"One Of The Girls" by The Weeknd Lyrics Meaning
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"One of the Girls" is a provocative and emotionally charged collaboration between The Weeknd, JENNIE of BLACKPINK, and Lily-Rose Depp. The song is a deep dive into themes of control, submission, and the blurred lines between desire and dependency. With haunting production and raw, unapologetic lyrics, it creates an atmosphere of seduction, power, and vulnerability.
From the very first line, JENNIE sets the tone with a haunting declaration:
"Lock me up and throw away the key
He knows how to get the best out of me"
This introduces the theme of surrendering autonomy for a sense of belonging or validation. JENNIE’s lyrics speak to the internal conflict of trading freedom for a fleeting connection, highlighting the complexities of power dynamics in relationships.
The Weeknd’s verse shifts the perspective, embodying a figure who revels in control and dominance:
"Tell nobody I control you
I broke you just to own you"
This chilling admission underscores the transactional nature of the relationship, where love and loyalty are intertwined with manipulation and control. The interplay between pleasure and pain is a central motif, reflecting the darker side of human connection.
Lily-Rose Depp’s verses take the narrative deeper into the realm of submission and physicality:
"Push me down, hold me down
Spit in my mouth while you turn me out"
These visceral, unfiltered lyrics explore the physical manifestation of power dynamics. Lily-Rose’s raw delivery emphasizes the paradox of desire: the simultaneous vulnerability and empowerment found in surrender.
In the pre-chorus, she explicitly states the allure of tough love:
"Give me tough love
Leave me with nothin' when I come down"
This reinforces the addictive nature of these dynamics, where the intensity of the experience overshadows its destructiveness. It’s a poignant commentary on the cycle of chasing validation in unhealthy relationships.
JENNIE’s bridge provides a reflective counterpoint to the intense verses:
"Top of the world, but I'm still not free
This is a secret that I keep
Until it's gone, I can never find peace
Waste my whole life just to be"
Here, she explores the psychological toll of striving to meet external expectations. The imagery of being "top of the world" yet "not free" speaks to the hollow nature of superficial success. Her introspection ties the song’s narrative to broader societal pressures, particularly for women in the public eye.
The production of "One of the Girls" mirrors its lyrical themes with a brooding, atmospheric quality. The layered vocals create an immersive experience, blending JENNIE’s ethereal tone, Lily-Rose’s unfiltered delivery, and The Weeknd’s signature haunting presence. The minimalist beats and echoing synths enhance the feeling of intimacy and tension, drawing listeners into the song’s dark world.
"One of the Girls" resonates as both a commentary on power dynamics in relationships and a broader critique of societal expectations. The interplay of submission and control reflects not only interpersonal struggles but also the pressures to conform and sacrifice individuality for acceptance. For JENNIE, The Weeknd, and Lily-Rose Depp, the song becomes a medium to explore these themes through their unique perspectives, bridging the personal and the universal.
This song is not just a song—it’s a raw exploration of the human psyche, where desire and dependency collide. Through its unflinching lyrics and hypnotic production, it challenges listeners to confront uncomfortable truths about control, submission, and the lengths we go to feel seen and desired.
At its core, the song leaves us questioning: How much of ourselves are we willing to trade for the promise of love, power, or belonging?
