“APT” is a vibrant collaboration between ROSÉ of BLACKPINK and Bruno Mars, blending elements of Korean culture with modern pop.
The song draws inspiration from a popular Korean drinking game called “the apartment game,” where players chant “apateu” (아파트, meaning “apartment”) before starting.
Lyrically, “APT” explores themes of attraction, flirtation, and the desire for connection, using the apartment as a metaphor for intimacy and fun.
The song features catchy rhythms and playful language, with ROSÉ and Bruno Mars trading verses that invite listeners to join in the excitement and meet at the “apateu” for a night of revelry.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
Table of Contents
“APT” Lyrics Meaning
Intro
Chaeyoung-iga joahaneun
Random game
Random game
Game start
The intro mentions “Chaeyoung-iga joahaneun Random game,” which refers to a random game favored by Chaeyoung, likely a reference to a popular Korean drinking game or social activity. The phrase “Game start” indicates the beginning of the playful and flirtatious theme of the song.
Chorus
Apateu, apateu
Apateu, apateu
Apateu, apateu
Uh, uh-huh, uh-huh
Apateu, apateu
Apateu, apateu
Apateu, apateu
Uh, uh-huh, uh-huh
The chorus repeats “Apateu, apateu,” which is the Korean pronunciation of “아파트” (apartment). This refers to a popular Korean drinking game called “the apartment game,” where players chant “apateu” before starting. The repetition emphasizes the invitation to join in this playful and flirtatious atmosphere.
Verse 1: ROSÉ
Kissy face, kissy face
Sent to your phone, but
I’m tryna kiss your lips for real (Uh-huh, uh-huh)
Red hearts, red hearts
That’s what I’m on, yeah
Come give me somethin’ I can feel, oh-oh, oh
In this verse, ROSÉ sings about sending flirtatious messages (“Kissy face, kissy face”) but desires real physical affection (“I’m tryna kiss your lips for real”). The mention of “Red hearts” symbolizes her romantic intentions and desire for a genuine connection.
Pre-Chorus: ROSÉ
Don’t you want me like I want you, baby?
Don’t you need me like I need you now?
Sleep tomorrow, but tonight, go crazy
All you gotta do is just meet me at the
The pre-chorus expresses mutual desire and urgency, with ROSÉ inviting someone to meet her at the “apateu” (apartment), suggesting a place for intimate connection and fun. The line “Sleep tomorrow, but tonight, go crazy” emphasizes living in the moment.
Verse 2: Bruno Mars, ROSÉ, Bruno Mars & ROSÉ
It’s whatever (Whatever), it’s whatever (Whatever)
It’s whatever (Whatever) you like (Woo)
Turn this apateu into a club (Uh-huh, uh-huh)
I’m talkin’ drink, dance, smoke, freak, party all night (Come on)
Geonbae, geonbae, girl, what’s up? Oh-oh, oh
Bruno Mars joins in, turning the apartment into a vibrant party scene with drinking, dancing, and socializing. The phrase “Geonbae, geonbae” means “cheers” in Korean, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Pre-Chorus & Chorus
Don’t you want me like I want you, baby?
Don’t you need me like I need you now?
Sleep tomorrow, but tonight, go crazy
All you gotta do is just meet me at the
These sections continue the theme of mutual attraction and the invitation to meet at the apartment, reinforcing the playful and flirtatious tone of the song.
Bridge
Hey, so now you know the game
Are you ready?
‘Cause I’m comin’ to get ya, get ya, get ya
Hold on, hold on
I’m on my way
Yeah, yeah, yeah-yeah, yeah
I’m on my way
Hold on, hold on
I’m on my way
Yeah, yeah, yeah-yeah, yeah
I’m on my way
The bridge builds anticipation and excitement, with ROSÉ and Bruno Mars preparing to meet and engage in the fun and games at the apartment.
Final Pre-Chorus & Chorus
Apateu, apateu
Apateu, apateu
Apateu, apateu
Just meet me at the (Uh, uh-huh, uh-huh)
Apateu, apateu
Apateu, apateu
Apateu, apateu
Just meet me at the (Uh, uh-huh, uh-huh)
Apateu, apateu
Apateu, apateu
Apateu, apateu
Just meet me at the (Uh, uh-huh, uh-huh)
Apateu, apateu
Apateu, apateu
Apateu, apateu
Uh, uh-huh, uh-huh
The final sections maintain the energetic and flirtatious vibe, emphasizing the invitation to meet at the apartment and enjoy the night together.
Deeper Meaning Behind “APT”
“APT.” by ROSÉ and Bruno Mars is a vibrant and catchy song that has captured the hearts of listeners worldwide. On the surface, it appears to be a playful and flirtatious track, but beneath its upbeat melody lies a deeper meaning.
The song draws inspiration from Korean culture, specifically a popular drinking game known as “the apartment game,” which is often played in social settings to break the ice and foster camaraderie.
The title “APT.” is derived from the Korean word “아파트” (apartment), pronounced as “apateu.” This term is central to the song’s theme, symbolizing not just a physical space but also a setting for social interaction and shared experiences.
ROSÉ has shared that the song was inspired by her favorite Korean drinking game, which she introduced to her team during a studio session.
The game’s chant, “apateu,” became the foundation for the song’s catchy chorus. This cultural exchange and fusion of Korean and Western music styles contribute to the song’s unique appeal and global popularity.
Beyond its cultural roots, “APT.” explores themes of connection, spontaneity, and the pursuit of pleasure. The lyrics weave a narrative of attraction and invitation, with ROSÉ and Bruno Mars inviting each other to engage in a playful and flirtatious dance.
The song captures the essence of youthful spontaneity and the thrill of a budding connection, making it relatable to listeners worldwide. The use of imagery and metaphors in the lyrics adds depth to the narrative, painting a vivid picture of a relationship filled with both joy and complexity.
Musically, “APT.” has been a significant success, topping charts globally and sparking a social media dance craze. The song’s catchy beat and memorable chorus have made it a staple in contemporary pop culture, with its music video garnering hundreds of millions of views on YouTube.
The collaboration between ROSÉ and Bruno Mars has not only highlighted the versatility of K-pop but also demonstrated the power of cultural fusion in music, appealing to a diverse audience and bridging cultural divides.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.