As someone who’s been a Stray Kids fan for ages, I was already expecting something incredible from Walking on Water. But this track? It completely shattered my expectations. Stray Kids have always been known for breaking boundaries, but with this song, they’ve gone even further. It’s not just a song; it’s an experience. The mix of clever lyrics, innovative sound, and pop culture references shows just how much effort they put into making this track stand out—and, trust me, it does.
The Meaning Behind “Walking on Water”
Let’s start with the lyrics because Walking on Water is so much more than just a catchy hook. The concept of walking on water is a powerful metaphor for being in a place where no one else can be. It’s about stepping into a space where only Stray Kids belong. As they say in the song, “Crashing waves but I’ll never fall,” they’re not just surviving the challenges around them—they’re mastering them. They’re standing tall while the world tries to knock them down, and they’re doing it with ease. Stray Kids are so confident that they can walk on water, a place most people would drown in, and that’s what makes them stand out. They’re in their own lane, doing things others simply can’t do.
The Pop Culture References: Harry Potter and Nemo
Stray Kids have always been clever with their lyrics, and Walking on Water is full of intricate references. One of the first things I noticed was the shout-out to Harry Potter with the line “You can call me Harry Potter.” I mean, who else could compare themselves to Harry? Just like Harry had this magical ability to operate in a world most couldn’t even see, Stray Kids are claiming space in music where they’re untouchable. They’re making moves that others can’t even fathom, stepping into a realm that only they can control. It’s about having a unique power and confidence—just like Harry with his magic.
But the Finding Nemo reference is where it gets even more interesting. There’s a line that says, “Say hello to Nemo ‘cause I can’t see,” which threw me off at first. Why Nemo? Well, here’s the thing: Nemo is always swimming underwater, but Stray Kids? They’re above the water, standing on it, untouched by the depths below. They’re so far above it all, that they can’t even see it. They’re moving through this world with ease and control, unlike Nemo, who’s navigating the vast ocean. It’s a brilliant contrast, showing just how far above the water Stray Kids are, walking effortlessly in a place others can’t reach.
Stray Kids also references Harry Potter’s Basilisk, saying, “We look like a Basilisk,” and it’s the perfect comparison. The Basilisk moves smoothly and silently, with an air of power and control. In the same way, Stray Kids are walking leisurely and effortlessly on the surface of the water, with every movement intentional and in complete control. It’s not an involuntary splash or a struggle—it’s smooth and confident, like someone who owns the ocean itself.
The Musical Genius: A Perfect Fusion of Old-School and Modern Hip-Hop
Now, let’s talk about the music. Stray Kids have always been known for their genre-blending skills, but Walking on Water takes things to a whole new level. The track starts off with this old-school hip-hop vibe, full of nostalgic beats that instantly give you that classic rap feeling. But then, without missing a beat, Stray Kids shifts the sound with modern trap elements, crisp production, and fresh flows that make the track feel current and relevant.
The real genius here, though, is the seamless combination of genres. It’s like taking two worlds—old-school hip-hop and modern trap—and merging them into one powerful, unforgettable sound. But it doesn’t stop there. As the track moves forward, Stray Kids bring in hop metal, with heavy guitar riffs crashing into the rap verses. It’s unexpected and chaotic, and yet it works perfectly. This isn’t something most artists would even attempt, but Stray Kids pulls it off without breaking a sweat. It’s risky, it’s innovative, and it’s what makes this song stand out.
The Music Video: Out of Sync in the Best Way
And then there’s the music video. The visuals in Walking on Water are just as unexpected as the song itself. There’s something about Stray Kids’ ability to take concepts that don’t belong together and make them work perfectly. The video opens with a scene of a member riding a motorbike through a traditional Korean village, and honestly, it’s such a bold, unique choice. The contrast between modern and traditional is jarring at first, but it immediately sets the tone. Stray Kids are here to show that they don’t play by anyone else’s rules—they’re making their own path.
The visuals keep getting more out-of-place in the best way. A basketball court sits in front of a grand Korean palace, and a jet ski rides across the palace’s pond. These images shouldn’t make sense together, but they do. It’s as though Stray Kids are intentionally stepping out of the ordinary, blending worlds and eras to create something completely their own. It’s a visual representation of the song’s message—they’re above the rest, breaking through expectations with every move.
Why “Walking on Water” is a Game-Changer
So why is Walking on Water such a game-changer? Because Stray Kids are once again proving that they’re in a league of their own. From the powerful lyrics filled with pop culture references to the genre-defying sound, they’ve created something that’s impossible to ignore. The way they’ve merged old-school hip-hop with modern trap and hop metal is rare in the music industry, and they’ve done it flawlessly.
The references to Harry Potter and Finding Nemo aren’t just throwaway lines—they add depth and meaning to the song. Stray Kids are saying that they’re above the ordinary, walking on water in a world that most people can’t even begin to understand. They’re taking control of their journey, just like Aqua Man controlling the ocean. The splash? It’s controlled. The movement? Effortless. They’re not struggling—they’re owning the water, and we’re all just along for the ride.
If you’ve been a fan of Stray Kids for as long as I have, then Walking on Water is everything you’ve been waiting for. If you’re new to them, get ready to see why they’re one of the most unique and exciting groups in the music industry. Stray Kids aren’t just walking on water—they’re owning it.
