TWICE – Doughnut Lyrics, Meaning and Song Credits

“Doughnut” is TWICE’s 9th Japanese single and the first ballad to be the title track among their original Japanese songs. The lyrics use the metaphor of a “doughnut” to express the sweet yet sorrowful emotions of love, the feeling of being whole with a precious person but having a hole in the heart when they are gone.

Song Credits

• Artist: TWICE
• Album: Celebrate
• Released: December 15, 2021
• Length: 4:23
• Label: Warner Music Japan
• Writer: Fingazz (KOR), Francis (KOR), RAINSTONE, Lauren Kaori, Idarose
• Composer: Alexis Kesselman, Woo S. Rhee “Rainstone”, Fingazz, Francis

TWICE “Doughnut” Official MV

TWICE “Doughnut” Lyrics

TWICE “Doughnut” Meaning

Despite being named after a beloved treat, TWICE’s Doughnut isn’t about food at all. Instead, the title symbolizes the emptiness the singer experiences when apart from a loved one. The lyrics express deep longing and sadness, implying that although the couple hasn’t necessarily broken up, various circumstances frequently separate them. The “doughnut-shaped hole” in her heart signifies the special place reserved for that person, highlighting the profound effect of their absence.

Aside from its poetic metaphor, the “Doughnut” music video takes a darker turn, weaving a mysterious and tragic storyline. It begins with an ominous scene of a doughnut oozing a blood-like substance, followed by Mina’s appearance, hinting that the dessert was poisoned and that she may be the only survivor among the members.

Nayeon is the first to fall victim, seemingly drawn to the killer, who works at the doughnut shop. She appears to have a crush on him, unaware that he has given her poisoned doughnuts. Sana, caught in the excitement of a new romance, is blinded by love and misses the warning signs, leading to her demise. Jihyo is poisoned next, but unknowingly, it is Dahyun who delivers the fatal doughnuts to her, acting under the killer’s influence. When Dahyun realizes the truth, she eats the poisoned doughnuts herself, seeking solace in a final reunion with the others. Jihyo, understanding that Dahyun was manipulated, forgives her and waits for her in the afterlife.

Momo, completely unaware of the poisoning, is later seen in heaven, playing with a snowman, possibly a representation of the killer. Jeongyeon, unlike the others, is given poisoned coffee and soon joins the group in the afterlife.

Tzuyu, however, pieces everything together and attempts to warn Chaeyoung. But before Chaeyoung can grasp the full danger, she consumes a poisoned doughnut. Suspecting foul play, she follows the killer to his kitchen, where she finds one unburnt doughnut among a pile of burnt ones, possibly symbolizing Tzuyu’s own tragic fate. Whether Tzuyu was murdered or took her own life remains ambiguous.

Now, Mina is the last one left. A poignant scene with Chaeyoung suggests that Mina may have secretly harbored feelings for her but never confessed. Meanwhile, Chaeyoung may have fallen for the killer, unknowingly walking into danger. As Mina reminisces about their time together, Dahyun’s haunting line, “There’s a place for ya”, echoes in the background. It could signify that the other members are waiting for Mina in the afterlife, but at the same time, pleading with her not to follow their fate.