“We’ll get through this, we’ll get past this, I’m a girl with / A whole lot of baggage.” On “Ghostin,” a highlight from her stunning album, thank u, next, Grammy-winner Ariana Grande definitely has “a whole lot of baggage.” That baggage is definitely affecting her current relationship, hence, quite worthy of atonement! Beyond the effects of the baggage on her current relationship, Grande also has to atone for being (1) heartbroken (2) living in the past (3) fully committing to her current boo.
“Ghostin’,” of course, refers to disappearing, often in the context of a relationship. In many respects, the protagonist is ghostin’, at least to an extent, her current, incredibly supportive boyfriend because of the extent of her baggage. She’s incredibly thankful for his support, but she’s heavily leaning on his support – arguably not a 50/50 split. “I know you hear me when I cry / I try to hold it in at night,” she sings on the first verse, later adding, “It’s your arms that I need this time /… If you were anybody else / Probably wouldn’t last a day.” Essentially, she understands how her instability would make lesser lovers exit, but she’s thankful for his relentless support.
It’s clear on this gorgeous ballad, Ariana Grande understands she needs to get better. On the pre-chorus, she sings, “And I’m hating myself ‘cause you don’t want to / Admit that it hurts you.” She adds to message on the chorus, citing her current boyfriend’s own heartbreak because of the pain she’s experiencing, as well as quite possibly the feeling he’s not enough to atone for her heartbreak – deep right?
“I know that it breaks your heart when I cry again
Over him
I know that it breaks your heart when I cry again
‘Stead of ghostin’ him.”
Still, on the second verse, she still has love for her ex – give her credit for her honestly. That said, this song is all about atonement, and that’s where the powerful, post-chorus lyrics (“We’ll get through this,” etc.) work towards atonement and resolution. There’s plenty to take away from one of the most gorgeous ballads of Ariana Grande’s career. The biggest might be about how patient and powerful real love can be, evidenced by the man that is supporting her so faithfully. In the context of song, he certainly seems like a keeper.
You can learn more about Ariana Grande here:
About The Curator - Brent Faulkner
Slightly eccentric with interests that seem to know no ends, restless ‘Renaissance Man’ is the best way to characterize Brent Faulkner, a native of Kentucky. A certified music educator, multi-instrumentalist, and composer known for his incredibly sharp ear, he lives and breathes music of a variety of styles. In addition to passion for educating, performing, and writing music, he’s equally passionate blogging and writing about it, managing his own site, The Musical Hype (https://themusicalhype.com). When he’s not intensely analyzing music, you can find him reading or watching a movie, reality television or some sporting event.
