Secret Number 'Like It Like It' Lyrics: The Hidden Story Behind Their Catchiest Song

SECRET NUMBER's "Like It Like It" lyrics marked an exciting milestone as the group's first Japanese debut single. Released officially on April 5, 2023, the catchy track initially made waves when the music video and song were digitally pre-released a month earlier on March 3, 2023.

The Japanese single "LIKE IT LIKE IT" showcased a new direction for the group under their labels Vine Entertainment and SPC Music. Additionally, this release represented an important step in SECRET NUMBER's international expansion strategy, demonstrating their versatility across different markets and languages.

The story behind SECRET NUMBER's Japanese debut

SECRET NUMBER's expansion into the Japanese market represented a strategic move in their career development. Long before "Like It Like It" captured fans' attention, careful planning was already underway behind the scenes.

Why Japan was the next step for the group

Japan's music industry stands as the world's second-largest market, making it a natural target for K-pop groups seeking international growth. Following the path blazed by pioneers like BoA, who became the first Korean singer to top Japanese charts in 2002, SECRET NUMBER recognized the potential for reaching new audiences.

The cultural affinity between Korean and Japanese pop sensibilities also created favorable conditions for their crossover appeal. Furthermore, the diverse revenue streams available through album sales, concerts, and merchandise offered compelling financial motivation.

Timeline leading up to the release of 'Like It Like It'

The groundwork for SECRET NUMBER's Japanese debut began on August 5, 2022, when they entered into an exclusive cooperation contract with SP & Co., Ltd. for promotion and distribution in Japan. Subsequently, on February 21, 2023, they officially announced their plans to debut in Japan with "Like It Like It".

How the debut was announced and received

The group's management revealed the Japanese debut through an announcement on February 21, 2023, generating excitement among fans. This strategy of pre-releasing the digital single on March 3 before the full April 5 physical release allowed them to build momentum and gauge audience response.

Breaking down the lyrics of 'Like It Like It'

The lyrics of "Like It Like It" reveal a playful game of attraction wrapped in gambling metaphors. Throughout the song, SECRET NUMBER uses betting imagery to convey confidence and romantic pursuit, creating an enticing narrative that captivates listeners.

Themes of confidence and attraction

"Like It Like It" primarily focuses on bold self-assurance and romantic tension. The recurring motif of gambling—with phrases such as "bet on," "black or red," and "all in chip"—symbolizes taking risks in relationships. Lines like "Want you, chose you, waiting for you" directly express attraction while maintaining the upper hand. This confidence-driven approach gives the song its memorable personality, inviting listeners into a world of romantic pursuit framed as an exciting game of chance.

Key phrases and their meaning

The chorus contains the most recognizable phrases: "Ah-la-la, like it, like it" serves as the catchy hook, while Japanese lines like "ねぇ、もっと give me love" ("hey, give me more love") reinforce the flirtatious theme. The phrase "ルーレットの針が止まる Tick-tack, tick-tack, you'll win or lose" cleverly uses roulette imagery to describe the uncertainty of romance. Moreover, "賭けてみなくちゃ その心さえ" translates to "you have to bet even your heart," underscoring the risk-taking motif.

How the Japanese version differs from Korean releases

Unlike typical Korean releases, "Like It Like It" embraces a distinctly Japanese pop sound characterized by sharper, more staccato vocal delivery. Notably, this song features a brighter, more electronic production style often associated with J-pop. Several Reddit users pointed out the "anime opening vibes" and how the track sounds "lyric soupy"—a common characteristic of Japanese releases by K-pop groups. This strategic adaptation demonstrates SECRET NUMBER's versatility in catering to different market preferences while maintaining their core appeal.

The creative team behind the track

Behind the catchy beats of "Like It Like It" stands a talented international production team. The track was primarily crafted by Japanese producers 花井諒 (Ryo Hanai) and 木内友軌 (KIUCHI TOMOKI), who brought their distinct musical sensibilities to SECRET NUMBER's Japanese debut.

Main producers and lyricists

The song credits reveal an extensive collaborative effort typical of modern K-pop productions. While Ryo Hanai and KIUCHI TOMOKI served as the main producers, the writing team included 福岡良太 (Ryota Fukuoka) and Sayaka Inoue among others. This collaborative approach ensured the track would resonate with Japanese audiences while maintaining the group's signature sound.

Musical style and arrangement choices

"Like It Like It" exemplifies the dynamic structures common in K-pop productions, characterized by seamless transitions between sections without losing coherence. The arrangement features the genre's hallmark fusion approach, blending electronic elements with catchy pop sensibilities. Particularly notable is how the song incorporates modal changes between major and minor chords, creating an emotionally compelling journey throughout the track.

How the team shaped the song's identity

The production team specifically focused on creating high-energy dance elements essential for K-pop performances. They emphasized strong, memorable melodies—a crucial component of successful K-pop songs. Consequently, the producers crafted a track that balances Japanese pop sensibilities with SECRET NUMBER's established sound, essentially creating a perfect crossover hit.

Visuals, choreography, and fan response

The visual elements of "Like It Like It" complement the song's lyrics through a stylish casino-inspired concept.

Music video concept and aesthetics

SECRET NUMBER embraced a poker theme throughout their music video, creating a perfect visual match for the gambling metaphors in the lyrics. The MV features vibrant lighting and meticulous styling that reinforces the track's playful vibe. Beyond the casino elements, the video incorporates what fans describe as "hipster grungy" aesthetics with multiple club settings, giving it a distinctive visual identity.

Dance practice and performance highlights

The choreography for "Like It Like It" strikes an impressive balance between powerful, impact-driven movements and softer, cuter elements. This duality perfectly mirrors the song's shifting dynamics. In fact, one viewer noted, "The coolest part about this choreo is that it has its very strong impactful parts but it also has this equal amount of cute and soft parts." Dance practice videos reveal intricate formations and synchronized movements that have earned praise from viewers for their technical precision.

Fan reactions and social media buzz

Surprisingly, "Like It Like It" resonated beyond the group's established fanbase. According to online comments, "a lot of people are really liking it... not even just the fans... casual listeners online." Throughout social media platforms, especially Twitter, fans described the song as "addictive," "a masterpiece," and "top tier." Undoubtedly, the Japanese debut strengthened SECRET NUMBER's connection with their audience through this well-received visual and performance package.