The Charlie’s Angels have come to town and are happy to do what they do best: rescue the earth while still conquering it! The film’s soundtrack was released on November 1, 2019, and it is still dominating playlists around the globe. ‘How I Look on You,’ track no. 8 on the album, has a sassy sense behind the words and is performed by Ariana Grande. The artist is confronting the real motivations of her romantic interests in staying with her.
Since she has had to overcome many adversities, the 7 Rings singer has become the centre of focus. She’s been mentally distraught since the Manchester attack, the death of her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller, and her latest split marriage. Through all, she has managed to remain alive in the music business, which is incredible! The singer recently recorded an album for Charlie’s Angels named “Don’t Call Me Angel” in which she worked with Lana Del Rey and Miley Cyrus.
Introduction
Ariana Grande addresses the trouble she’s had in trusting someone other than herself in the lyrics of her single “How I Look on You.” More importantly, the singer asks whether he is at her side because of her popularity and wealth, or because of who she is as a human. Any time Ariana starts a new engagement, the romantic segment of the website begins to separate himself from Ari after he tends to receive attention.
I’m having a whiff of Ariana dreaming to her ex-boyfriend, Pete Davidson. It’s likely that we’ll never know the facts!
How I Look on You Lyrics Meaning
Let’s dissect the meaning behind the lyrics of the song ‘How I Look on You’ by Ariana Grande section-wise.
[Verse 1]
Say you want me anyway, do ya?
You can handle all this fame, can ya?
Like me just the way I are
Just the way I, way I are, yeah, yeah
You would like me anyway, would ya?
You won’t let me get away, won’t ya?
Like me just the way I are
Say you don’t wanna be a star, do you?
Meaning
Grande is conversing with her love interest and, in reality, speaking about him. He seems to be saying that he loves her unconditionally, and that while Grande’s popularity, which she likes and always endures, he is up for the task. He sounds like a quiet commoner who is intimidated by popularity rather than pursuing it. Given the constant attention of the cameras, the person he has his crush on is not pleasant to be around. And, according to him, he likes her just the way she is?
[Pre-Chorus]
We step out on a Friday night
New front page, it’s a cute headline
I made you a thing, like, “Who’s that guy?”
Say you ain’t in it for the spotlight, boy
Meaning
Grande and the boy have gone on with their friendship, which is also up for debate as to whether it is true or only in Grande’s imagination. So, after they’d been married for a bit, the pair headed out to party over the weekend. And, of course, the two of them make the front pages of the media! The universe is now guessing who this young man is. He’s been thrust into the spotlight thanks to Grande. Yeah, the boy continues to insist that he is in the partnership for the singer, not for the glory that comes with it.
[Chorus]
I don’t believe no one no more
Boy, show me what you’re in it for
Been on the low when it comes to love (When it comes, when it comes to love)
Said, “Do you like how I look or just how I look on you?”
Meaning
And it is at this point that the boy’s honesty is put to the test. Her friends seem to be advising her that the worried boy has his own agenda and that his affection isn’t as unconditional as he says. Both of these warnings, though, are dismissed by Grande. She asks the boy to demonstrate to her and the rest of the universe that he really desires her and her alone, with no such secret selfish motives.
The singer has been nursing her wounds, which have been triggered by all of her heartbreaks so far. She’s hoping beyond hope that this guy is a step above the rest, that he loves her for who she is and not for how he seems to the rest of the world while he’s with her. Grande repeats these phrases in the album to emphasise how badly she needs him to be interested in her rather than the glory.
[Verse 2]
Cover on a magazine in just two weeks
“Boy to Watch”, ain’t he just, just too sweet?
Now he ain’t even got time for me
I only see him on the big screen
Woke up at like five, and boy, you wasn’t here
When it’s my fault, she even knows that you’re there
Was I just a transition?
Boy, remember where ya come from
Meaning
We cut to a few weeks later, and the tables have changed, and in a big way! The child, like the previous men Grande has dated, has proved to be a chameleon. In contrary to his arguments, he has raced to demand as much name and popularity as he can via Grande’s business. Just this time, he’s picking all those eyeballs by himself, and he’s letting go of the artist. He seems to have landed a role on the big screen. Grande is heartbroken and regretful, and she wonders if she was only a stepping stone for him.
[Pre-Chorus]
We step out on a Friday night
New front page, it’s a cute headline
I made you a thing, like, “Who’s that guy?”
Say you ain’t in it for the spotlight, boy
[Chorus]
I don’t believe no one no more
Boy, show me what you’re in it for (In it for)
Been on the low when it comes to love (When it comes to love)
Said, “Do you like how I look or just how I look on you?”
[Break]
Mmm, mmm
Mmm, mmm
How I look on you
Mmm, mmm
Mmm, mmm
How I look on you
[Outro]
How I look on you
How I look, how I look on you
How I look, how I look on you, oh yeah
How I look, how I look on you
How I look, how I look on you
How I look, how I look on you
How I look, how I look on you
Conclusion
For a long time, Ariana Grande has been singing about heartbreak and insecurities. She hasn’t been ashamed to show the world her weak side. What do you think the context behind the lyrics of Ariana Grande’s song “How I Look on You” is? Do you agree with Ariana’s artistic direction? Is there a whiff of Pete Davidson in the air?
Some Fun Facts About The Song
- According to Ariana Grande, “How I Look On You” was her favorite song to write for the soundtrack.
- This is the only song on the soundtrack that Ariana Grande performs solo.
About The Artist
Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande-Butera is an American singer and actress. Born in Boca Raton, Florida, Grande began her career at age 15 in the 2008 Broadway musical 13. She rose to fame for her role as Cat Valentine in the Nickelodeon television series Victorious (2010–2013) and Sam & Cat (2013–2014). She subsequently signed with Republic Records in 2011 after the label’s executives discovered YouTube videos of her covering songs. Her 1950s doo-wop-influenced pop and R&B debut album, Yours Truly (2013), topped the US Billboard 200 chart, while its lead single, “The Way”, charted in the top ten of the US Billboard Hot 100. Upon release, critics compared Grande to Mariah Carey for her wide vocal range and whistle register.
Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariana_Grande
