motive
Doja Cat Ariana Grande Lyrics


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(Murda, Murda)

Tell me why I get this feeling
That you really wanna turn me on
Tell me why I get this feeling
That you really wanna make me yours

'Cause I see you trying
Subliminally trying
To see if I'm gon' be the one that's in your arms
I admit it's exciting
Parts of me kinda like it
But before I lead you on

Baby, tell me what's your motive?
What's your motive? What's your motive?
So tell me what's your motive?
What's your motive? What's your motive?

I could call bullshit out from a mile away (don't say)
You'll want me if you can
Keep coming back for me
Might have to curve you
If you just can't talk straight (just say)
Say what you mean, 'cause you might get it

'Cause I see you trying
Subliminally trying
To see if I'm gon' be the one that's in your arms
I admit it's exciting
Parts of me kinda like it
But before I lead you on

Tell me what's your motive?
What's your motive? What's your motive? (Uh)
So tell me what's your motive?
What's your motive? What's your motive?

(Yah, yah, ayy)
You treat me like gold baby
Now you wanna spoil me
Did you want a trophy?
Or you wanna sport me, baby?
Want me on your neck 'cause you wanted respect
'Cause you're fighting some war, baby
Well I had to bring the fists out
Had to put a wall up
But don't trust phonies, baby
You gotta tell me what's your motive, baby

'Cause you got your candy on your arm
No need to sugarcoat a lie
Say what you want
I needed a real bonafide G
Can you promise me
You'll bring it all tonight
'Cause I need you to be wise
Tell me everything that's on your mind

Baby, tell me what's your motive?
What's your motive? What's your motive?
What's your motive? What's your motive? (uh)
So tell me what's your motive? (yeah, tell me, baby)




What's your motive? What's your motive?
What's your motive? (yeah, ayy)

Overall Meaning

In “Motive,” Doja Cat and Ariana Grande ask the question on every person’s mind when entering into a new relationship: “What’s your motive?” The song is loaded with innuendo, as the pair sings about their desires and intentions within a romantic relationship while questioning those of their partner. The song begins with the girls admitting to “getting a feeling” that they’re being pursued by a potential lover. They acknowledge that it’s exciting, but they also want to know what the person’s intentions are before they lead them on.


They repeatedly ask the question: “What’s your motive?” questioning whether the person pursuing them is genuine in their pursuit or if they have ulterior motives. The lyrics discuss the importance of honesty and communication within a relationship, as the singers urge their partners to be genuine and straightforward. They also touch on power dynamics within relationships when Doja Cat sings, “Want me on your neck 'cause you wanted respect 'cause you're fighting some war, baby.” The song ends with Doja and Ariana essentially calling bluff on potential partners, saying they'll curve anyone who can’t be straightforward about their desire.


Line by Line Meaning

Tell me why I get this feeling
The singer is curious about the reason behind the feeling that the person they are talking to wants to impress them.


That you really wanna turn me on
The singer has a hunch that the other person desires to sexually arouse them.


That you really wanna make me yours
The singer thinks the other person wants to claim them as their own.


'Cause I see you trying
The artist is aware of the other person's attempts to win their affection.


Subliminally trying
The other person is making subtle efforts to get the artist to like them.


To see if I'm gon' be the one that's in your arms
The other person wants to know if the singer will become their romantic partner.


I admit it's exciting
The singer confesses that she feels exhilarated by the other person's pursuits.


Parts of me kinda like it
Although the artist enjoys the attention, she is unsure if it's worth pursuing a relationship with the other person.


But before I lead you on
The artist doesn't wish to give the other person false hopes without knowing their intention.


Baby, tell me what's your motive?
The artist is now asking the other person to come clean about their real intention of being around them.


I could call bullshit out from a mile away (don't say)
The singer can quickly recognize if the other person is insincere or dishonest.


You'll want me if you can
The artist infers that the other person pursues them only for their desire's sake.


Keep coming back for me
The other person keeps returning for the singer's attention, which makes her doubt their motives.


Might have to curve you
The singer may distance herself from the other person because of their insincerity.


If you just can't talk straight (just say)
The singer wants the other person to be direct and honest with her instead of using mind games.


'Cause you got your candy on your arm
The other person wants to show off the artist to others like a trophy.


No need to sugarcoat a lie
The artist desires the other person to speak the truth, even if it hurts.


Say what you want
The singer encourages the other person to express their true wishes.


I needed a real bonafide G
The singer expects the other person to be genuinely interested in her, not just superficially attracted.


Can you promise me
The artist needs a guarantee from the other person about their genuine interest.


You'll bring it all tonight
The artist wants the other person to be truthful, sincere, and transparent about their intentions tonight.


'Cause I need you to be wise
The artist expects the other person to make wise decisions and act accordingly.


Tell me everything that's on your mind
The singer wants the other person to come clean about their thoughts and intentions regarding them.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ariana Grande, Shane Lee Lindstrom, Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, Tommy Brown, Victoria Monet, James McIntyre, Nija Charles, Steven Franks

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@Hello-rj5sr

Tell me why I get this feeling
That you really wanna turn me on
Tell me why I get this feeling
That you really wanna make me yours, ah
'Cause I see you tryin', subliminally tryin'
To see if I'm gon' be the one to sing along
I admit it's exciting, parts of me kinda like it
But before I lead you on
Baby, tell me, what's your motive? (Motive)
What's your motive?
What's your motive? (Ah)
So tell me, what's your motive? (What's your motive?)
What's your motive?
What's your motive? (Ah)
I could call bullshit all from a mile away (don't say)
You want me if you can't keep comin' back for me
Might have to curve you if you just can't talk straight (just say)
Say what you mean 'cause you might get it
'Cause I see you tryin', subliminally tryin'
To see if I'm gon' be the one to sing along
I admit it's exciting, parts of me kinda like it
But before I lead you on
Tell me, what's your motive?
What's your motive?
What's your motive? (Ah)
So tell me, what's your motive?
What's your motive?
What's your motive? (Ayy, yeah, yeah, ayy, ah)
You treat me like gold, baby
Now you wanna spoil me
Did you want a trophy or you wanna sport me, baby?
Want me on your neck 'cause you wanted respect
'Cause you fightin' some war, baby
Well, I had to bring the fists out, had to put a wall up
I don't trust phonies, baby (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
You gotta tell me, what's your motive, baby?
'Cause you got your candy (yeah) on your arm (yeah)
No need to sugarcoat a lie (yeah)
Say what you want, I needed a real bona fide G (come on)
Can you promise me you'll bring it all tonight? (Give it to me)
'Cause I need you to be wise
Tell me everything that's on your mind, come on
Baby, tell me what's your motive? (Tell me, baby)
What's your motive? (What's your motive?)
What's your motive? (What's your motive? Ah)
So tell me, what's your motive? (Better tell me, baby)
What's your motive? (What's your motive? Better tell me, baby)
What's your motive? (Yeah, ayy, ah)



All comments from YouTube:

@gonzalosantos5548

H&M, forever 21, zara and every clothes shop is gonna play this song till the next century, believe me

@michaelholloway163

lolll they play all fashion show songs loll

@emana1722

yay

@michaelholloway163

@LILY WATTS lolll

@certifiedbandmakers9788

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDoLRNQcAsw.

@terrencechampion7679

https://youtu.be/4LLUDKbWrc8

128 More Replies...

@alexsttham3156

The background sounds clearly Doja. Sounds so aesthetic.

@andreajanelle

I agree!!!

@pleexmi8962

yup

@ange1.

Yesssss it sounds like Dizzy

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