Released: 2024
Ariana Grande’s “bye” is a bold and brave fie-rocious declaration of independence and self-affirmation following the painful ending of a relationship. The tune is filled with deep emotion, reflection, and the resolve to push through fear and self-doubt to come out stronger on the other side.
In the lyrics, Ariana takes us through a journey where she’s ended a relationship that brought her to tears. The lyrics “This ain’t the first time I’ve been hostage to these tears” and “I can’t believe I’m finally moving through my fears” convey her struggle, the pain she’s endured, and her resolve to overcome the fear of moving on.
Ariana then tells us, “At least I know how hard we tried, both you and me”. Here, she acknowledges that they both put effort into the relationship but then she goes ahead to say “Bye-bye, boy, bye”. The repeated “bye” serves as an emotional emphasis of her decision to exit.
In the line, “Usually, I’d join you on the floor, but this dance ain’t for me.”, Ariana is making a clear declaration that she won’t be a part of the emotional roller-coaster any longer. Ending with, “Maybe someday we’ll look back with love” shows her hope for a future where the pain subsides and only the fond memories remain.
Towards the end, she sings “Now it’s certainly bittersweet, This hook feels too hard to sing, But it’s better than repeat” to express that moving on is a challenge, but it’s better than sticking around in a strenuous situation.
This song is mayhaps one of Ariana’s most transparent and profound pieces of work, the struggles, self-doubt, and eventual acceptance make it the anthem of self-acceptance and determination to pull through after harsh breakups.
