On December 8, 2023, the music industry witnessed an unexpected collision of worlds as One of the Girls lyrics burst onto the scene.
This wasn’t just another R&B track; it was a sultry convergence of Canadian superstar The Weeknd’s brooding artistry, BLACKPINK’s JENNIE’s K-pop prowess, and actress Lily-Rose Depp’s silver screen allure.
The song’s release sent ripples through fan communities, from die-hard Weeknd followers to BLACKPINK’s devoted Blinks and even cinephiles curious about Depp’s musical debut.
As the provocative verses unfurled and the seductive melody took hold, listeners found themselves drawn into a world where pop stardom, cult-like manipulation, and raw desire intertwined.
The track wasn’t merely a song; it was a gateway into the controversial universe of HBO’s “The Idol,” blurring the lines between fiction and reality, performance and authenticity.
With each play, the song’s impact grew. Social media buzzed with lyric interpretations, TikTok creators devised new trends around its hook, and music critics sharpened their pens.
One of the Girls had become more than a collaboration; it was a cultural moment that demanded attention and analysis.
Let’s peel back the layers of this chart-topping phenomenon, exploring the lyrical labyrinth, the sonic landscape, and the ripple effects of this unlikely trio’s musical union.
From the writing room to the Billboard charts, from HBO screens to streaming platforms, we’ll uncover the story behind the song that had everyone asking: What does it mean to be “One of the Girls”?
Background and Series Connection
One of the Girls is deeply intertwined with the HBO series “The Idol,” which stars all three of the song’s performers.
The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) co-created the show and stars as Tedros, a charismatic cult leader. Lily-Rose Depp takes on the lead role of Jocelyn, a rising pop star navigating the pressures of fame.
JENNIE of BLACKPINK makes her American acting debut in the series as Dyanne, a backup dancer and close friend to Jocelyn.
While Dyanne’s role is not as central as Jocelyn or Tedros, her presence adds depth to the portrayal of the pop star lifestyle and the dynamics within Jocelyn’s inner circle.
This acting venture marks a significant step in JENNIE’s career beyond her work with BLACKPINK, bridging her music career with her foray into acting.
The song One of the Girls reflects the complex relationships and power dynamics portrayed in the show, with its lyrics mirroring themes explored in the series.
The official music video, released on July 6, 2023, further cements this connection by featuring clips from “The Idol.”
Viewers can see JENNIE as Dyanne partying with Lily-Rose Depp’s Jocelyn, while The Weeknd’s Tedros lurks in the background, observing the women.
These visuals provide context to the song’s provocative lyrics and reinforce its ties to the show’s narrative.
Release and Album Details
One of the Girls first appeared on The Idol Episode 4 (Music from the HBO Original Series) EP, released through XO and Republic Records.
This EP featured music from the fourth episode of the controversial HBO series “The Idol,” which starred all three artists.
The song’s popularity led to its inclusion in the 2024 deluxe version of The Weeknd’s greatest hits album, “The Highlights.”
This placement alongside The Weeknd’s most successful tracks speaks to the impact One of the Girls had on listeners and charts alike.
“One of the Girls” Behind the Scenes: Writers and Producer
The creative minds behind One of the Girls brought together a mix of established talent and fresh voices.
The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), Lily-Rose Depp, Ramsey, and Sam Levinson all contributed to the songwriting process.
Mike Dean, a renowned producer known for his work with artists like Kanye West and Travis Scott, lent his expertise to craft the song’s moody, synth-driven soundscape.
Chart Performance and Viral Success
One of the Girls became a slow-burning hit, gaining momentum over time.
Its popularity exploded after going viral on TikTok, particularly among BLACKPINK fans eager to support JENNIE’s solo endeavor.
The song’s success was notable, peaking at number 10 on the Billboard Global 200 and reaching number 1 in Malaysia.
It also entered the top 10 in multiple countries, including Greece, Hungary, and India.
In the United States, it became the highest-charting song by a female K-pop soloist on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 51.
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the track platinum, further cementing its commercial success.
For JENNIE, this marked her second top-10 hit on the Global 200, while it was Lily-Rose Depp’s first.
The Weeknd added another hit to his impressive catalogue, marking his 11th top-10 on the chart.
“One of the Girls” Lyrics Breakdown: Exploring Themes of Control and Desire
One of the Girls delves into provocative themes that mirror the plot of “The Idol.”
The lyrics explore power dynamics, fame, desire, and even touch on the concept of Stockholm syndrome.
JENNIE’s intro sets the tone for the song with lines like “Lock me up and throw away the key / He knows how to get the best out of me.”
These words hint at a relationship marked by control and manipulation, with the speaker willingly submitting to this dynamic, believing their partner brings out their best qualities.
The Weeknd’s verse embraces the role of the manipulator, with lyrics such as “Tell nobody I control you / I broke you just to own you.”
This section highlights the darker aspects of the relationship portrayed in the song.
Lily-Rose Depp’s pre-chorus contains some of the most explicit content, with lines like “Give me tough love / Leave me with nothin’ when I come down / My kind of love / Force me and choke me ’til I pass out.”
These lyrics sparked controversy among listeners due to their graphic nature.
The chorus emphasises the transactional nature of the relationship described in the song.
With the repeated refrain “We don’t gotta be in love, no / I don’t gotta be the one, no / I just wanna be one of your girls tonight,” the speaker isn’t seeking love or commitment, but rather the thrill of being “one of the girls”—a temporary object of desire.
Musical Elements and Production
One of the Girls showcases a blend of The Weeknd’s signature sound with contributions from his collaborators, resulting in a track with a distinctly seductive feel.
The song’s production features an impressive trap style that underpins its sultry atmosphere.
At the core of the track is a decadently plush beat that creates a dreamy, atmospheric backdrop.
R&B-influenced rhythms drive the song forward, while synth-heavy elements add depth and texture to the arrangement.
A pulsing bassline further enhances the sensual mood, completing the song’s alluring soundscape.
The vocal performances on One of the Girls are particularly noteworthy.
The Weeknd’s emotive falsetto serves as a central pillar, while JENNIE’s breathy vocals and Lily-Rose Depp’s sultry delivery add contrasting layers.
Together, their voices weave harmoniously like a braid, creating a dynamic and engaging vocal landscape that complements the track’s provocative lyrics and themes.
The song’s production skillfully balances these various elements, resulting in a cohesive and immersive listening experience.
The interplay between the lush instrumentation and the vocalists’ performances contributes significantly to the track’s overall impact and chart success.
Listeners are invited to experience this rich musical tapestry for themselves, allowing the song’s seductive atmosphere and impressive production to make their own impression.
Whether drawn in by The Weeknd’s established artistry, JENNIE’s venture outside of BLACKPINK, or Lily-Rose Depp’s musical debut, One of the Girls offers a unique collaborative effort that showcases each artist’s strengths within a compelling musical framework.
One of the Girls showcases the talents of three unique artists coming together to create a provocative, chart-topping hit.
Whether you’re a fan of The Weeknd’s moody R&B, curious about JENNIE’s solo work outside of BLACKPINK, or interested in Lily-Rose Depp’s foray into music, this track offers something for everyone, as long as you’re prepared for its explicit themes and lyrics.
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The Weeknd, JENNIE & Lily-Rose Depp One Of The Girls Lyrics
Intro: JENNIE
Lock me up and throw away the key
He knows how to get the best out of me
I’m no force for the world to see
Trade my whole life just to be
Verse 1: The Weeknd
Tell nobody I control you
I broke you just to own you
They can’t tell but I love you
‘Cause you’re loyal, baby
I love when you’re submissive
You love it when I break skin
You feel pain without flinchin’
So say it
Pre-Chorus: Lily-Rose Depp
Give me tough love
Leave me with nothin’ when I come down
My kind of love
Force me and choke me ’til I pass out
Chorus: Lily-Rose Depp
We don’t gotta bе in love, no
I don’t gotta be the onе, no
I just wanna be one of your girls tonight
We don’t gotta be in love, no
I don’t gotta be the one, no
I just wanna be one of your girls tonight, oh
Verse 2: Lily-Rose Depp
Push me down, hold me down
Spit in my mouth while you turn me out
I wanna take your light inside
Tear me down, snuff me out
Hands on my neck while you push it up
And I’m screamin’ now
Pre-Chorus: The Weeknd
Give me tough love
Leave me with nothin’ when I come down
My kind of love
Force me and choke me ’til I pass out
Chorus: The Weeknd & Lily-Rose Depp
We don’t gotta be in love, no
I don’t gotta be the one, no
I just wanna be one of your girls tonight (Tonight)
We don’t gotta be in love, no
I don’t gotta be the one, no (Oh)
I just wanna be one of your girls tonight, oh
Bridge: JENNIE
Lock me up and throw away the key
He knows how to get the best out of me
I’m no force for the world to see
Trade my whole life just to be
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
