Ariana Grande
Ariana - Topic Lyrics
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It's a knife when a journalist does a misquote
It's a kni-i-ife when a friend is suddenly steppin' on your throat
It's a knife when they say that you've been doing things you don't-don't-don't
It's a knife when your old friends hate your new friends
When somebody says, "Charli, I think you've totally changed"
It's a knife when somebody says they like the old me and not the new me
And I'm like, "Who the fuck is she?"
'Cause it's a knife when you're finally on top
'Cause logically the next step is they wanna see you fall to the bottom
It's a knife when you're finally on top (on top)
'Cause logically the next step is they wanna see you fall-fall-fall
I-i-i-it's a knife when, it's a knife when, it's a knife when (when, when, when)
All this sympathy is just a knife when (when, when, when)
It's a knife when, it's a knife when (when, when, when)
All this sympathy is just a-
It's a knife when you know they're counting on your mistakes
It's a knife when you're so pretty, they think you must be fake (mm)
It's a knife when they dissect your body on the front page (mm, ooh)
It's a knife when they won't believe you, why should you explain? (Yeah)
It's a knife when the mean fans hate the nice fans
When somebody says, "Ari, I think you've totally changed" (no shit)
(It's a knife) When somebody says they like the old me and not the new me
And I'm like, "Who the fuck is she?"
'Cause it's a knife when you're finally on top (on top)
'Cause logically the next step is they wanna see you fall to the bottom
It's a knife when you're finally on top (on top, ooh)
'Cause logically the next step is they wanna see you fall-fall-fall
I-i-it's a knife when (it's a knife when)
It's a knife when (it's a knife when)
It's a knife when (when, when, when)
All this sympathy is just a knife when (it's a knife when)
It's a knife when (it's a knife when)
It's a knife when (a knife)
All this sympathy is just a kn-
(All this sympathy is just a knife)
All this expectation is a knife
(All this sympathy is just a knife)
All the things I've said are just a knife
(All this sympathy is just a knife)
All this expectation is a knife (mm-mm)
(All this sympathy is just a knife)
Yeah, mm
(All this sympathy is just a knife)
All this expectation is a knife (mm, yeah, mm-mm)
(All this sympathy is just a knife)
All the things I've said are just a knife (mm, yeah, mm-mm)
(All this sympathy is just a knife)
All this expectation is a knife-knife-knife-knife-knife (mm, yeah, mm-mm)
In the song "Knife" by Ariana Grande, the lyrics delve into the emotional complexities and challenges that come with fame and public scrutiny. The repeated phrase "It's a knife" serves as a powerful metaphor representing the pain, betrayal, and harsh realities artists face both personally and professionally. Grande begins with various examples, illustrating how the world around her seems to conspire against her, from friends who might not have her best interest at heart to media misrepresentations that distort her image. The imagery of a knife evokes not just physical pain but emotional wounds, highlighting how words and actions can cut deeply when least expected. By expressing feelings of betrayal from friends and the media, the lyrics reflect a profound sense of vulnerability amidst a façade of success.
The theme continues as Grande reflects on the pressures of being on top—where success often invites jealousy and the desire for failure from others. Here, she connects the achievement of fame with a low point, suggesting that reaching the top can paradoxically set her up for a fall, which society seems to anticipate with glee. The idea that people are waiting for her to choke underscores a toxic environment fueled by public expectations and scrutiny, where every misstep is magnified, leading to a cycle of fear and anxiety. By highlighting this psychological toll, Ariana’s lyrics resonate with anyone who has felt the weight of external pressures and societal judgment, making the personal genuinely universal.
Moving deeper into these perceptions, the artist critiques the notion of sympathy from her audience, suggesting that it can often feel insincere or harmful rather than supportive. The juxtaposition of sympathy with a "knife" emphasizes how even seemingly benign feelings from fans can carry hidden agendas—favoring the 'old' version of her that they are more comfortable with, rather than accepting her evolution as a person and an artist. This struggle underlines the difficulty of personal growth in the face of public opinion, and it poses questions about identity and authenticity in a world that resists change. By vocalizing her frustrations, Ariana embodies a struggle that many individuals face, wherein they must navigate their paths while satisfying the expectations of others.
Ultimately, the repeated refrain of “All this sympathy is just a knife” is a poignant conclusion that encapsulates the deep-seated duality of fame—how much of it is genuine, and how much is rooted in manipulation or misunderstanding. The end notes reinforce the sense that sympathy can, and often does, come with strings attached, leading to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety about one's true self. The emotional landscape Ariana paints through these lyrics is a powerful reflection of the relentless scrutiny faced by public figures, characterized by a longing for acceptance while simultaneously feeling the sting of betrayal. Her repetition of “knife” serves as both a lament and a declaration of survival through the chaos of expectations and societal norms, illustrating her resilience in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
I-i-i-it's a knife when you know they're waitin' for you to choke
It feels painful when you're aware that others are eagerly anticipating your failure.
It's a knife when a journalist does a misquote
It's hurtful when the media misrepresents your words, contributing to misunderstandings.
It's a kni-i-ife when a friend is suddenly steppin' on your throat
It stings deeply when someone you trust betrays you or undermines you during a vulnerable moment.
It's a knife when they say that you've been doing things you don't-don't-don't
It cuts sharply when people accuse you of behaviors or actions you haven't engaged in.
It's a knife when your old friends hate your new friends
It's painful when there's animosity between different groups of people in your life, creating tension.
When somebody says, 'Charli, I think you've totally changed'
It's a hurtful remark when someone implies that you've lost your true self or authenticity.
It's a knife when somebody says they like the old me and not the new me
It's emotionally distressing when individuals express a preference for your past self, making you feel inadequate.
And I'm like, 'Who the fuck is she?'
In response, you question who this past version of yourself is, indicating confusion over external expectations.
'Cause it's a knife when you're finally on top
Reaching success brings its own pain, as it signals that there's a heightened scrutiny on your actions.
'Cause logically the next step is they wanna see you fall to the bottom
People often look forward to witnessing a downfall after a peak, as it brings about a natural sense of drama.
It's a knife when you're finally on top (on top)
Achieving greatness also invites criticism and the possibility of resentment from others.
'Cause logically the next step is they wanna see you fall-fall-fall
The trajectory of success can feel precarious, as others often wish for your decline.
I-i-i-it's a knife when, it's a knife when, it's a knife when (when, when, when)
The repetitiveness highlights the persistent pain and betrayal felt in multiple aspects of life.
All this sympathy is just a knife when (when, when, when)
Expressions of sympathy can feel hollow and instead serve to deepen feelings of pain and isolation.
It's a knife when, it's a knife when (when, when, when)
Acknowledging the ongoing nature of the hurt inflicted by others’ words and actions.
All this sympathy is just a-
A realization that the pity shown may lack sincerity and further complicates your emotional state.
It's a knife when you know they're counting on your mistakes
It's painful to understand that there are people eager to see you fail, hoping for errors.
It's a knife when you're so pretty, they think you must be fake (mm)
Beauty can lead to skepticism from others, casting doubt on your authenticity due to societal standards.
It's a knife when they dissect your body on the front page (mm, ooh)
Being scrutinized publicly, especially about your appearance, is a harsh violation of personal privacy.
It's a knife when they won't believe you, why should you explain? (Yeah)
It’s a painful experience when your truth is doubted, leading to feelings of frustration and futility.
It's a knife when the mean fans hate the nice fans
Even within your supporter base, divisions can create unnecessary conflict and create feelings of isolation.
When somebody says, 'Ari, I think you've totally changed' (no shit)
An exasperated acknowledgment of how people often notice personal growth in a negative light.
(It's a knife) When somebody says they like the old me and not the new me
This reiterates the emotional impact when others idealize your past self while disregarding your growth.
And I'm like, 'Who the fuck is she?'
Expressing bewilderment at the disconnect between how others perceive you and who you truly are now.
'Cause it's a knife when you're finally on top (on top)
Success brings forth an awareness of others’ envy and expectations that can feel overwhelming.
'Cause logically the next step is they wanna see you fall to the bottom
The acknowledgment of a common pattern where success is often followed by others wishing for your failure.
It's a knife when you're finally on top (on top, ooh)
The concern that success could be fleeting and that scrutiny only intensifies at these heights.
'Cause logically the next step is they wanna see you fall-fall-fall
Reinforcing the idea that the cycle of admiration and envy often leads to a desire for dramatic downfalls.
I-i-it's a knife when (it's a knife when)
An echo of feeling hurt, signaling that the pain is often revisited amidst various situations.
It's a knife when (it's a knife when)
Reiterating that pain can manifest in recurring themes throughout life.
It's a knife when (when, when, when)
This establishes the idea that the experience of betrayal is ongoing and multifaceted.
All this sympathy is just a knife when (it's a knife when)
Continuing the theme that sympathy can have a sting rather than being a source of comfort.
It's a knife when (it's a knife when)
Emphasizing ongoing moments of hurt and emotional turmoil.
It's a knife when (a knife)
Reiterating the presence of pain, suggesting that it is constant and often overwhelming.
All this sympathy is just a kn-
A culmination of thoughts suggesting that what seems like caring sentiments actually feels much more hurtful.
(All this sympathy is just a knife)
A final declaration that empathy can sometimes exacerbate feelings of pain rather than heal them.
All this expectation is a knife
The pressure from others' expectations can feel like a sharp burden that weighs heavily on you.
(All this sympathy is just a knife)
Reiteration of the idea that emotional support can sometimes aggravate your existing wounds.
All the things I've said are just a knife
Regrets over past statements can linger and hurt, affording little peace of mind.
(All this sympathy is just a knife)
Reemphasizing that what is often presented as support may really be a source of pain.
All this expectation is a knife (mm-mm)
The immense burden of external pressures continues to prick at your sense of self-worth.
(All this sympathy is just a knife)
Returning again to the theme that kindness may sometimes feel like an unintentional cruelty.
All this expectation is a knife (mm, yeah, mm-mm)
Stating once more that the weight of what others expect from you can be painful and incessant.
(All this sympathy is just a knife)
Reaffirming that the seemingly caring gestures can be overwhelmingly cutthroat.
All the things I've said are just a knife (mm, yeah, mm-mm)
Reflecting on words spoken in the past that still cut deep, causing regret and sorrow.
(All this sympathy is just a knife)
Highlighting again that the support you receive can sometimes amplify your emotional suffering.
All this expectation is a knife-knife-knife-knife-knife (mm, yeah, mm-mm)
The incessant nature of expectations creates an impression of relentless pain that’s hard to escape.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jonathan Christopher Shave, Charlotte Emma Aitchison, Finn Keane
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@icywavs
To everyone who's studying with this song, here's a little checklist:
• A bottle of water. Your brain works better if it has enough water and drinking helps you to concentrate 💦
• Your charger. You sometimes don't even notice that your device's battery is going down, so better have it plugged in all the time ⚡
• Your headphones. You will be able to focus more
with headphones because it blocks background noises. Also, if it's a late night study session, you won't wake up anyone 🎧
• Tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Coffee keeps you awake, green or black tea can make you feel more awake as well ☕
• Your study/work stuff: your laptop/tablet/ phone,
a few pens, paper or whatever you need 📚
Remember to take breaks whenever you need along with moving your body around a bit so you're not always sitting! Have a beautiful day/night ✨
@Huguley2001
she’s like obsessed with him like how he is in “YOU” i love the concept
@kenrdickIamar
So real lol
@denisseisseisse3069
True
@gianinanutshell1166
Nah she is obsessed with married men
@AngelNA_
Penn is THE perfect boy
@nomnom103
Brilliant
@gatvreality
This was actually just so fun to watch
@Khyati_Srivastava
I'm really sorry for this comment but I did a cover of the boy is mine and I really hope you will listen to it!
@diamondior230
Ikr I love it :D
@GODBLESS43478
🙄 🙄 hard 🙄