WORK Lyrics (English Translation) – ATEEZ

WORK (English Translation) Lyrics Meaning

[Chorus: Hongjoong, Mingi]
This chorus emphasizes the relentless work ethic required to achieve financial success. The lines highlight the desire to earn money, symbolized by “making purse” and enjoying luxuries like a fur coat, which “purrs” to signify satisfaction. The imagery of giving “whiplash” illustrates how their success astonishes others. The repetition of “gotta work” underscores the necessity of continuous effort to gain wealth, credit, and perks.

[Verse 1: Seonghwa, San, Yunho, Wooyoung]
This verse depicts a glamorous, fast-paced lifestyle. It begins with the metaphor of a “golden plate,” symbolizing privilege from the moment they wake up. Traveling from L.A. to Tokyo, they select luxury watches that reflect their jet-setting lifestyle. Their constant movement attracts media attention (“breaking news”), and their music is a constant presence (“on the radio all day”). Despite the attention, they remain focused on their valuable time, signifying it with “my time is gold.”

[Pre-Chorus: San, Yeosang]
This pre-chorus uses the metaphor of a “goose laying golden eggs” to signify constant productivity and wealth generation. The focus is on tirelessly working to build success (“24 hours building a tower”) while dismissing the need for social connections (“not interested in making friends”).

[Chorus: Mingi, Seonghwa]
This chorus repeats the themes of hard work and financial success. It emphasizes the relentless pursuit of wealth (“make that money, make purse”) and enjoying the rewards of their labor (the fur coat “purring”). The need for continuous effort and the benefits of earning credit and perks are highlighted, reinforcing the message of industriousness leading to prosperity.

[Verse 2: Hongjoong, Yeosang, Seonghwa]
This verse paints a picture of a lively, carefree lifestyle. References to a vibrant nightlife (“Parabara night”) and the exhilaration of success are highlighted. It mentions being surrounded by family and friends, creating a global community. The verse conveys confidence and ease with reserved plane seats and a luxurious lifestyle. The metaphor of “purr, I’m shaking, it’s like a jet” illustrates the thrill of their fast-paced life. They focus on making money (“chasing that dough”) and invite others to join them.

[Pre-Chorus: Yunho, Yeosang]
This pre-chorus repeats the metaphor of the “goose laying golden eggs,” emphasizing constant productivity. The commitment to working tirelessly to build success is reiterated, along with a disinterest in forming social connections.

[Chorus: Hongjoong, Mingi, Seonghwa, Wooyoung]
This chorus again emphasizes the necessity of hard work for financial success. It repeats the themes of earning money, enjoying luxurious rewards (the fur coat), and the amazement their success causes. The importance of continuous effort and reaping the benefits of credit and perks is underscored, reinforcing the central message of relentless work leading to prosperity.

[Bridge: San, Yunho, Jongho]
The bridge conveys a sense of urgency and busyness. It likens their fast-paced life to a game of “tic-tac-toe” and urges others to stay out of their way. Their success has taken them to new heights (“up in the sky”), making them unreachable and highlighting their elevated status.

[Outro: San, Jongho, Wooyoung, Seonghwa]
The outro reiterates the primary theme of making money. It emphasizes the importance of financial success and the relentless pursuit of wealth. The repetition of phrases like “give it up” and “make purse” reinforces the determination to continue working hard and achieving financial goals. The outro encapsulates the song’s message of constant effort and the rewards it brings.