- On Friday, Ariana Grande released her fifth studio album “Thank U, Next.”
- It’s arguably her most personal album yet and includes many apparent references to the singer’s ex-boyfriends, Pete Davidson and Mac Miller.
- Here’s a complete breakdown of the 12-song tracklist and its trove of revealing lyrics.
Ariana Grande dropped her fifth studio album, “Thank U, Next,” on Friday, marking her second full-length project in less than six months.
While Grande’s previous No. 1 album “Sweetener” was largely about “bringing light to a situation or to someone’s life, or somebody else who brings light to your life,” she told Billboard that her follow-up is “a super sad chapter.”
“The whole thing takes place over the course of like 3 of the worst weeks of my life,” she revealed on Twitter.
http://instagr.am/p/Bs9Wstkgf9C
She has also said that much of the album "mourns failed, yet important beautiful relationships in my life."
Grande went into a creative flurry after the death of her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller in September and end of her engagement to Pete Davidson in October - and it certainly seems that many lyrics were directly inspired by these two personal tragedies.
Here's every detail you may have missed in each of the 12 new songs.
1. Imagine
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"Imagine" was the second song released off "Thank U, Next," although Grande was careful not to call it a "promo" single.
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/1073025796195766272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Grande said that "Imagine" explores "denial" after the end of an important relationship.
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/1072704816219086848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
She also described the inspiration for the song as "a simple, beautiful love that is now (and forever) unattainable."
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/1062779269129003008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Many fans believe that "Imagine" was written about Miller, whom Grande dated for two years before their split in May.
Read more: Here's all the evidence that Ariana Grande's new song 'Imagine' is about mourning Mac Miller
2. Needy
Fans have anxiously been awaiting "Needy" since Grande teased a snippet of the song back in early October.
http://instagr.am/p/BoiOA3gFyys
It feels safe to assume that "Needy" is about Grande's behavior during her relationship with Davidson, considering the song was written before their split, which was reported two weeks after Grande posted the snippet from the studio.
Grande and Davidson were criticized for getting engaged almost immediately after they began dating, and then again for becoming the queen and king of PDA on social media.
"I'm obsessive and I love too hard / Good at overthinking with my heart," Grande sings in the pre-chorus. "How you even think it got this far?"
Some fans have noticed the chord progression in the outro of "Needy" sounds nearly identical to the chords used in the song "Pete Davidson" from "Sweetener."
3. NASA
"NASA" kicks off with a rewording of Neil Armstrong's popular quote about the 1969 moon landing, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Grande's version changes "man" to "woman" and "mankind" to "womankind," immediately signaling that "NASA" has a layer of female empowerment.
The tweaked quote that introduces the upbeat track is spoken by "RuPaul's Drag Race" contestant Shangela, who recorded it for Grande on her phone's voice notes - and also came up with the idea.
As recounted to E! News, Shangela visited the studio one night with Grande's brother Frankie. Grande played "NASA" and Shangela immediately decided to perform it for a drag number.
"I said, 'I'm just going to put a fun intro on it for drag, and I'm going to be in a spacesuit with like space-t-----s and I'm going to come out in a moon man suit," Shangela told E! News, "and I'm going to lift the mask and say, 'This is one small step for woman, one giant leap for womankind.' And she was like, 'Oh my God! I love that!'"
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/1093943871422095360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
"I'd rather be alone tonight," Grande sings in the first verse. "You can say, 'I love you,' through the phone tonight."
Throughout the song, Grande employs a pun on the word "space," using both universe-related imagery and literal requests for space away from a partner: "It ain't nothing wrong with saying I need me time / Usually I would orbit around you / But gravity seems to be the only thing that's pulling me / You'll be my rise and shine soon as them stars align."
Hey @ArianaGrande, we saw 'NASA' trending this morning and thought it was about one of our new discoveries. But we realized that you might need some space.
🎶 It’s like you’re the universe and we’re N-A-S-A 🎶
Check out the universe: https://t.co/hRtKDqTkiZ pic.twitter.com/p3aAZEwMfv
— NASA (@NASA) February 8, 2019
Grande has often displayed an affinity for all things space-related, like the alien emoji and tattoos of celestial bodies. She's also a noted fan of the actual government agency NASA.
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/1049496665697255425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Interestingly enough, during their first (and only) red carpet appearance as a couple, Davidson sported a "Sweetener" sweatshirt with an added NASA patch.
However, after fans noticed this connection, Victoria Monét - one of Grande's closest friends and collaborators, who co-wrote "NASA" - denied that this has anything to do with the song.
Yo I promise we did not write a whole song about this mans shirt 😂 promise. it’s just a universally common word 🙈 https://t.co/BkILzNr5WL
— Victoria Monét (@VictoriaMonet) January 24, 2019
Replying to Monét, Grande wrote in a now-deleted tweet that Davidson was actually wearing her own shirt.
It's not unreasonable, however, to believe that Grande's concept of needing "me time" during a committed relationship was conceived during her engagement to Davidson.
"You don't wanna leave me but I'm tryna self-discover," Grande sings in the bridge, possibly referencing the Space Shuttle Discovery, which was a shuttle built by NASA that launched the Hubble Space Telescope and the journey of the first-ever female shuttle pilot, Eileen Collins.
4. Bloodline
"Bloodline" opens with the voice of Grande's grandmother Majorie, whom she calls "Nonna."
"Because I'm trying to do the best I can, and they can't find something to satisfy me," Nonna says, followed by Grande laughing.
Grande revealed on Twitter that "Bloodline" is essentially about a love that's not strong enough for marriage - or, in her own words, "wanting somebody but not enough to have them in your bloodline."
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/1088170614093864960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
While the playful lyrics could be interpreted as describing a "friends with benefits" situation ("Love me, thank you, leave me / Put it down, then it's time to go / Get it like you love me / But you don't, boy, it's just for show"), many fans believe Grande was drawing from her decision to break off her engagement to Davidson.
https://twitter.com/arianaismyrem/status/1088190390501588993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfwhttps://twitter.com/louiseawe/status/1093739055865462785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
"I know what you looking for, but I'm complete," Grande sings in the bridge. "I know what you need, but it won't be me."
5. Fake Smile
"Fake Smile" begins with a sample of "After Laughter (Comes Tears)" by Wendy Rene, a soul singer from the '60s. The chopped-up sample reappears in the chorus.
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The song addresses the difficulties that Grande has faced over the past few years ("If I'm being honest, I done been through way too much"), as well as the increased scrutiny on her personal life ("I read the things they write about me / Hear what they're sayin' on the TV, it's crazy").
"I can't fake another smile / I can't fake like I'm alright," she sings in the pre-chorus.
Grande has repeatedly opened up about the anxiety and PTSD she has experienced since the 2017 bombing at her concert in Manchester. Given her dedication to destigmatizing the conversation surrounding mental health, it makes sense that she would express disinterest in lying about how she feels.
6. Bad Idea
"Bad Idea" describes the process of using someone to "numb the pain" - namely, it seems, the pain caused by existing feelings from a past relationship.
"Yeah, I'ma call you over here to numb the pain / I got a bad idea," Grande sings. "Forget about it, yeah, forget about him, yeah / Forget about me."
Some fans have theorized that the song was written post-engagement while Grande was trying to move on from Davidson. Others believe Davidson is the subject of the song, while the desire to "forget about him" refers to Miller.
https://twitter.com/caraborrosa/status/1093740928832028672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Grande sings about finding someone "quickly," which could be a nod to the perceived speed with which she announced hers and Miller's breakup and began dating Davidson less than one month later.
While the lyrics are relatively vague and unspecific, finding temporary solace with another person (especially in a sexual way) is a running theme throughout the album.
7. Make Up
"Make Up" employs yet another pun, which lends itself to the imagery of "make-up sex" in the chorus: "I love it when we make up / Go ahead, ruin my makeup."
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/1085998018644500480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Grande also includes a specific shout-out to Fenty Beauty, Rihanna's makeup line, using another double-meaning for the word "highlight."
When @ArianaGrande said 🎶 Highlight of my life, just like that Fenty Beauty kit 🎶 on "make up" y'all KNOW we felt that 💖#thankunext pic.twitter.com/XUAR0Zs2Cm
— Fenty Beauty (@fentybeauty) February 8, 2019
The lyrics also describe a toxic relationship cycle, wherein the singer seems to see her partner as more attractive after she riles him up: "I like to f--- with you just to make up with you / 'Cause the way you be screamin' my name / Make me wanna make love to you / I might break up with you just to make up with you."
8. Ghostin
Grande has revealed that "Ghostin" was the first song she wrote for the album. She also suggested the emotional track would be too difficult for her to sing live.
"Ghostin" is a term for going quiet on someone mid-relationship without any explanation. According to Grande, the song is about "feeling badly for the person you're with bc [because] you love somebody else."
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/1088170495889928192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
"I know you hear me when I cry / I try to hold it in at night / While you're sleepin' next to me," she sings. "I know that it breaks your heart when I cry again / Over him."
Grande praises her current partner throughout the song for being "so understanding," while chastising herself for being "a girl with a whole lot of baggage."
Many fans have interpreted all this as meaning that "Ghostin" explores Grande's feelings for Davidson (the person she was with) and Miller (who she may have continued to love after their split and his death). The melody even bears a striking similarity to Miller's song "2009" from his last album "Swimming."
https://twitter.com/arianaglare/status/1093769690005032960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Some have also noticed some lyrical connections to Miller's 2016 song about Grande, which he wrote while they were together.
"Oh, I wish he were here instead / Don't want that living in your head / He just comes to visit me / When I'm dreaming every now and then," Grande sings on "Ghostin."
"You in my dreams, that's why I sleep all the time / Just to hear you say I love you, just to touch you / Just to leave you behind / I told you, you don't have to worry, you'll be fine," Miller sings on "Cinderella."
https://twitter.com/loveat2am/status/1093743127922237440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Ariana: he just comes to visit me when i’m dreaming now and then
Mac: you in my dreams that why i sleep all the time
and that is why i’m crying over ghostin
— celeste ☼ (@brightlaurmani) February 8, 2019
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/1061056511445630976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
The "Ghostin" lyric also recalls Grande's song "R.E.M." from "Sweetener," in which she sings, "Last night, boy, I met you / When I was asleep / You're such a dream to me."
The first verse of "Ghostin" appears to reference the title track from "Sweetener," using the same poker metaphor but in a far less optimistic way.
"Look at the cards that we've been dealt / If you were anybody else / Probably wouldn't last a day," Grande sings on "Ghostin," apparently acknowleding some kind of tragedy or bad luck that has affected her relationship.
"When life deals us cards / Make everything taste like it is salt / Then you come through like the sweetener you are / To bring the bitter taste to a halt," she sings on "Sweetener."
9. In My Head
"In My Head" opens with a voicemail from Grande's close friend Doug Middlebrook, who was previously confirmed to appear on the track.
"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," Middlebrook says. "The only thing you can fix is yourself. I love you, this has gone on way too long. Enough is enough. I'm two blocks away; I'm coming over."
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/1093213716307275776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Fittingly, Grande has said that "In My Head" is about "being in love w [with] a version of somebody you've created in your head," or, in other words, "falling for someone that they are not."
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/1088169761517662209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
"Yikes," she added.
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/1088169979529183232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
It seems fairly clear that "In My Head" was inspired by Davidson.
Grande sings that she believed this person was "the one" because she was "caught in the moment." During their engagement, Grande sang about Davidson being her soulmate and both acknowledged how quickly their relationship had progressed.
pete davidson (2018): fell from the sky into my lap, and i know you know that you're my soulmate and all that
in my head (2019): i thought that you were the one, but it was all in my head
now this is a GLO UP pic.twitter.com/2x0k1UXhVe
— w (@stilldirrrty) February 7, 2019
In "In My Head," Grande sings about seeing her partner as an "wingless angel," while others see him as a "demon." She also furthers this image by using a Biblical metaphor: "My imagination's too creative / They see Cain and I see Abel."
In the old testament of the Bible (as well as the Torah; Grande practices a sect of Judiasm), Cain and Abel are the first two sons of Adam and Eve. When God preferred Abel's sacrifices more than Cain's, the latter murdered his own brother, making Abel an image of victimhood and martyrdom.
Davidson quickly began to draw ire from Grande's leigons of fans and admirers: He made light of the Manchester bombing, said he would masturbate to Grande before they got together, and joked about sabotaging her birth control to trap her in the relationship. He has since been criticized for name-dropping Grande in comedy sets and casting himself in an overly sympathetic light after the high-profile breakup.
https://twitter.com/theSantiChrist/status/1093735949606027266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
"Look at you, boy, I invented you," Grande sings, "Your Gucci tennis shoes, runnin' from your issues."
The oddly specific line may be a nod to Davidson's now-infamous style; Gucci recently released a footwear line that Business of Fashion described as "revamped versions of your dad's old footwear." This expensive-to-look-cheap style is the hallmark of a "Scumbro," which Davidson has been partly credited for popularizing.
https://twitter.com/nasarings/status/1093768220903845888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
"Wanted you to grow, but, boy, you wasn't budding / Everything you are made you everything you aren't," Grande sings in the bridge. "I saw your potential without seein' credentials."
10. 7 Rings
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"7 Rings" was the third song and second promo single released off "Thank U, Next." The hip-hop-infused track leans heavily on braggadocio, with lyrics like, "Who ever said money can't solve your problems? Must not have had enough money to solve 'em."
Grande previously called the song "a flex" and a "friendship anthem" on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/1084552423400603648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
"7 Rings" - which was co-written by Njomza, Kaydence, Parx, Monét, TBHits, Scootie, and Mikey Foster - was inspired by the time Grande had "too much champagne" and spontaneously bought seven diamond rings for herself and six friends.
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/1068931259043205120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfwhttps://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/1086329419642200068?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
While Grande was accused of lifting lyrics and flows from Soulja Boy and Princess Nokia, the song draws from Grande's historical appreciation of R&B and hip-hop, which she has demonstrated since her first official single sampled "Still Not A Player" by Big Pun.
"7 Rings" samples "My Favorite Things" from "The Sound of Music," interpolates The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Gimme The Loot," and pays homage to artists like Lil Mama and Destiny's Child.
11. Thank U, Next
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The album's titular track was also its lead single. In the build-up to its release, Grande described its themes as "love, gratitude, acceptance, honesty, forgiveness ... and growth."
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/1058723032900952065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
In the song, Grande name-drops her ex-boyfriends and details what they taught her. She sings that she's "grateful" for all of them and that, thanks to her trials and tribulations, she has "turned out amazing."
12. Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I'm Bored
Grande teased a snippet of the album's final track, "Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I'm Bored," during her cover art reveal on Instagram.
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/1088170970190295040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Fans have speculated that "Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I'm Bored" was a last-minute addition to the album after Grande decided to replace an emotional song with "a fun one." In the music video for "Breathin," Grande teased a song called "Remember," which is also the name of a song that Miller wrote in 2013 about a friend who died.
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/1084558806758023168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
While Grande revealed little else about the contents of the song on Twitter, she did deflect a fan who asked who the song was written about, possibly confirming that it doesn't have a real-life inspiration.
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/1088171605337923585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Indeed, Grande sings in the bridge that she wants this person even though they've never met.
"You can say I'm hatin' if you want to / But I only hate on her 'cause I want you," Grande sings. "Say I'm trippin' if you feel like / But you without me ain't right."
The bridge samples *NSYNC's fan-favorite song "It Makes Me Ill" from their 2000 album "No Strings Attached." One of Grande's co-writers on the track, Mac Martin, also wrote and produced a number of *NSYNC's biggest hits. The two co-writers on "It Makes Me Ill" are listed as co-writers on "Break Up With Your Girlfriend."
In the music video, which was released at the same time as the album, Grande flirts with another girl's boyfriend - as well as the girl herself, who was made to look like Grande with similar clothes and a high ponytail.
http://instagr.am/p/BtmMvZaFxPb
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