If the song“thank u, next” started you on a full-blown Ari craze, you’re not alone, and if you, like me, were patiently awaiting an album drop to follow this smash single, you’re also not alone. Ariana Grande’s album, “thank u, next,” titled after the hit single, dropped on February 8th and fans have been going crazy over each and every song ever since. Why? Because the album is essentially an ode to healing from pain, staying true to yourself, and not apologizing for your success or your failure. Who wouldn’t be on board with that?
In December, we taught you how to ‘Grande’ your way into the new year post-relationship, and now I’m here to give you my top five favourite lyrics from Ari’s album to help you keep living your best life
“There ain’t nothing wrong with saying I need me time” – NASA
Aside from being my favourite song on the album, NASA has some really valuable lessons about valuing time apart from your partner and not apologizing for needing time to yourself. Owning the fact you need time alone, and vocalizing that spending time apart can actually be beneficial for your relationship can help boost your independence and emphasize the importance of trust in a partnership
“I’ve learned from the pain, I turned out amazing” – thank u, next
The (second) best lyric in thank u, next is too good not to re-share. This lyric can be applied to so much more than just relationships and is an important reminder after going through hardship. All difficult experiences can be opportunities to better ourselves. Pain is often a catalyst for change, and it allows us to both reevaluate what’s most important in our lives and give ourselves some constructive criticism in order to become even more amazing than we already are!
“The only thing you can fix is yourself” – in my head
This track starts with an intro from Ari’s friend Doug Middlebrook, who she featured on the track after telling fans how much he helped her through some hard times.
“Here’s the thing: you’re in love with a version of a person that you’ve created in your head, that you are trying to but cannot fix. Uh, the only thing you can fix is yourself. I love you, this has gone on way too long. Enough is enough.”
All too often, we become attracted to someone who we think we can fix, and fall in love not with them, but with the idea of them and this can quickly lead to heartbreak. In my head, teaches us that sometimes it takes some tough love from friends and a lot of self-reflection to realize that sometimes we make the mistake of not taking a partner at face value. When you set unrealistic expectations of who you want someone to be, or who you think they could be but they aren’t yet, it causes a lot of frustration and sadness. Instead of staying hung up on someone who isn’t right for you, realize what you can change within yourself in order to enter a new relationship stronger and more sure of who you are.
I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it” – 7 rings
Despite this song being a little bit materialistic (okay, a lot materialistic) it still offers a solid message: If you want something, work hard for it and don’t apologize for your success. It also teaches us about celebrating ourselves and rewarding loved ones that have supported us on our journey
“F*ck a fake smile” – fake smile
This track is perhaps the most relevant and offers what I think is the best advice yet.
“I can’t fake another smile, I can’t fake like I’m alright. I won’t say I’m feeling fine, after what I’ve been through I can’t lie, f*ck a fake smile”
Everyone has baggage, and no one should have to pretend to be okay when they’re not. Happiness should always be genuine and ‘putting on a happy face’ just to please others is becoming a thing of the past. Especially in regard to relationships, this song also emphasizes the importance of communication. There’s nothing worse than hitting your partner with an “I’m fine” when you’re clearly not, so take this song’s advice: talk it out and stay honest.
Now go out there, blast some Ari, and live your best life! You deserve it.
