If you’ve been hanging around the fandom for a while, you know Stray Kids doesn't just drop random numbers for the aesthetic. Everything has a meaning. When 0801 stray kids lyrics first started popping up on timelines and tracklists, real STAYs knew exactly what time it was. This isn't just a synthwave-pop track tucked away in the KARMA album.
It’s a birthday card. It’s a promise. Honestly, it’s probably one of the most emotional "fan songs" they’ve ever put out.
August 1st (08/01) marks the day the fandom name "STAY" was officially born back in 2018. Fast forward to 2025, and the group decides to immortalize that date in a song that basically functions as a giant hug for anyone who’s ever felt lost.
The Heart of the 0801 Stray Kids Lyrics
The lyrics hit different because they don't try to be cool or "noise music." They’re vulnerable. Bang Chan, who helped write and compose this along with Versachoi, leaned heavily into a comforting narrative.
"I know how it feels to be alone / I’ve wandered astray, oh, I’ve been lost / Let out all your tears, I’ll keep you close."
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These lines aren't just generic pop fluff. They reference the group's own name—Stray Kids—and their journey from being "lost" kids to finding a home in their fans. The chorus is a repetitive, hypnotic vow: "I’ll stay forever / I’m right here." It's a clever play on words. They are staying for STAY, and because of STAY, they can stay.
Kinda meta, right?
The song acknowledges that life is hard. You've probably had those days where everyone tells you "you're doing great" but it doesn't feel like it. The lyrics specifically mention that: "Even if you hear 'you're doing well' hundreds of times / There are days that don't go your way / I know that feeling so well." It’s that empathy that makes Stray Kids’ songwriting stand out in a sea of idol music.
A Street Video Made by the Members
One of the coolest things about this release wasn't just the audio, but the 0801 (Street Ver.) video. If you watched the SKZ LOG behind-the-scenes, you saw Hyunjin basically transform into a chaotic but dedicated film director. He was running around with a camera, directing the other members, while Felix acted as his unofficial assistant/producer.
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It feels raw. It looks like a group of friends just hanging out, which is exactly the vibe the lyrics aim for. They aren't "idols" in this song; they’re the people who "stay right here all day" in the rain with you.
Breaking Down the Korean Verses
For international fans, some of the nuance in the Korean lyrics might get lost in translation. There’s a beautiful metaphor about seasons:
- The Winter: Representing the cold, lonely times when you feel stuck.
- The Spring: The inevitable return of warmth.
- The Flower: A direct reference to the fan, being something special that needs sunlight (which the members promise to be).
The phrase "Blooming in the rain" is a recurring theme. It’s a reminder that growth doesn't just happen when things are perfect. It happens during the storms.
Why 0801 Still Matters in 2026
Looking back at the KARMA era, this track serves as a grounding wire. While other songs on the album like "CREED" or "Phoenix" are high-energy and aggressive, 0801 stray kids lyrics provide the emotional payoff. It’s the "Slump" or "Levanter" of the 2025-2026 cycle.
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People often get wrong that K-pop fan songs are just corporate "thank yous." But when you look at the credits—Bang Chan is right there at the top. This isn't a song handed to them by a label; it’s a song they built to celebrate a seven-year-plus relationship with their fans.
Honestly, the "0801" title is also a bit of a flex. It shows that even after becoming global superstars and JYP’s heavy hitters, they still prioritize the date they gave their fans a name.
What to Do Next with Your SKZ Playlist
If the lyrics for 0801 have you feeling some type of way, you should definitely check out the "Festival Version" if you haven't yet. It strips away some of the studio polish and makes it feel like you're standing in the middle of a stadium with 50,000 other people.
Also, go back and watch the "Street Ver." MV again, but this time, pay attention to the members' expressions during the bridge. You can tell they aren't just acting for a paycheck.
- Listen to the 0801 official audio on high-quality speakers to catch the synth layers in the production by Versachoi.
- Read the full Han/Rom/Eng translations side-by-side to see how the metaphors about the sun and rain connect.
- Watch the SKZ LOG episode where Hyunjin directs the video—it adds a whole new layer of appreciation for the work that went into the "casual" vibe.
The song is a reminder that you're not "wandering astray" alone. You've got eight guys promising to stay right there with you, regardless of how many winters you have to go through.