Thank U, Next: Ariana Grandes Lyrics That Redefined Self-Empowerment

13th April, 2024

Ariana Grande’s thank u, next isn’t your typical pop breakup ballad. Released in November 2018, the song shattered expectations, becoming a cultural phenomenon that shattered records, topped charts, and resonated with millions.

Thank u, next wasn’t just catchy; it was a cathartic anthem of self-discovery, wrapped in a glossy pop package.

Let’s unpack the layers that made this song such a global sensation, diving into its insightful lyrics, genre-bending production, record-breaking music video, and the lasting impact it had on music and popular culture.

The Creative Minds Behind the Music

The production of thank u, next was helmed by Michael “Mikey” Foster, Scootie, and TBHits, who crafted the song’s distinctive sound.

The writing team included a talented ensemble: Victoria Monét, Ariana Grande herself, Njomza, Kaydence, Michael “Mikey” Foster, Scootie, Tayla Parx, and TBHits.

This collective brought together a diverse range of experiences and influences, culminating in a track that’s both personal and universally relatable.

Ariana Grande has expressed her deep connection to the song, stating in an Instagram story post:

“I don’t think anything will ever top ‘thank u, next.’ It’s just too special and personal. To be honest, it was a life changer even more so than a career changer. My whole life is in there!”

She acknowledged the significant contributions of her co-writers, tagging Victoria Monet and Tayla Parx in the post, highlighting the collaborative nature of the song’s creation.

From Heartbreak to Self-Reflection: A Breakdown of the Lyrics

The brilliance of thank u, next lies in its honesty and vulnerability. Ariana Grande doesn’t shy away from directly referencing her past relationships with four famous ex-boyfriends: Big Sean, Ricky Alvarez, Pete Davidson, and the late Mac Miller.

The opening verse sets the tone, acknowledging past loves with a touch of humour:

“Thought I’d end up with Sean / But he wasn’t a match / Wrote some songs about Ricky / Now I listen and laugh”

There’s no bitterness here, just a candid reflection on what each relationship brought to her life. She admits to past mistakes (“Even almost got married”), but the focus is on growth.

The lyrics are witty and self-assured, a stark contrast to the heartbreak anthems that typically dominate the pop landscape.

Lines like “I’ve loved and I’ve lost / But that’s not what I see” showcase a newfound self-love, a conscious decision to focus on the positive lessons learned rather than dwelling on the negatives.

A Genre-Bending Soundscape: Pop Meets R&B with a Synth Twist

Musically, thank u, next is a delightful concoction that defies easy categorization. The foundation is pop, with a driving beat and catchy melodies that burrow into your ear and refuse to leave.

But there’s a subtle infusion of R&B influences, particularly in Ariana Grande’s smooth vocals that effortlessly navigate between powerful belting and intimate whispers.

The secret sauce, however, lies in the synth-pop flourishes. Glittering synths and pulsating bass lines add a modern edge, keeping the song fresh and dynamic.

This unexpected blend of genres creates a soundscape that’s both familiar and innovative, perfectly complementing the themes of growth and self-discovery explored in the lyrics.

A Nostalgic Romp Through Early 2000s Teen Flicks: The Music Video

The music video for thank u, next is more than just a visual accompaniment to the song; it’s an event in itself.

Helmed by director Hannah Lux Davis, the video is a love letter to early 2000s teen comedy films like “Mean Girls,” “Legally Blonde,” and “Bring It On.”

Ariana Grande in thank u, next music video

Grande playfully recreates iconic scenes from these movies, with hilarious twists and modern-day references thrown in for good measure.

We see her transform into Regina George, complete with a plastic crown and a gaggle of besties, then don a pink power suit channelling Elle Woods from Legally Blonde.

The video is a delightful trip down memory lane for anyone who grew up watching these films, and the humour is spot-on, keeping viewers entertained throughout.

But beyond the nostalgia, the video cleverly reinforces the themes of the song. Grande’s playful portrayals showcase her confidence and self-assuredness, a visual representation of her emotional journey.

The inclusion of celebrity cameos, from Kris Jenner to Troye Sivan, adds another layer of entertainment, making the video a must-watch for fans and casual viewers alike.

Breaking Records and Empowering a Generation: The Impact of “Thank U, Next”

The impact of thank u, next was undeniable. The song debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Grande’s first chart-topping single in the US.

It broke streaming records, racking up millions of views and plays within days of its release.

Critics lauded the song’s honesty, catchy sound, and empowering message. But thank u, next transcended the music charts. It became a cultural touchstone, a rallying cry for self-love and growth.

Social media exploded with memes and fan videos referencing the song’s lyrics. The phrase thank u, next became a ubiquitous way to acknowledge past relationships and move forward.

Thank u, next wasn’t just a song; it was a movement. It inspired a new wave of breakup anthems that celebrated self-love and personal empowerment, challenging the traditional narrative of heartbreak in pop music.

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Ariana Grande Thank U, Next Lyrics

Verse 1
Thought I’d end up with Sean
But he wasn’t a match
Wrote some songs about Ricky
Now I listen and laugh
Even almost got married
And for Pete, I’m so thankful
Wish I could say, “Thank you” to Malcolm
‘Cause he was an angel

Pre-Chorus
One taught me love
One taught me patience
And one taught me pain
Now, I’m so amazing
Say I’ve loved and I’ve lost
But that’s not what I see
So, look what I got
Look what you taught me
And for that, I say

Chorus
Thank you, next (Next)
Thank you, next (Next)
Thank you, next
I’m so fuckin’ grateful for my ex
Thank you, next (Next)
Thank you, next (Next)
Thank you, next (Next)
I’m so fuckin’—

Verse 2
Spend more time with my friends
I ain’t worried ’bout nothin’
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 (So good with that)

Pre-Chorus
She taught me love (Love)
She taught me patience (Patience)
How she handles pain (Pain)
That shit’s amazing (Yeah, she’s amazing)
I’ve loved and I’ve lost (Yeah, yeah)
But that’s not what I see (Yeah, yeah)
‘Cause look what I’ve found (Yeah, yeah, I’ve found)
Ain’t no need for searching, and for that, I say

Chorus
Thank you, next (Thank you, next)
Thank you, next (Thank you, next)
Thank you, next (Thank you)
I’m so fuckin’ grateful for my ex
Thank you, next (Thank you, next)
Thank you, next (Said thank you, next)
Thank you, next (Next)
I’m so fuckin’ grateful for my ex

Post-Chorus
Thank you, next
Thank you, next
Thank you, next
I’m so fuckin’—

Bridge
One day I’ll walk down the aisle
Holding hands with my mama
I’ll be thanking my dad
‘Cause she grew from the drama
Only wanna do it once, real bad
Gon’ make that shit last
God forbid something happens
Least this song is a smash (Song is a smash)

Pre-Chorus
I’ve got so much love (Love)
Got so much patience (Patience)
And I’ve learned from the pain (Pain)
I turned out amazing (Turned out amazing)
Say I’ve loved and I’ve lost (Yeah, yeah)
But that’s not what I see (Yeah, yeah)
‘Cause look what I’ve found (Yeah, yeah)
Ain’t no need for searching
And for that, I say

Chorus
Thank you, next (Thank you, next)
Thank you, next (Thank you, next)
Thank you, next
I’m so fuckin’ grateful for my ex
Thank you, next (Thank you, next)
Thank you, next (Said thank you, next)
Thank you, next (Next)
I’m so fuckin’ grateful for my ex

Post-Chorus
Thank you, next
Thank you, next
Thank you, next
Yeah, yee
Thank you, next
Thank you, next
Thank you, next
Yeah, yee