Boyfriend
Selena Gomez & Ariana Grande Lyrics

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I'm a motherfuckin' train wreck
I don't wanna be too much
But I don't wanna miss your touch
And you don't seem to give a fuck
I don't wanna keep you waiting
But I do just what I have to do
And I might not be the one for you
But you ain't about to have no boo, 'cause

I know we be so complicated
But we be so smitten, it's crazy
I can't have what I want, but neither can you

You ain't my boyfriend (boyfriend)
And I ain't your girlfriend (girlfriend)
But you don't want me to see nobody else
And I don't want you to see nobody
But you ain't my boyfriend (boyfriend)
And I ain't your girlfriend (girlfriend)
But you don't want me to touch nobody else (nobody)
Baby, we ain't gotta tell nobody

Even though you ain't mine
I promise the way we fight
Make me honestly feel like we just in love
'Cause, baby, when push comes to shove
Damn, baby, I'm a train wreck, too (too)
I lose my mind when it comes to you
I take time with the ones I choose
And I don't want a smile if it ain't from you, yeah

I know we be so complicated
Lovin' you sometimes drive me crazy
'Cause I can't have what I want and neither can you (no, no)

You ain't my boyfriend (boyfriend)
And I ain't your girlfriend (girlfriend)
But you don't want me to see nobody else
And I don't want you to see nobody
But you ain't my boyfriend (boyfriend)
And I ain't your girlfriend (girlfriend)
But you don't want me to touch nobody else (nobody)
Baby, we ain't gotta tell nobody

I wanna kiss you (yeah), don't wanna miss you (yeah)
But I can't be with you 'cause I got issues (no)
Yeah, on the surface, seem like it's easy
Careful with words, but it's still hard to read me
Stress high when the trust low (mmh)
Bad vibes, where'd the fun go? (Ohh)
Try to open up and love more (love more)
Try to open up and love more

If you were my boyfriend
And you were my girlfriend
I probably wouldn't see nobody else
But I can't guarantee that by myself

You ain't my boyfriend (boyfriend, you ain't my boyfriend)
And I ain't your girlfriend (girlfriend, I ain't your girlfriend)
But you don't want me to see nobody else (nobody)
And I don't want you to see nobody
But you ain't my boyfriend (boyfriend, you know you ain't my boyfriend)
And I ain't your girlfriend (girlfriend, yeah, mmh)
But you don't want me to touch nobody else (nobody)
Baby, we ain't gotta tell nobody (oh yeah)

You ain't my boyfriend (boyfriend)
And I ain't your girlfriend (girlfriend)
But you don't want me to see nobody else
And I don't want you to see nobody
But you ain't my boyfriend (boyfriend)
And I ain't your girlfriend (girlfriend, yeah)

But you don't want me to touch nobody else (nobody)
Baby, we ain't gotta tell nobody

Overall Meaning

In the song "Boyfriend" by Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande, the lyrics portray a complex and tumultuous relationship dynamic between two individuals who are not officially in a committed romantic relationship, yet exhibit deep emotional connections and possessive tendencies towards each other. The singer expresses her internal chaos and self-awareness, identifying herself as a "train wreck" and acknowledging the conflicting feelings she has towards her love interest. Despite not wanting to be overwhelming, she longs for physical affection and intimacy from the person she is addressing, even though they appear indifferent towards her desires.

The lyrics delve into the intricate nature of their bond, highlighting the intense attraction and emotional entanglement that complicates their interactions. Both parties seem to be trapped in a cycle of desire and restriction, unable to fully embrace their feelings due to various personal issues and insecurities. The notion of being "smitten" yet unable to have what they truly want creates a sense of frustration and longing, adding layers of depth to their relationship that go beyond conventional labels of boyfriend and girlfriend.

The chorus of the song further emphasizes the ambiguity and complexity of their connection, as they navigate the blurred lines between friendship, romance, and possessiveness. Despite not officially being in a committed relationship, there is a clear hesitance towards allowing each other to be involved with anyone else, indicating a possessive and territorial nature in their bond. The singer's vulnerability and emotional struggles are laid bare as she grapples with the conflicting emotions and desires present in their dynamic.

Towards the end of the song, the singer reflects on the challenges and uncertainties that come with their unconventional relationship setup. The lyrics touch upon themes of trust, communication, and emotional barriers that hinder their ability to fully open up to each other. Despite the internal turmoil and complexities they face, there is a sense of longing and yearning for a deeper connection, as they navigate the intricacies of their feelings and desires while trying to maintain a semblance of control and independence within their dynamic. The song portrays a raw and honest depiction of modern relationships, exploring the nuances of love, desire, and emotional complexity in a relatable and poignant manner.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm a motherfuckin' train wreck
I'm a mess and I have issues

I don't wanna be too much
I don't want to overwhelm you

But I don't wanna miss your touch
But I don't want to miss being close to you

And you don't seem to give a fuck
And you don't seem to care

I don't wanna keep you waiting
I don't want to keep you waiting

But I do just what I have to do
But I do what I need to do

And I might not be the one for you
And I might not be the right person for you

But you ain't about to have no boo, 'cause
But you don't want anyone else either

I know we be so complicated
I know we are complex

But we be so smitten, it's crazy
But we are so in love, it's intense

I can't have what I want, but neither can you
I can't have you, but you can't have me either

You ain't my boyfriend (boyfriend)
You are not my official partner

And I ain't your girlfriend (girlfriend)
And I am not your official partner

But you don't want me to see nobody else
But you don't want me to be with anyone else

And I don't want you to see nobody
And I don't want you to be with anyone either

Baby, we ain't gotta tell nobody
We don't have to share this with anyone

Even though you ain't mine
Even though you are not officially mine

I promise the way we fight
I swear our arguments feel like love

Make me honestly feel like we just in love
Make me honestly feel like we are in love

I wanna kiss you (yeah), don't wanna miss you (yeah)
I want to be close to you and not miss you

But I can't be with you 'cause I got issues (no)
But I can't be with you because of my problems

Yeah, on the surface, seem like it's easy
It may seem easy on the surface

Careful with words, but it's still hard to read me
I may be careful with my words, but I'm still hard to understand

Stress high when the trust low (mmh)
I'm stressed when trust is lacking

Bad vibes, where'd the fun go? (Ohh)
Negative energy, where did the joy go?

Try to open up and love more
Attempting to be more open and loving

If you were my boyfriend
If you were my official partner

And you were my girlfriend
And you were my official partner

I probably wouldn't see nobody else
I likely wouldn't be with anyone else

But I can't guarantee that by myself
But I can't promise that on my own

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: Ariana Grande, Charles Anderson, Edgar Barrera, Michael Foster, Steven Franks, Tommy Brown

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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