Released: 2024
“we can’t be friends” by Ariana Grande is a song about a complicated relationship. The singer struggles with the tension between wanting to be close to someone and the reality that it’s not possible. She expresses the pain of not being understood and the hope that things might change someday.
The song opens with Ariana admitting that she didn’t think the other person would understand her. This sets the tone for the rest of the song. The line, “How could you ever even try?”, suggests that she feels misunderstood and disconnected.
Ariana sings about not wanting to tiptoe or hide, but also not wanting to make things worse by feeding the “monstrous fire”. She wants to let the story die and be alright, indicating a desire to move on. The repeated line, “We can’t be friends”, drives home the point that staying close isn’t an option.
In the chorus, she expresses a desire to pretend everything is fine. She asks the other person to “wait until you like me again”, showing a hope that things might change. The line, “Wait for your love”, is repeated, emphasizing her longing for reconciliation.
The verse, “Me and my truth, we sit in silence”, shows Ariana’s inner conflict. She doesn’t want to argue or bite her tongue. She feels misunderstood but takes solace in her appearance, singing, “at least I look this good.” This line adds a touch of confidence amid the turmoil.
The bridge highlights a sense of self-awareness and a desire for independence. She acknowledges that the other person made her, but she doesn’t like how they portray her. Despite this, she still hopes for their love, repeating, “I’ll wait for your love”, multiple times, underscoring her lingering hope.
