Ariana Grande’s ‘That’s What I Like’ – Understanding Its Meaning
Ariana Grande’s single ‘That’s What I Like’ is one of the most popular songs of the year. Released in early 2017, the track quickly topped the charts and became an instant hit. The catchy melody and relatable lyrics make it a go-to song for parties and special occasions. Yet, what does the song actually mean? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the lyrics of ‘That’s What I Like’ and try to find the sonic messages that Grande is trying to convey.

The Dark Meaning Behind the Catchy Melody
Though the musicality of ‘That’s What I Like’ is undeniably catchy and upbeat, the lyrics take a bit of a darker turn. In the first verse, Grande admits to her lover that she “likes the way [he] really knows how to make [her] come alive”. It’s not immediately clear what she means by this, but the implication is that she is looking for attention and a distraction from her own anxieties.

The rest of the song puts a heavy emphasis on the material things her partner gives her – things like “airport miles” and “vacations in the Caribbean”. While the gifts are nice, they are also a vain attempt to make her feel better, which is something Ariana Grande acknowledges in the chorus: “Ain’t no sittin’ and talkin’, no, no/ He making sure I’m giving him all my love”. It’s an act of desperation, not love.

Ariana Grande’s Overall Message
All this darkness aside, what is the overall message of ‘That’s What I Like’? It’s a reminder that love is about more than the superficial things. While Ariana Grande acknowledges that her lover’s materialistic gifts are nice, she does not approve of his efforts to buy her affection. Instead, she would prefer an emotional connection – something her partner can’t put a price tag on.

Ultimately, ‘That’s What I Like’ is a cautionary tale about what not to do in relationships. It’s a reminder to never forget the emotional connection between two people, regardless of how overwhelming beautiful (and expensive) material possessions may look. Ariana Grande shows us in her lyrics that with love comes mutual respect, understanding and emotional connection – far more valuable than material things.

Conclusion
At the end of the day, Ariana Grande’s ‘That’s What I Like’ is about far more than its catchy beats. The song is a reminder that in relationships, the emotional connection is paramount. So before you spend your hard-earned money on your loved one, take a step back and think about how you can make the relationship work on a deeper level – no gifts necessary.