Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande - Fantasize Lyrics

I-i-i-it's a knife when you know they're waitin' for you to choke
It's deeply painful when you realize others are anticipating your failure.

It's a knife when a journalist does a misquote
It cuts deeply when someone misrepresents your words, affecting your image.

It's a kni-i-ife when a friend is suddenly steppin' on your throat
It feels like betrayal when a once-close friend undermines or harms you.

It's a knife when they say that you've been doing things you don't-don't-don't
It's hurtful when accusations are made about your character or actions that are false.

It's a knife when your old friends hate your new friends
There is pain when your past relationships create discord in your current social life.

When somebody says, 'Charli, I think you've totally changed'
It stings when people point out your growth or transformation negatively.

It's a knife when somebody says they like the old me and not the new me
It hurts to hear that people prefer who you were over who you've become.

And I'm like, 'Who the fuck is she?'
I question the validity of those judgments, feeling disconnected from the past.

'Cause it's a knife when you're finally on top
It’s painful to realize that success invites jealousy and negativity.

'Cause logically the next step is they wanna see you fall to the bottom
When you succeed, others plot your decline because it threatens their own insecurity.

It's a knife when you're finally on top (on top)
The pinnacle of success can feel perilous due to the weight of external expectations.

'Cause logically the next step is they wanna see you fall-fall-fall
The inevitable desire from some for your downfall follows your rise.

I-i-i-it's a knife when, it's a knife when, it's a knife when (when, when, when)
It's a repetitive pain that echoes in various situations, highlighting emotional wounds.

All this sympathy is just a knife when (when, when, when)
Even false kindness can feel insincere and hurtful in times of vulnerability.

It's a knife when, it's a knife when (when, when, when)
Each instance of criticism or misunderstanding feels like a fresh wound.

All this sympathy is just a-
Implying that what appears to be kindness is often a guise for something painful.

It's a knife when you know they're counting on your mistakes
It's distressing to see others eagerly waiting for you to falter.

It's a knife when you're so pretty, they think you must be fake (mm)
It’s a sting when beauty is equated with deception, undermining your authenticity.

It's a knife when they dissect your body on the front page (mm, ooh)
It’s deeply invasive and hurtful when your physical appearance is scrutinized publicly.

It's a knife when they won't believe you, why should you explain? (Yeah)
It’s disheartening when people refuse to accept your truth, leaving you feeling invalidated.

It's a knife when the mean fans hate the nice fans
Conflict among supporters can create a toxic environment that diminishes joy.

When somebody says, 'Ari, I think you've totally changed' (no shit)
It’s painfully obvious that growth is met with criticism, reflecting jealousy.

(It's a knife) When somebody says they like the old me and not the new me
It hurts to realize that some cannot accept your evolution as a person.

And I'm like, 'Who the fuck is she?'
Once again, I question the relevance of the past self that others mourn.

'Cause it's a knife when you're finally on top (on top)
Success can feel like a double-edged sword, leading to unexpected pain.

'Cause logically the next step is they wanna see you fall to the bottom
As you rise, there's an inherent expectation that your success is temporary.

It's a knife when you're finally on top (on top, ooh)
Being at the peak can be isolating and fraught with emotional challenges.

'Cause logically the next step is they wanna see you fall-fall-fall
With success comes the lurking fear of imminent failure and loss.

I-i-it's a knife when (it's a knife when)
Each painful experience cuts deeply, creating lasting scars.

It's a knife when (it's a knife when)
The emotional toll of scrutiny feels relentless and unyielding.

It's a knife when (when, when, when)
The suffering from public perception is constant and pervasive.

All this sympathy is just a knife when (it's a knife when)
Seemingly compassionate gestures often mask deeper conflicts and pain.

It's a knife when (it's a knife when)
Pain reemerges in various forms, highlighting ongoing struggles.

It's a knife when (a knife)
The feeling of betrayal and hurt is ever-present, akin to a sharp wound.

All this sympathy is just a kn-
Suggesting that kindness often carries a hidden edge, ready to hurt.

(All this sympathy is just a knife)
Again, reiterating how seemingly caring attitudes can cut deep.

All this expectation is a knife
The weight of others' expectations can feel like a burden that wounds you.

(All this sympathy is just a knife)
Emphasizing the painful incongruity between sympathy and true understanding.

All the things I've said are just a knife
Words intended to express feelings can, instead, become sources of pain.

(All this sympathy is just a knife)
The frustration with superficial support that deepens existing wounds.

All this expectation is a knife (mm-mm)
Feeling the sharpness of anticipations that can lead to disappointment.

(All this sympathy is just a knife)
Reaffirming the emotional toll taken by insincere gestures of care.

All this expectation is a knife (mm, yeah, mm-mm)
The struggle against rising expectations cuts through one's self-worth.

(All this sympathy is just a knife)
Further illustrating how sympathy often carries an undercurrent of critique.

All the things I've said are just a knife (mm, yeah, mm-mm)
Even well-intentioned words can end up being hurtful reflections of scrutiny.

(All this sympathy is just a knife)
The constant reminder that kindness can sometimes feel manipulative.

All this expectation is a knife-knife-knife-knife-knife (mm, yeah, mm-mm)
The intensity of pressure and scrutiny feels overwhelming and unending.