A favorite of many XO fans (including Taylor Swift), this song has appeared on both Capital Xtra’s and Red Bull’s lists of best Weeknd songs.
This is the second of three tracks that would be produced (and ultimately secured) from producer Jeremy Rose. Abel would later feud for rights to the songs. The version that appears on House of Balloons and Trilogy is not the Rose-produced version. Rose’s demo, one of the three 2010 drops that first brought fans to the Weeknd, featured pitched-down rapping and a faster tempo—likely recorded during The Weeknd’s Kin Kane days.
The Morning
The Weeknd Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm fucking gone right now
Listen, listen
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
Sky's getting cold, we're flying from the North
Rockin' with our city like a sold out show
House full of pros that specialize in the ho'in
Make that money rain as they taking off they clothes
Order plane tickets
Cali is the mission
Visit every month like I'm split life living
Let the 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
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
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 (Always fucking)
Why these niggas testing? (Always fucking)
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
All that money (ayy), the money is the motive
All that money (ohh), the money is the motive
All that money, the money she be folding
Girl put in work (ayy), girl, girl put in work (ayy)
Girl put in work, girl, girl put in work (ayy)
Girl put in work
Better slow down
She'll feel it in the morning
Ain't the kind of girl you'll be seeing in the morning
Too damn raw ain't no nigga with her rollin'
Ain't no nigga that she holding
Man, her love is too damn foreign
Look at all that money
The money is the motive (the money is the motive)
All that money
The money she be folding (the money she be folding)
Girl put in work, girl, girl put in work
Girl put in work, girl, girl put in work
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
The Weeknd's "The Morning" is a song about a lifestyle that is fueled by money, drugs, and debauchery. The lyrics describe a group of people who are living recklessly, with no regard for the consequences of their actions. They are drinking Alizé with their cereal for breakfast, partying all night, and engaging in casual sex with prostitutes. The singer talks about flying to California every month and living a double life. He warns his rivals to be cautious, but also boasts about his loyalty to his friends. The chorus repeats "All that money, the money is the motive," emphasizing the fact that all their actions are driven by the desire for wealth and status.
The song's lyrics are replete with references to drugs and alcohol, with mentions of Codeine cups, zombies of the night, and the ambiance of the club. The singer seems to be living a life that is both glamorous and dangerous, with constant partying and debauchery. The chorus also highlights the theme of materialism, with its repetition of the phrase "All that money, the money is the motive." The song suggests that money and status are the only things that matter in this world, and that people will go to great lengths to attain them.
Overall, "The Morning" is a dark and cynical portrayal of the high life. It is a song about excess and the pursuit of pleasure at any cost, set against a backdrop of drugs, sex, and violence.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm fucking gone right now
I am currently inebriated to the point of impairment
From the morning to the evening
Throughout the entire day
Complaints from the tenants
People in the adjacent living spaces are expressing concern
Got the walls kicking like they six months pregnant
The volume is so loud that it causes physical vibrations in the building
Drinking Alizé with our cereal for breakfast
We are starting our day with an alcoholic beverage and sugary cereal
Girls calling cabs at dawn quarter to seven
Women are leaving in the early morning, before the sun rises
Sky's getting cold, we're flying from the North
The weather is becoming colder and we are departing from a northern region
Rockin' with our city like a sold out show
We are enjoying our urban environment as though we are attending a popular concert
House full of pros that specialize in the ho'in
Our residence is occupied by individuals who are adept at prostitution
Make that money rain as they taking off they clothes
We are paying these individuals generously for their services
Order plane tickets
Purchase travel arrangements
Cali is the mission
Our goal is to visit California
Visit every month like I'm split life living
We are frequenting the area, as if we are living two separate lives
Let the world listen
We are not afraid to express our opinions to others
If a hater's caught slipping
If someone who dislikes us is caught in a vulnerable position
Then my niggas stay tight
My friends and associates remain faithful and committed to me
Got my back like Pippen
They are as supportive as the basketball player Scottie Pippen
Fast life gripping
Our lifestyle is focused on rapid gratification
Yeah, we still tippin'
We continue to indulge in excessive behavior
Codeine cups paint a picture so vivid
Our drug use is creating intense, realistic hallucinations
Fakes try to mimic
Imitators attempt to emulate our behavior
Get girls timid
The imitators intimidate women
But behind closed doors they get poles so rigid
However, in private, these individuals are sexually aroused
All that money, the money is the motive
Our desire for wealth is the primary motivation for our actions
Girl put in work, girl, girl put in work
Women are expected to perform labor to earn their money
Push it to the limit
We are pushing ourselves to the maximum extent of our abilities
Push it through the pain
We are willing to endure discomfort to achieve our goals
I push it for the pleasure like a virgin to the game
Our desire for pleasure motivates us, much like a person who is new to a pursuit and eager to try it
A virgin to that money
We are inexperienced in managing or possessing great wealth
A virgin to the fame
We are not accustomed to public recognition or notoriety
So this my only chance
This is my single opportunity
And when I'm over only pray
When my time in the spotlight has expired, I hope
That I flow from the bottom
That I am able to succeed through humble beginnings
Closer to the top
Continuing to progress upward
The higher that I climb
As I chart a course for greater success
The harder I'ma drop
The more likely I am to experience a sudden failure
These pussy-ass niggas tryna hold on to their credit
Cowardly individuals are attempting to maintain their status and reputation
So I tell them use a debit
I recommend that they switch to using a debit card instead of relying on credit
Watch they image start to lessen
Their reputation will begin to deteriorate
I warn them like discretion
I caution them to act wisely and with good judgment
Why these niggas testing?
Why are these men trying to provoke a conflict?
Always fucking testing (Always fucking)
They continue to push boundaries and escalate tensions
Shit that I got them on straight bar hopping
My provocative behavior has forced them to constantly move from one drinking establishment to another
To the music of the ambiance
We are enjoying the vibe of our surroundings
Get shit popping
We are creating an exciting, lively atmosphere
Zombies of the night (zombies of the night)
We are like creatures who come alive only after darkness falls
Niggas ain't talking if they hyping to the crew
Men are less likely to speak honestly when surrounded by their peers and trying to impress them
Get it in like pockets
We are focused on achieving sexual satisfaction
Downtown loving
We are enjoying urban life and all it has to offer
When the moon coming
Assuming a party atmosphere after sunset
Only place to find bassheads and hot women
The location is known for attracting those who are fond of music and attractive members of the opposite sex
Better slow down
It would be wise to curb our behavior
She'll feel it in the morning
The consequences of our actions may only be fully realized upon awakening
Ain't the kind of girl you'll be seeing in the morning
It is unlikely that this woman will remain in our company after the nighttime activities have ended
Too damn raw ain't no nigga with her rollin'
She is fiercely independent and not seeking companionship
Ain't no nigga that she holding
She is not interested in forming a romantic attachment
Man, her love is too damn foreign
Her emotional attachment is difficult to understand or relate to
Look at all that money
The amount of wealth we possess is significant
Girl put in work, girl, girl put in work
Women are expected to contribute labor in order to earn money
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Anthem Entertainment, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Abel Tesfaye, Carlo Montagnese, Martin McKinney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@honeyno9826
From the morning to the evening
Complaints from the tenants
Got the walls kickin' like they 6 months pregnant
Drinkin' Alizé with our cereal for breakfast
Girls calling cabs at dawn, quarter to seven
The sky's getting cold, we flyin' from the North
We're rockin' with our city like a sold-out show
House full of pros that specialize in the hoe'ing
Make that money rain as they taking off they clothes
Order plane tickets, Cali is the mission
Visit every month like I'm split-life livin'
Let the world listen, if a hater's caught slippin'
Then my niggas stay tight, got my back like Pippen
Fast life grippin', yeah we still tippin'
Codeine cups paint a picture so vivid
Fakes try to mimic, get girls timid
But behind closed doors they get oh so rigid
All that money the money is the motive
All that money the money is the motive
All that money the money she be foldin'
Girl put in work
Girl, girl put in work
Girl put in work
Girl, girl put in work
Girl put in work
Push it through 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 so 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 they credits
So I tell 'em use a debit watch they image start to lessen
I warned them like discretion
Why these niggas testin'
Always fuckin' testin'
Why these niggas testin'
Shit that I got them on straight bar hoppin'
To the music of the ambiance gets shit poppin'
Zombies of the night
Niggas ain't talkin'
If they hypin' to the crew get it in like pockets
Downtown lovin' when the moon comin'
Only place to find base heads and high women
All that money the money is the motive
All that money the money is the motive
All that money the money she be foldin'
Girl put in work
Girl, girl put in work
Girl put in work
Girl, girl put in work
Girl put in work
Better slow down she'll feel it in the morning
Ain't the kinda girl you'll be seeing in the morning
Too damn raw ain't no nigga worth her holding
Ain't no nigga that she holding man her love is too damn foreign
Look at all that money the money is the motive
All that money the money is the motive
All that money the money she be foldin'
Girl put in work
Girl, girl put in work
Girl put in work
Girl, girl put in work
All that money the money is the motive
All that money the money is the motive
All that money the money she be foldin'
Girl put in work
Girl, girl put in work
Girl put in work
Girl, girl put in work
Girl put in work
@StellarSnipsYT
Lyrics
Gone now
Gone now
Listen, listen
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
Girls calling cabs at dawn, quarter to seven
Sky's getting cold, we're flying from the north
Rockin' with our city like a sold out show
House full of pros that specialize in the ho'in'
Make that money rain as they taking off they clothes
Order plane tickets
Cali is the mission
Visit every month like I'm split life living
Let the 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
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
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
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
Better slow down
She'll feel it in the morning
Ain't the kind of girl you'll be seeing in the morning
Too damn raw, ain't no nigga with her rollin'
Ain't no nigga that she holding
Man, her love is too damn foreign
Look at all that money, the money is the motive (the money is the motive)
All that money, the money she be folding (the money she be folding)
Girl, put in work, girl, girl, put in work
Girl, put in work, girl, girl, put in work
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
@goldenxronnie
Written by a 19 year old. House of Balloons was so ground breaking. This will never get old actually one of his best songs. The nostalgia. Almost 9 years. An entire decade is approaching. Can’t believe it. Made Alternative R&B his throne. Iconic
@jamesbunda806
Goldenxronnie can’t believe it came out almost 10 years ago. I remember this and Nostalgia, Ultra coming out like it was yesterday
@acole61420
You are so right this is really when my life changed and this is what i was jammin to 2011-2012.
@Cho0segoose
He ain’t write this but it’s still amazing
@jamesbunda806
TruckZone who wrote it
@Cho0segoose
Jonathan Perez Jeremy rose. He’s the one that made his name and wrote a lot of his stuff
@Izzy-rh7br
This song is literally a time machine. I have a great life with a wife, kids, a house, great job, but as soon as The Weeknd says, "Listen" I go back 12 years back when I had just dropped out of college and had nothing but debt. What a wild ride from when I first started listening to now, he has always been the soundtrack to my life this whole time.
@sanjam7939
This🫵
@uncommonsence153
I'm chilling in life. On vacation in the Poconos, I got a 7 year old son but once the trilogy comes on I'm 10 year's younger and single with no kids LoL
@_1989M_
thanks for being here at the end with us. love you so so much.
x o