MORE & MORE

"MORE & MORE" by TWICE is a song that delves into the escalating desire and longing that intensifies within a romantic relationship. The lyrics express a shift from a nascent, shy affection to a more mature and assertive demand for greater emotional intimacy and connection. The central message revolves around the feeling of wanting more from a partner as love deepens, and the confidence that this feeling is mutual. The members of TWICE portray a bold attitude, confidently proclaiming that their love interest will inevitably want them "more and more". The song captures the transition from youth to womanhood, reflecting a more confident and unapologetic side of the artists themselves. This is not just about a fleeting crush, but about a relationship that is evolving and requires a higher level of commitment and passion. The desire for "more" is presented as a natural and powerful progression of love, where both individuals are caught in a cycle of wanting and being wanted.

The narrative unfolds from the perspective of someone who is deeply infatuated and is no longer willing to suppress their true feelings. At the outset, there's a declaration of authenticity; the speaker decides to stop with pleasantries and insincere words because they believe they are deserving of more. Even if their newfound assertiveness might momentarily displease their love interest, they remain unconcerned, confident in the deep connection they share. The lyrics convey a sense of self-assurance, suggesting that even if the object of their affection tries to look away or hide their emotions, they will inevitably be drawn back. This confidence is rooted in the belief that their presence is unforgettable and that their love interest will ultimately find themselves wanting more.

The central theme of escalating desire is powerfully articulated through the recurring phrase "more and more." This refrain captures the insatiable nature of their longing, a feeling that cannot be halted or satisfied with just a little attention. The speaker doesn't just want more; they are certain that their love interest will also be asking for more. This mutual intensification of desire is the core of the song's story. The lyrics paint a picture of a romantic dynamic where shyness and sweetness are evolving into a more mature and passionate connection. The speaker is not just a passive recipient of affection but an active participant who is confident in their allure and their ability to captivate their partner.

The song also touches on a transition from a more innocent phase of love to one that is bolder and more assertive. This is a relationship that has likely developed over time, and now the speaker is ready to take it to the next level. They are no longer content with the status quo and are actively seeking a deeper, more intense connection. The lyrics suggest a sense of control and power in the relationship dynamic. Even when their partner seems hesitant or distant, the speaker knows that a simple call of their name is enough to bring them back, wanting more than before. The narrative is one of confident pursuit, of knowing one's worth and being unafraid to demand the love and attention they desire. The story concludes with the unwavering conviction that this cycle of wanting more will continue, creating a perpetual and passionate bond between the two individuals.

"MORE & MORE" was released on June 1, 2020, as the lead single from TWICE's ninth extended play of the same name. The announcement of the song and its release date was made by the group on April 28, 2020, during a press conference for their YouTube original series, "TWICE: Seize the Light". The song boasts a star-studded lineup of international songwriters and producers, including MNEK, Julia Michaels, Justin Tranter, and Zara Larsson. The lyrics were penned by JYP Entertainment's founder, Park Jin-young, and South Korean singer-songwriter BIBI. This collaboration marked a significant step for TWICE in working with prominent Western pop music creators. The choreography for "MORE & MORE" was created by renowned choreographers Kiel Tutin and Lee Jung, and the members of TWICE have stated that it is one of their most difficult choreographies to date. The music video was filmed on Jeju Island. An English version of the song was released on August 21, 2020, following an announcement during their online concert "Beyond LIVE - Twice: World in a Day".

"MORE & MORE" is composed in the key of F major with a tempo of 107 beats per minute, giving it a moderately upbeat and danceable rhythm. The song's rhythmic structure is rooted in the tropical house genre, with a steady and infectious beat that drives the track forward. The interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the musical rhythm is particularly effective, with the members' vocal phrasing often accentuating the song's danceable groove. The rhyme scheme is not strictly rigid, following a more modern pop structure where the focus is on creating a catchy and memorable flow rather than adhering to a traditional poetic form. The repetition of the phrase "more and more" in the chorus serves as a powerful rhythmic and lyrical hook, anchoring the song and reinforcing its central theme. The instrumental breaks and the dubstep-influenced dance section introduce rhythmic variations that keep the song engaging and dynamic.

Musically, "MORE & MORE" is a tropical house track characterized by its rhythmic and summery feel. It features an instrumental chorus heavy on EDM and synth-pop elements, which was a departure from their usual catchy, melodic choruses. The song incorporates a dubstep-influenced dance-break in its bridge, adding to its dynamic structure. The song opens with what has been described as "velvety vocals" that transition into a synth-based refrain. The vocal delivery throughout the song showcases a more mature and confident tone from the members of TWICE. Lyrically, the song employs direct and assertive language to convey its themes of desire and confidence. The use of rhetorical questions like "Do you feel me?" engages the listener directly. The narrative voice is consistently bold and unapologetic, which enhances the song's overall message of empowerment in a relationship.

"MORE & MORE" was a significant commercial success for TWICE, further solidifying their status as a top K-pop girl group. Upon its release, the song topped major real-time music charts in South Korea, including Melon, Bugs, Genie, and Soribada. It debuted at number four on the Gaon Digital Chart and topped the component Download Chart. Internationally, the song reached number two on the US Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart and number three on the Billboard Japan Hot 100. The accompanying mini-album of the same name became TWICE's first entry on the US Billboard 200 chart, debuting at number 200. The album also set a new record for the highest sales for a girl group on the Gaon Chart at the time. The music video went viral, amassing 14.7 million views within 15 hours of its release. The song's release was also notable for happening during the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, with many K-pop fans, including TWICE's fanbase (ONCE), using their social media presence to support the cause.

The music video for "MORE & MORE" is rich with symbolism, primarily drawing from the biblical story of the Garden of Eden. This setting serves as a metaphor for a paradise-like state of innocence which is disrupted by temptation and a newfound awareness. The members of TWICE are portrayed as nine Eves who, instead of being punished for succumbing to temptation, are liberated and discover a new, more mature world. The serpent and the forbidden fruit (an apple) are prominent symbols of this temptation and the subsequent change. However, this 'fall' is depicted in a positive light, symbolizing a transition into womanhood and a more confident self-awareness. The animals featured in the music video also carry symbolic weight; bunnies represent vulnerability and comfort at the beginning, while the appearance of leopards symbolizes strength, confidence, and independence as the song progresses. Butterflies are used as a symbol of renewal and transformation, reinforcing the theme of growth and change. The spiderweb, with which some members are seen playing, symbolizes power and control, suggesting that they are the ones weaving their own destiny rather than being trapped.

The most prominent recurring phrase in "MORE & MORE" is the title itself, which is repeated extensively throughout the chorus. This repetition serves as the central hook of the song and encapsulates its core theme of escalating desire and longing. The phrase "You're gonna say more more more more more and more" is a confident assertion that the object of their affection will reciprocate their feelings with equal intensity. Another recurring motif is the idea of not being able to stop this growing feeling, as expressed in lines like "Meomchuji moshae" ("Can't stop"). This reinforces the irresistible and all-consuming nature of their emotions. The lyrics also repeatedly touch upon the idea of knowing the other person's heart and intentions, with phrases like "'Cause I know you, I know you", which underscores the confidence and deep connection the speaker feels. These recurring elements create a cohesive and impactful narrative of unwavering desire.