flex” lines about wealth, hard work, and dominance. The smoother, melodic pre-chorus builds anticipation and atmosphere, creating a dynamic contrast before the explosive, chanted chorus.
Question 16: What is the overall mood of the song?
Answer 16: The mood is supremely confident, energetic, and celebratory. It’s a high-swagger track designed to feel aspirational and empowering, perfect for a party or a moment when you need a confidence boost.
Question 17: Why is “Regular” considered a Latin trap genre song?
Answer 17: Its musical composition incorporates key elements of Latin trap, such as the syncopated, dembow-like rhythm, heavy 808 bass, and bilingual lyrics (referencing “queso,” “dinero,” etc.). This fusion was a notable sonic direction for a K-pop group at the time.
Question 18: How does this song represent NCT 127’s “neo” identity?
Answer 18: The song embodies the “neo” concept (meaning new, futuristic) through its experimental fusion of K-pop with Latin trap, its confident and forward-looking lyrics, and its globally-focused ambition. The “spaceship” imagery further enhances this futuristic, “neo” identity.
Question 19: What does “we make the world go” signify?
Answer 19: This is a declaration of their influence and impact. It means they are a driving force in the world, setting trends and commanding global attention with their music and presence.
Question 20: What is the meaning of Taeyong’s reference to a children’s song in Verse 4?
Answer 20: He references the Korean equivalent of “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” (“머리 어깨 무릎 발,” meori eokkae mureup bal). This unexpected, playful reference at the end of an aggressive rap verse showcases NCT’s signature quirky and unpredictable style. It’s a moment of levity that breaks the tension and asserts their unique creative freedom.