The song finds Ariana realizing that a relationship isn’t for her and that she’s “better off without him” as she’d “rather [his] body than half of [his] heart”. Hence, to “steer clear of any headaches to start”, she “dismisses” his propositions.
It has been speculated the track is about Ariana’s former boyfriend, Mac Miller, a relationship with whom she’s previously denounced as “toxic” and the editor’s notes for the album on Apple Music express similar sentiments saying “ she exits a toxic relationship in “better off”.
Better Off
Ariana Grande Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well, I know I'm a hard one to please
Give it too much importance
My love'll have you fall to your knees
I tell them this too often
Know better than to bark up my tree
Just for me to fall and leave
Nah, I'd rather just watch you smoke and drink, yeah
Steering clear of any headaches to start
And if we're being honest
I'd rather your body than half of your heart
Or jealous-ridden comments
That come when you let in them feelings that I don't want
I never let 'em know too much
Hate gettin' too emotional, oh, yeah
I'm better off without him
I'm better off being a wild one
On the road a lot, had to keep it a thousand
So that I'm better off not being around ya
Go on and face it, I'll never be ready for you (ready for you)
I swear my love is a curse, make you handle issues (handle issues)
Let's put them topics to bed and go fuck on the roof
Just to say that we did it
You keep insisting, I listen to your proposition
I dismiss them all, no offense, yeah
Steering clear of any headaches to start
And if we're being honest
I'd rather your body than half of your heart
Or jealous-ridden comments
That come when you let in them feelings that I don't want
I never let 'em know too much
Hate gettin' too emotional, yeah
I'm better off without him
I'm better off being a wild one
On the road a lot, had to keep it a thousand
So that I'm better off not being around ya
I'm better off without him
I'm better off being a wild one
On the road a lot, had to keep it a thousand
So that I'm better off not being around ya
The lyrics to Ariana Grande's song "Better Off" tells a story about a woman who knows herself well enough to realize that she does not want a committed relationship. She knows what she wants from the beginning and tells her partner that she prefers to keep their relationship casual. She does not want to deal with any emotional or relationship issues and prefers to keep things physical. She knows that love is sometimes a curse and can create problems when people let their emotions take over.
Throughout the song, Ariana sings about her preference to maintain her independence and enjoy her freedom. She is happy to be on the road and not tied down to one place or one person. She knows she is difficult to please and has high standards, causing people to bark up her tree, but ultimately, she would rather watch her partner from a distance than experience the pain of getting too attached. In the end, she acknowledges that she is better off without him and prefers to be a wild one.
Line by Line Meaning
You keep me in your orbit
You have control over me and my actions
Well, I know I'm a hard one to please
I acknowledge that I have high standards and am difficult to satisfy
Give it too much importance
If I prioritize our relationship over other aspects of my life, it may not be worth it
My love'll have you fall to your knees
My love can have a strong hold over you
I tell them this too often
I have expressed these concerns to others previously
Know better than to bark up my tree
You should know not to pursue me too aggressively
Just for me to fall and leave
I am not interested in a relationship that will not last
Nah, I'd rather just watch you smoke and drink, yeah
I am content with a casual relationship where I can observe you from a distance
Steering clear of any headaches to start
I am avoiding any potential issues that may arise in a relationship
And if we're being honest
Speaking truthfully
I'd rather your body than half of your heart
I prefer a physical relationship over an emotional one
Or jealous-ridden comments
I do not want to hear any jealous or possessive remarks from you
That come when you let in them feelings that I don't want
I do not want you to develop deeper feelings for me
I never let 'em know too much
I keep my emotions guarded
Hate gettin' too emotional, oh, yeah
I dislike becoming too emotionally invested
I'm better off without him
I am happier without being in a relationship with him
I'm better off being a wild one
I am better suited to a more carefree, independent lifestyle
On the road a lot, had to keep it a thousand
I travel frequently and need to stay focused on my own goals
So that I'm better off not being around ya
It is better for me if we do not spend time together
Go on and face it, I'll never be ready for you (ready for you)
I am not looking to be in a committed relationship with you
I swear my love is a curse, make you handle issues (handle issues)
Being in a relationship with me can be complicated and challenging
Let's put them topics to bed and go fuck on the roof, just to say that we did it
Let's set aside our differences and have a physical encounter, even if it means nothing
You keep insisting I listen to your proposition
You keep trying to convince me to be in a relationship with you
I dismiss them all, no offense, yeah
I am not interested and do not mean any disrespect
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Ariana Grande, Brian Malik Baptiste, Chauncey A. Hollis, Kimberly Krysiuk, Tommy Brown, THOMAS LEE BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@peachpeachpistachio
Lyrics
You keep me in your orbit
Well, I know I'm a hard one to please
Give it too much importance
My love'll have you fall to your knees
I tell them this too often
Know better than to bark up my tree
Just for me to fall and leave
Nah, I'd rather just watch you smoke and drink, yeah
Steering clear of any headaches to start
And if we're being honest
I'd rather your body than half of your heart
Or jealous-ridden comments
That come when you let in them feelings
That I don't want
I never let 'em know too much
Hate gettin' too emotional, yeah
I'm better off without 'em
I'm better off being a wild one
On the road a lot, had to keep it a thousand
So that I'm better off not being around ya'
Go on and face it, I'll never be ready for you, ready for you
I swear my love is a curse, make you handle my shoes (hand over shoes)
Let's put them topics to bed and go
Fuck on the roof, just to say that we did it
You keep insisting I listen to your proposition
I dismiss them all, no offence, yeah
Steering clear of any headaches to start
And if we're being honest
I'd rather your body than half of your heart
Or jealous-ridden comments
That come when you let in them feelings that I don't want
I never let 'em know too much
Hate gettin' too emotional, yeah
I'm better off without him
I'm better off being a wild one
On the road a lot, had to keep it a thousand
So that I'm better off not being around ya
I'm better off without him
I'm better off being a wild one
On the road a lot, had to keep it a thousand
So that I'm better off not being around ya
Source: Musixmatch
@naomimenat2581
Reasons to be alive :
1. We would miss you.
2. It’s not worth the regret. Either by yourself, if you failed or just simply left scars or regret everyone else feels by not doing enough to help you.
3. It does get better. Believe it or not, it will eventually get better. Sometimes you have to go through the storm to get to the rainbow.
4. There’s so much you would miss doing.
5. There is always a reason to live it just might not be clear right now.
6. So many people care and you would hurt them if you hurt yourself.
7. You ARE worth it. Don’t let anyone especially yourself, tell you otherwise.
8. You are amazing the way you are.
9. A time will come where you’ll be thankful for being alive.
10. What about the things you always wanted to do?
11. I love you. Even if only one person loves you it’s still a reason to stay alive.
12. You won’t be able to listen to music when you die.
13. Killing yourself is never worth it. You’ll hurt both yourself and the people you care about.
14. There are so many people that would miss you including me.
15. You’re preventing a future generation, YOUR KIDS, from even being born.
16. How do you think would your family feel?
17. You are gorgeous, amazing and to someone you are perfect.
18. Think about your favorite music artist you’ll never hear their voice again.
19. You’ll never have the feeling of walking into a warm building on a cold day.
20. Listening to incredibly loud music.
21. Being alive is just really good.
22. Not being alive is really bad.
23. Finding your soulmate.
24. Red pandas.
25. Going to diners on three in the morning.
26. Really soft pillows.
27. Eating pizza in New York City.
28. Proving people wrong with your success.
29. Watching the jerks that doubted you fail at life.
30. Seeing someone trip over a garbage can.
31. Being able to help others.
32. Bonfires.
33. Sitting in rooftops.
34. Seeing every single country in the world.
35. You might win the lottery someday.
36. Listening to music on a record player.
37. Going to the top of the Eiffel Tower.
38. Taking really cool pictures.
39. Literally meeting thousands of new people.
40. Going on road trips.
41. Hearing crazy stories.
42. Telling crazy stories.
43. Eating ice cream on a hot day.
44. More Harry Potter books could come out, you’ll never know.
45. Traveling to another planet someday.
46. Having an underwater house.
47. Randomly running into your hero on the street.
48. Having your own room at a fancy hotel.
49. Trampolines.
50. Think about your favorite movie you’ll never watch again.
51. When your best friend tells you a joke in public and you’re the loudest because you’re laughing so hard.
52. Your survival will make the world better even if it’s just one person, 20 or more.
53. People do care.
54. Treehouses.
55. Hanging out with your soulmate.
56. Snorting when you laugh and not caring who sees.
57. I don’t even know you but I love you.
58. I don’t even know you but I care about you.
59. Nobody is going to be like you EVER, so embrace your uniqueness.
60. food.
61. Starbucks.
62. Hugs.
63. Stargazing.
64. You have a purpose, and it’s up to you to find out what it is.
65. You’ve changed somebody’s life.
66. You could change the world.
67. You’ll meet the person that’s perfect for you.
68. No matter how much or how little, you have your own life ahead of you.
69. You have the chance to save somebody’s life.
70. If you end your life, you’re stopping yourself from achieving great things.
71. Making a snow angel.
72. Making a snowman.
73. Snowball fights.
74. Life is what you make of it.
75. Everybody has talent.
76. Laughing until you cry.
77. Having the ability to be sad means you have the ability to be happy.
78. The world wouldn’t be the same if you would not exist.
79. It’s possible to turn frowns, upside down.
80. Be yourself, don’t let anyone’s shit, and never let them take your life.
81. Heroes are ordinary people who make themselves extraordinary. Be your own hero.
82. Being happy doesn’t mean that everything’s perfect. It means that you’ve decided to look beyond. The imperfections.
83. One day your smile will be real.
84. Having a really hot, relaxing bath after a stressful day.
85. Laying in grass and looking at the clouds.
86. Getting completely smashed with your best friends.
87. Eating crazy food.
88. Staying up all night watching your favorite films with a loved one.
89. Sleeping in all day.
90. Creating something you’re proud of.
91. You can look back on yourself in 70 years later and be proud you didn’t commit suicide.
92. Being able to meet your internet friends.
93. Tea/ Coffee/ Hot chocolate.
94. The new season of your favorite TV show.
95. Cuddling under the stars.
96. Being stupid in public because you just can.
97. If you are reading this you are alive! Is there any more reason to smile?
98. Being able to hug that one person you haven’t seen in years.
99. People care enough about you and your future to come out with 100 reasons for you not to do this.
100. The most important one is, just, being able to experience life. Because even if your life doesn’t seem great now, anything could make it happen.
101. Getting a good grade after working a lot.
102. Staring at your crush when he can't see you.
103. Having cleaned shaved legs.
104. Listening to Ariana.
105. Swings.
106. The possibility of having a pet.
107. Planning out an outfit and wearing it the next day .
Copy and paste on another song and continue the chain!
I LOVE YOU
@rophelmiraflores
(Better Off)
You keep me in your orbit
Well, I know I'm a hard one to please
Give it too much importance
My love'll have you fall to your knees
I tell them this too often
Know better than to bark up my tree
Just for me to fall and leave
Nah, I'd rather just watch you smoke and drink, yeah
Steering clear of any headaches to start
And if we're being honest
I'd rather your body than half of your heart
Or jealous-ridden comments
That come when you let in them feelings that I don't want
I never let 'em know too much
Hate gettin' too emotional, oh, yeah
I'm better off without him
I'm better off being a wild one
On the road a lot, had to keep it a thousand
So that I'm better off not being around ya
Go on and face it, I'll never be ready for you (ready for you)
I swear my love is a curse, make you handle issues (handle issues)
Let's put them topics to bed and go fuck on the roof, just to say that we did it
You keep insisting I listen to your proposition
I dismiss them all, no offense, yeah
Steering clear of any headaches to start
And if we're being honest
I'd rather your body than half of your heart
Or jealous-ridden comments
That come when you let in them feelings that I don't want
I never let 'em know too much
Hate gettin' too emotional, yeah
I'm better off without him
I'm better off being a wild one
On the road a lot, had to keep it a thousand
So that I'm better off not being around ya
I'm better off without him
I'm better off being a wild one
On the road a lot, had to keep it a thousand
So that I'm better off not being around ya
@freydaliswardi3270
super late but: everyone says that they cry to this song, but to me this is a song is for when you’re all cried out, and you finally are forced to except the situation. and that makes it so much more emotional
@fruits7655
True💛
@sofiapineda201
amen to that
@jaylynmarshel8245
Same same 😔❤️
@chloecorbett295
Freyda Liswardi I’m with you. Literally how I feel. now. finally. ✨
@Theonepeaceisreel
😢😢
@idioticcorner7363
Idk why people hate sweetener,
Ariana made sweetener a healing album,
@daydream5664
Idiotic Corner the album is so relaxing
@lizzlovesjesus
I KNOW IM LATE ASF BUT AGREE
@jssed
@@lizzlovesjesus me too i love this album sm.