Ariana Grande’s fifth studio album, Thank U, Next, released shortly after her highly publicized breakup with Pete Davidson, is a deep dive into her personal experiences, relationships, and healing process. This album, her first breakup album, quickly followed the end of her whirlwind engagement to Davidson, offering fans and critics alike a raw and intimate look into her life. While Thank U, Next touches upon various aspects of Grande’s life, including her relationship with Mac Miller and her personal growth, the lyrics referencing Pete Davidson have particularly captivated public attention. Let’s break down some of the key tracks where Pete Davidson Lyrics take center stage.
“Ghostin”: A Heartfelt Acknowledgment of Past Love While Moving Forward
In “Ghostin,” Ariana delves into the complexities of being in a new relationship while still grieving a past one. While widely speculated to be about Mac Miller, the lyrics also reflect the impact of past relationships on her present with Davidson. The poignant lines:
“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.”
These lyrics, echoing sentiments from Mac Miller’s “2009,” reveal the emotional weight Grande carried. She acknowledges the presence of a past love, likely Miller, in her thoughts and dreams, and expresses concern about how this might affect her relationship with her current partner, Davidson at the time. This song encapsulates the feeling of being haunted by the past while trying to navigate a new love.
“In My Head”: The Illusion of Perfection and Relationship Realities
“In My Head” offers a different perspective, focusing on the idealized image we sometimes create of a partner in our minds, versus the reality. This track directly addresses the perception versus reality in relationships, and many believe it’s heavily inspired by her relationship with Pete Davidson. The song opens with a voicemail from a friend, emphasizing self-reflection:
“the only thing you can fix is yourself. I love you, this has gone on way too long. Enough is enough.”
This intro sets the stage for lyrics that explore the disillusionment of realizing a partner is not who you imagined them to be. Lines like:
“My imagination’s too creative / They see demon, I see angel, angel, angel / Without the halo, wingless angel.”
and
“I thought that you were the one / But it was all in my head.”
suggest Grande’s realization that she might have fallen in love with an idealized version of Davidson. She acknowledges her tendency to see the good, even angelic qualities, in someone, potentially overlooking flaws or red flags. The phrase “without the halo, wingless angel” poignantly captures the human, imperfect reality behind the idealized image.
“Bloodline”: Setting Boundaries and Embracing the Present
“Bloodline” shifts the tone, becoming more assertive and focused on setting boundaries in a relationship. While not explicitly name-dropping Pete Davidson, the song’s themes of enjoying the present without long-term commitment resonate with the timeline of her relationship with him. The lyrics:
“Just wanna have a good time, yuh / Ain’t no need to apologize, no / But you gon’ have to let this shit go.“
and the chorus:
“Don’t want you in my bloodline, yeah / Just wanna have a good time, yeah / And no need to apologize, no / But you gon’ have to let this shit go.”
clearly articulate a desire for a casual, enjoyable relationship without the pressure of marriage or starting a family – themes that became very public during her engagement and subsequent breakup with Davidson. The repetition of “let this shit go” emphasizes her firm stance on keeping things light and uncommitted.
“Thank U, Next”: Moving On and Appreciating the Lessons
The title track itself, “Thank U, Next,” is perhaps the most direct and iconic response to her breakup with Davidson and other past relationships. While it mentions Davidson by name, it’s ultimately a song about growth and gratitude. The line referencing Davidson:
“Even almost got married / And for Pete, I’m so thankful”
shows a level of maturity and acceptance. Despite the relationship not working out, she expresses gratitude for the experience. The overall message of the song is one of moving forward, learning from past relationships, and being thankful for the journey, even the painful parts. It’s a powerful anthem of self-love and resilience after heartbreak.
Conclusion: A Post-Breakup Narrative Through Lyrics
Thank U, Next is more than just a breakup album; it’s a sonic diary of Ariana Grande navigating love, loss, and personal growth in the public eye. The Pete Davidson lyrics within the album offer a fascinating glimpse into the different stages of their relationship’s aftermath – from grieving and reflection to setting boundaries and ultimately, moving on with gratitude. Through her honest and relatable lyrics, Grande crafted an album that resonated with millions, solidifying her position not just as a pop star, but as an artist who bravely shares her personal story through her music.
