Advertisement

Not so Psyrious. The true meaning of Gangnam Style

Did you see Psy?

Here, in Australia, he went Gangnam Style on the X-Factor. And an unbelievable crowd turned up to watch him perform for Sunrise in Sydney's Martin Place.

All those people caught up in the hype. All memorising and practicing this odd little dance that is sweeping the globe.

It's infectious. It's feel good. And hardly anyone knows what it's all about.

I challenge any Australian to sing the song.

Music may know no language, but the lyrics are Korean.

Perhaps they lose something in translation, but according to elyrics.net one memorable line is "A classy girl who knows how to enjoy the freedom of a cup of coffee".

The world is getting all steamed up over a girl sipping a latte. And a bloke who "one-shots his coffee before it even cools down".

They've been doing that in Italy for centuries.

Gangnam is Seoul's nightlife district. Full of bars, clubs and video game arcades. And young, rich people.

Psy is making fun of the social scene. No wonder we like him here in Australia.

If it was sung in English, Gangnam Style would be ludicrous. It would never have been produced. There'd never be the music video. Or that hilarious dance.

Whether you like the song or not, isn't it great that one of the unlikeliest of stars is having incredible international success by showing his individuality.

Here are the full lyrics of Gangnam Style, translated into English, according to Elyrics

Follow Michael on Twitter @MichaelCoombes

Oppa is Gangnam style
Gangnam style

''A girl who is warm and humane during the day
A classy girl who knows how to enjoy the freedom of a cup of coffee
A girl whose heart gets hotter when night comes
A girl with that kind of twist

I'm a guy
A guy who is as warm as you during the day
A guy who one-shots his coffee before it even cools down
A guy whose heart bursts when night comes

That kind of guy
Beautiful, loveable
Yes you, hey, yes you, hey
Beautiful, loveable
Yes you, hey, yes you, hey
Now let's go until the end
Oppa is Gangnam style, Gangnam style
Oppa is Gangnam style, Gangnam style
Oppa is Gangnam style
Eh- Sexy Lady, Oppa is Gangnam style
Eh- Sexy Lady oh oh oh oh

A girl who looks quiet but plays when she plays
A girl who puts her hair down when the right time comes
A girl who covers herself but is more sexy than a girl who bares it all
A sensible girl like that

I'm a guy
A guy who seems calm but plays when he plays
A guy who goes completely crazy when the right time comes
A guy who has bulging ideas rather than muscles
That kind of guy

Beautiful, loveable
Yes you, hey, yes you, hey
Beautiful, loveable
Yes you, hey, yes you, hey
Now let's go until the end
Oppa is Gangnam style, Gangnam style
Oppa is Gangnam style, Gangnam style
Oppa is Gangnam style
Eh- Sexy Lady, Oppa is Gangnam style
Eh- Sexy Lady oh oh oh oh

On top of the running man is the flying man, baby baby
I'm a man who knows a thing or two
On top of the running man is the flying man, baby baby
I'm a man who knows a thing or two
You know what I'm saying
Oppa is Gangnam style
Eh- Sexy Lady, Oppa is Gangnam style
Eh- Sexy Lady oh oh oh oh''