It was April 2021. The K-pop world was bracing for something big from JYP Entertainment’s powerhouse girl group, ITZY. When the teaser dropped, people weren't sure what to make of the "Mafia" theme. Then the song hit. In the morning lyrics immediately sparked a massive debate among fans and critics alike. Some loved the dark, gritty shift. Others were confused by the metaphor. But here's the thing: that confusion is exactly why the song became a viral sensation that still dominates dance challenges years later.
Lyrics matter in K-pop more than people think. It's not just about catchy English phrases. For ITZY, this track represented a departure from their "I love myself" anthems like Dalla Dalla and Wannabe. Suddenly, they were talking about being a "mafia" and stealing someone's heart in the middle of the night. It felt dangerous. It felt different.
What do the in the morning lyrics actually mean?
Let’s get real. The song isn't about organized crime in the literal sense. If you look closely at the in the morning lyrics, the whole thing is one big game of "Mafia," the popular social deduction party game. You know the one. Everyone sits in a circle, the lights go out, and someone gets "killed" while the town sleeps.
The songwriting team, which included J.Y. Park (The Asiansoul) himself, used this as a metaphor for a high-stakes crush. Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna aren't playing around. They’re the "Mafia" who will steal your heart before the sun comes up.
"Who is the mafia?"
The opening line sets the tone. It’s a psychological game. The lyrics describe the tension of hiding your true feelings while plotting a "move" on someone. Words like him (force) and yak-sok (promise) pepper the verses, creating this sense of an inevitable takeover. When they sing about "acting like a palm tree" or staying calm while the world sleeps, they’re talking about the poker face required in both love and the game.
The controversy behind the writing style
K-pop fans are vocal. When the song first dropped, some listeners felt the metaphors were a bit clunky. They compared it to the more polished, empowering lyrics of their previous hits. Honestly, the "Mafia" concept was a risk.
J.Y. Park took a lot of heat for the creative direction. Critics argued that the lyrics were too aggressive or strange for ITZY’s "teen crush" brand. But wait. Look at the charts. The song was a massive commercial success. Why? Because the in the morning lyrics were memorable. They were weird enough to stick in your head. In a sea of generic love songs, a track about being a nocturnal heart-stealer stands out.
The cadence of the rapping, especially Ryujin’s deep-toned delivery, turned those lyrics into earworms. "I’m the mafia" became a mantra. The repetitive structure of the chorus wasn't just lazy writing; it was designed for TikTok and Instagram Reels. It worked perfectly.
Breaking down the specific Korean-to-English nuances
If you’re only reading the English translation of the in the morning lyrics, you’re missing half the story. The Korean lyrics use specific verbs that imply a sense of "sneaking" and "capturing" that doesn't always translate 1:1.
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For example, the phrase shigan-i dwaesseo (the time has come) carries a heavy weight in the context of the Mafia game. It’s the moment the narrator stops hiding. There’s a psychological shift in the second verse where the lyrics move from observation to action.
- The approach: Staying hidden in the shadows.
- The distraction: "Look at my eyes," acting innocent.
- The capture: Stealing the heart by sunrise.
It's a predatory metaphor, sure, but it’s framed within a game. This keeps it playful rather than actually threatening. The members of ITZY have mentioned in various interviews, like their appearances on IU's Palette, that they had to work hard on their facial expressions to match the intensity of these lyrics. They couldn't just "act pretty." They had to act like they had a secret.
Why the "Morning" part is the most important detail
The title is Mafia In the Morning. Why the morning? In the party game, the "Mafia" is revealed when the sun comes up. Or, if they play it right, the "Town" wakes up to find they've lost.
The in the morning lyrics point to that specific moment of revelation. The goal of the narrator is to have the "target" completely in love by the time the lights come on. It’s a deadline. It adds urgency to the song. "Hurry up," the lyrics seem to whisper. By the time you realize what’s happening, it’s already over. You’re already theirs.
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The influence of the "Ma-Ma-Ma-Mafia" hook
Phonetics play a huge role in the global success of this track. The "Ma-Ma-Ma-Mafia" hook is a linguistic bridge. It doesn't matter if you speak Korean or not; you can sing that part.
This is a hallmark of J.Y. Park’s production style. He often prioritizes rhythmic impact over complex poeticism. In In the morning, the rhythm of the words mimics the heartbeat of someone trying to stay quiet while creeping through a house. The staccato delivery of the verses contrasts with the more melodic pre-chorus, creating a "push and pull" feeling that mirrors the tension of the game.
ITZY’s growth through these lyrics
Before this song, ITZY was the "self-love" group. That was their niche. While those songs were great, a group can only sing about loving themselves so many times before it gets repetitive.
The in the morning lyrics allowed ITZY to show a darker, more theatrical side. They transitioned from "I don't care what you think" to "I'm going to make you think about me." It’s a subtle but important shift in power dynamics. It showed they could handle a concept that required acting and a bit of a "villain" persona.
Fans often debate which member "owned" this era. Most point to Ryujin or Yeji. Their ability to deliver the more aggressive lines of the lyrics gave the group a new level of "street cred" in the K-pop scene. It wasn't just bubblegum pop anymore. It was something sharper.
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How to use the lyrics for your own content
If you’re a creator, the in the morning lyrics offer a goldmine of themes. The "Mafia" game is a universal concept. You see it in Among Us, you see it in party games around the world.
- Use the "Who is the mafia?" line for reveal videos.
- Focus on the "In the morning" deadline for "Get Ready With Me" (GRWM) content.
- Lean into the "secretive" vibe for storytelling or mystery-themed edits.
The song has staying power because the theme is so adaptable. It’s not just a song; it’s a framework for a specific "vibe."
Actionable Next Steps for Fans and Creators
If you want to dive deeper into the world of ITZY and this specific track, don't just stop at the lyrics. There's a lot of context you can explore to appreciate the artistry more.
- Watch the Studio Choom performance: This is widely considered the "definitive" version of the song. You can see how the choreography emphasizes specific words in the in the morning lyrics, like the "gun" gestures and the "sneaking" footwork.
- Check out the "Behind the Lyrics" videos: JYP Entertainment often releases footage of the recording sessions. Watching the members discuss how to emphasize certain Korean syllables can give you a much better understanding of the song's "mood."
- Analyze the styling: The outfits—leather, tactical gear, and dark colors—were chosen specifically to match the "Mafia" lyrical theme. Compare the stage outfits to the lyrics in the bridge to see the visual storytelling at play.
- Read the full translation: Use a reliable site like Genius or Color Coded Lyrics to see the literal translations vs. the poetic ones. It helps you catch the wordplay you might have missed during a casual listen.
Ultimately, In the morning proved that ITZY could evolve. The lyrics might have been a gamble, but they paid off by giving the group one of their most iconic and recognizable themes to date. Whether you’re a casual listener or a hardcore MIDZY, the song remains a masterclass in how to use a simple game as a metaphor for the complexities of attraction.