The Brief: Ariana Grande released a new single "thank u, next" in which she sings about moving on from past relationships.
DEEP DIVE
“thank u, next” came out shortly after Ariana Grande‘s breakup with her former fiancee Pete Davidson went public.
In the song, she references her past relationships with Davidson: “Even almost got married/And for Pete, I’m so thankful,” Big Sean: “Thought I’d end up with Sean/But he wasn’t a match,” Ricky Alvarez: “Wrote some songs about Ricky/Now I listen and laugh,” and the late Mac Miller: “Wish I could say, Thank you to Malcolm/’Cause he was an angel.” While some have called “thank u, next” a clapback or a diss track, the lyrics are positive and friendly overall. Ariana sings that she is thankful to her exes for all they have given her, but that she is moving on.
no drags…. no shade….. jus love, gratitude, acceptance, honesty, forgiveness … and growth 🖤
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) November 3, 2018
The song is primarily about self-love. In one verse, Grande hints that she found a new boo until she reveals that she’s referring to herself:
Plus, I met someone else
We havin’ better discussions
I know they say I move on too fast
But this one gon’ last
‘Cause her name is Ari
And I’m so good with that
“thank u, next” is a bop that has fans and stans excited. Grande announced on Twitter that thank u, next would also be the title of an upcoming album.
thank u ♡ for hearing me and for making me feel so not alone 🖤 i truly am grateful. no matter how painful! i’m thankful and i love u.
breathin visual this week too! 🌬 thank u, next pic.twitter.com/Qq62vjM0gI— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) November 5, 2018