“The Morning” is a song by The Weeknd, released in 2011 on his debut mixtape, House of Balloons. The lyrics explore themes of hedonism, fame, and the pursuit of material pleasures, set against a backdrop of late nights and early mornings. The song paints a picture of excess and ambition, blending R&B with alternative influences.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
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“The Morning” Lyrics Meaning
[Intro]
This is for the “House of Balloons” fans in SoFi tonight
I’m fucking gone right now
“Listen, listen”
The intro sets the scene for a live performance, with The Weeknd acknowledging his early fans.
[Verse 1]
From the morning to the evening
Complaints from the tenants
Got the walls kicking like they six months pregnant
Drinking Alizé with our cereal for breakfast
And girls calling cabs at dawn quarter to seven
Sky’s getting cold, we flying from the north
We rockin’ in Los Angeles like a sold out show
A house full of pros that specialize in the ho’in’
Make that money rain as they taking off they clothes
Order plane tickets
Cali was the mission
Visit evеry month like I’m split life living
Let thе world listen
If a hater’s caught slipping
Then my niggas stay tight
Got my back like Pippen
Fast life gripping
Yeah, we still tippin’
Codeine cups paint a picture so vivid
Fakes try to mimic
Get girls timid
But behind closed doors, they get poles so rigid
The first verse describes a lifestyle of excess and partying. It paints a picture of loud music, drinking alcohol for breakfast, and a house full of people engaged in various activities. The lyrics also mention traveling between Canada (“the north”) and Los Angeles, indicating The Weeknd’s rising fame and success.
[Chorus]
All that money, the money is the motive
All that money, the money is the motive
All that money, the money she be folding
Girl, put in work, girl, girl, put in work
Girl, put in work, girl, girl, put in work
Girl, put in work
This section emphasizes the pursuit of money as the primary motivation. The repeated phrase “Girl, put in work” likely refers to women in the entertainment industry, possibly exotic dancers or sex workers. The chorus reinforces the idea that money is the driving force behind their actions.
[Verse 2]
Push it to the limit
Push it through the pain
I push it for the pleasure like a virgin to the game
A virgin to that money
A virgin to the fame
So this my only chance
And when I’m over, only pray
That I flow from the bottom
Closer to the top
The higher that I climb
The harder I’ma drop
These pussy ass niggas tryna hold on to their credit
So I tell them use a debit
Watch they image start to lessen
I warn them like discretion
Why these niggas testing?
Always fucking testing
Why these niggas testing?
Shit that I got them on straight bar hopping
To the music of the ambiance
Get shit popping
Zombies of the night (Zombies of the night)
Niggas ain’t talking if they hyping to the crew
Get it in like pockets
Downtown loving
When the moon coming
Only place to find bassheads and hot women
Let’s go
The second verse delves deeper into The Weeknd’s ambitions and the challenges of fame. He compares himself to a “virgin to the game,” suggesting he’s new to the industry but pushing himself to succeed. The lyrics also touch on the fleeting nature of success and the potential for a hard fall from the top.
The Weeknd also criticizes other artists who are overly concerned with their image and credit, contrasting this with his own approach. He describes a nightlife scene with “zombies of the night” and “bar hopping,” further emphasizing the hedonistic lifestyle.
Deeper Meaning Behind “The Morning”
“The Morning” by The Weeknd is a complex exploration of hedonism, escapism, and the darker side of fame and success. The song, which appears on his debut mixtape “House of Balloons,” delves into themes of drug use, sexual encounters, and the emptiness that can accompany a lifestyle of excess.
At its core, “The Morning” presents a stark contrast between the glamorous nightlife and the harsh reality of the morning after. The Weeknd’s lyrics paint a picture of a character who indulges in various vices throughout the night, only to wake up to the consequences and emotional toll of his actions. This juxtaposition serves as a metaphor for the broader struggles of balancing fame, success, and personal demons.
The song’s uplifting and optimistic sound belies its darker lyrical content, creating a sense of cognitive dissonance that mirrors the protagonist’s conflicted state of mind. This musical choice reflects The Weeknd’s signature style of blending dark themes with catchy, melodic production. The dreamy atmosphere created by the hazy production further emphasizes the blurred lines between reality and escapism that the character experiences.
“The Morning” also touches on themes of resilience and self-determination. Despite the challenges and potential self-destructive behavior described in the lyrics, there’s an underlying message of perseverance. The chorus, with its repetition of “I’m alright even when I’m not,” suggests a determination to push through difficult times, even if it means putting on a brave face. This aspect of the song resonates with listeners who may be struggling with their own personal battles, offering a sense of solidarity and understanding.
In the broader context of The Weeknd’s discography, “The Morning” stands out as a pivotal track that helped establish his unique voice and perspective in the music industry. It showcases his ability to craft introspective, emotionally charged narratives within the framework of contemporary R&B and pop music. The song’s enduring popularity and critical acclaim speak to its effectiveness in capturing complex human experiences and emotions in a relatable yet artistically compelling manner.
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.