Ariana Grande at the 2024 Met Gala Celebrating "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" (Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
Cover Ariana Grande at the 2024 Met Gala Celebrating “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” (Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images)
Ariana Grande at the 2024 Met Gala Celebrating "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" (Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

As Ariana Grande celebrates her 31st birthday, we take a look back at some of her most empowering and uplifting song lyrics

Ariana Grande is a force to be reckoned with, and she has proven it time and time again. With multiple awards up her sleeve, serious acting chops, and impressive discography, she has established herself as one of the most versatile and influential entertainers out there. Grande is also known for her empowering lyrics that champion self-love, friendship and strength in the face of adversity.

The multi-hyphenate celebrates her 31st birthday on June 26. In tribute, we’ve complied a list of her most inspiring lyrics. 

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1. ‘just like magic’

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Ariana Grande arriving on the red carpet at the 96th Annual Academy Awards (Photo: Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Above Ariana Grande arriving on the red carpet at the 96th Annual Academy Awards (Photo: Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Ariana Grande arriving on the red carpet at the 96th Annual Academy Awards (Photo: Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Good karma, my aesthetic keep my conscience clear, that’s why I’m so magnetic. Manifest it, I finessed it. Take my pen and write some love letters to heaven

- Ariana Grande -

This song from Grande’s sixth studio album, Positions, is all about the power of manifestation, maintaining a positive attitude, and going about life with good energy. It’s a mid-tempo, optimistic anthem of self-love and living the life you deserve.

2. ‘Break Free’ (feat. Zedd)

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Ariana Grande performs onstage at the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards (Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)
Above Ariana Grande performs onstage at the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards (Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)
Ariana Grande performs onstage at the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards (Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)

I’m stronger than I’ve been before. This is the part when I break free ’cause I can’t resist it no more

- Ariana Grande -

Grande’s hit collaboration with music producer, Zedd, deviates from her mostly pop-slash-R&B discography. This popular single from Grande’s second album, My Everything, is a bonafide club anthem. It's all about living life to the fullest and celebrating independence. 

Related: Beauty Close-up: Our Favourite Looks On Ariana Grande

3. ‘Thank U, Next’

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NEW YORK, NY - MAY 07:  Ariana Grande attends the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City.  (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
Above NEW YORK, NY - MAY 07: Ariana Grande attends the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 07:  Ariana Grande attends the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City.  (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

I know they say I move on too fast but this one gon’ last ’cause her name is Ari and I’m so good with that

- Ariana Grande -

Similar to many other female celebrities, Ariana Grande's relationships are often subject to media scrutiny. Thank U, Next, from her fifth studio, is one of her most recognised tracks, and a direct response to the frenzy following the end of her engagement to actor Pete Davidson. It deals with self-acceptance, empowerment, and independence.

Its popular music video also features many of the singer’s personal friends. 

4. ‘no tears left to cry’

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Ariana Grande Visits "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" (Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Images for NBC)
Above Ariana Grande Visits "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" (Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Images for NBC)
Ariana Grande Visits "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" (Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Images for NBC)

I’m loving, I’m living, I’m picking it up

- Ariana Grande -

This hit from Grande’s fourth studio album, Sweetener, is an anthem about uplifiting oneself in the wake of tragedy. The song reflects her healing process following the attack on her concert the previous year. It’s optimistic lyrics are considered simple but nonetheless powerful, similar to a mantra you can repeat over and over again. 

5. ‘Yes, And?’

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Ariana Grande attends the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards (Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Above Ariana Grande attends the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards (Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Ariana Grande attends the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards (Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

Now I’m so done with caring what you think. No, I won’t hide underneath your own projections or change my most authentic life

- Ariana Grande -

Following her divorce from Dalton Gomez, and the surrounding media frenzy regarding her relationship with Ethan Slater, Ariana Grande released this song as a response to the rampant gossip. Here, she alludes to how she’s done with caring what people may think and urges listeners to harness self-love. 

6. ‘Monopoly’ (feat. Victoria Monét)

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Ariana Grande speaks onstage during the Universal Pictures and Focus Features Special Presentation (Photo: Jerod Harris/Getty Images for CinemaCon)
Above Ariana Grande speaks onstage during the Universal Pictures and Focus Features Special Presentation (Photo: Jerod Harris/Getty Images for CinemaCon)
Ariana Grande speaks onstage during the Universal Pictures and Focus Features Special Presentation (Photo: Jerod Harris/Getty Images for CinemaCon)

Treat my goals like property. Collect them like Monopoly I probably won’t come if there’s not a fee. And if they try come stoppin’ me I swerve both ways, dichotomy

- Ariana Grande -

Monopoly, sung by Ariana Grande and her close friend-slash-collaborator Victoria Monét, celebrates success, rising to the top amidst adversity, and reflecting how far they’ve come in their careers. Monét also addresses her bisexuality in the line “I swerve both ways.” Its music video was actually shot while Grande was on tour, in the hours leading up to a concert that night. 

See also: What We Know About Ariana Grande's $350,000 Engagement Ring

7. ‘You Don't Know Me’

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Ariana Grande performs at Lollapalooza at Grant Park (Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for AG)
Above Ariana Grande performs at Lollapalooza at Grant Park (Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for AG)
Ariana Grande performs at Lollapalooza at Grant Park (Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for AG)

I see you’re thinking but there’s just one thing, dear. You think you know but you don’t have no idea. Think you know me but there’s more to see, my love

- Ariana Grande -

A spiritual predecessor to Yes, And?, this 2014 track from Ariana Grande’s second studio album, My Everything, tackles similar themes of self-acceptance and resilience while dealing with public perception. Here, Grande declares her security with her own identity as she discovers her independence.

8. ‘I Don't Care’

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Ariana Grande performs on stage during her "Sweetener World Tour" (Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for AG)
Above Ariana Grande performs on stage during her "Sweetener World Tour" (Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for AG)
Ariana Grande performs on stage during her "Sweetener World Tour" (Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for AG)

I used to feel so obligated to be so much more. I used to let some people tell me how to live and what to be. But if I can’t be me, then what’s the point?

- Ariana Grande -

Though short in duration (at only two minutes and 58 seconds), this song from Ariana Grande’s sophomore album Dangerous Woman is a true example of her knack for empowering lyrics. It’s a powerful track about accepting limitations and coming to terms with one's identity.

9. ‘Problem’ (feat. Iggy Azalea)

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Ariana Grande performs on stage in Manchester, England (Photo: Getty Images/Dave Hogan for One Love Manchester)
Above Ariana Grande performs on stage in Manchester, England (Photo: Getty Images / Dave Hogan for One Love Manchester)
Ariana Grande performs on stage in Manchester, England (Photo: Getty Images/Dave Hogan for One Love Manchester)

Head in the clouds, got no weight on my shoulders. I should be wiser and realize that I’ve got one less problem without you

- Ariana Grande -

Grande’s catchy single with Australian rapper Iggy Azalea is possibly one of the most popular collaborations in the former’s discography. Its lyrics tackle self-worth and acceptance that one does not have to define themself through a relationship.

The singer comments, “Everybody has trouble with confidence these days. All these young girls hate themselves, and these women have horrible relationships with men. And men too! We all go through it. Problem is such an IDGAF song that makes everybody feel great.”

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Julianna Cabili
Features Writer, Tatler Philippines
Tatler Asia

About

Julianna has been interested in leading a literary life since she first read Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess at eight. Before working with Tatler, she was an archive intern at The Center for Fiction in Brooklyn, New York. She is a textbook Pisces who devotes most of her spare time to her crochet projects, watching classic films, and going through her never-ending pile of unread books. She studied creative writing, global literature and art history at Sarah Lawrence College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2022. Toni Morrison, Nora Ephron, Clarice Lispector and Jia Tolentino are among her all-time favourite writers.

Work

Julianna writes about fashion, beauty, sustainability, and the arts. She is always keen on conducting interviews with talented women who are changing the game in their respective fields. 

For event invites and story leads, hit her up at julianna.cabili@tatlerasia.com