[Ariana Grande (Missy Elliott):]
Let’s go!
Baby, I just want you to be mine
Won’t you give me a bit of your time? Oh, whoa
Chasin’ you, no, I won’t stop tryin’
Just meet me at the borderline (Exclusive)
[Ariana Grande:]
You play hard-to-get
But I know you want me, too
Ain’t out here looking for other dudes
So I’ma keep it tight for you
You know I’m the wifey type, babe
You know I be one of a kind, oh whoa
Once you tastin’ my ice cream, I bet you won’t ever leave
I know it’s hard to believe
Boy, you got me all on my knees
(Light it up, though, light it up, though)
Quit playin’ too hard for me
(Light it up, though, light it up, though)
Stop playing, too hard for me
Baby, I just want you to be mine
Won’t you give me a bit o’ your time? Oh, whoa
Chasin’ you, no, I won’t stop tryin’
Just meet me at the borderline
Seems like I’m comin’ on strong
But I don’t want this time to pass
I know you got a lot of chicks hollerin’ at you
But I bet they cannot last
You know I’m the wifey type, babe
You know I be one of a kind, oh whoa (Let’s go)
Once you tastin’ my ice cream, I bet you won’t ever leave
I know it’s hard to believe
Boy, you got me all on my knees
(Light it up, though, light it up, though)
Quit playin’ too hard for me
(Light it up, though, light it up, though)
Stop playing, too hard for me
Baby, I just want you to be mine
Won’t you give me a bit of your time? Oh, whoa
Chasin’ you, no, I won’t stop tryin’
Just meet me at the borderline
[Missy Elliott:]
Uh, I’m like, you got me so on a chase
Got me feeling so out of place
Think ’bout you all of my days
Wish you’d chew on me like fresh grapes
Not tryna cuff you or crowd your space
I’m tryna find cute words just to say
“Dang, you fine, and look at that face”
At the borderline, beside me, you lay
[Ariana Grande:]
Baby, I just want you to be mine
Won’t you give me a bit of your time? Oh, whoa
Chasin’ you, no, I won’t stop tryin’
Just meet me at the borderline
Interpreting “Borderline”: The Thrill of Romantic Pursuit
In “Borderline,” Ariana Grande teams up with Missy Elliott to capture the exhilarating tension at the edge of a blossoming romance. The lyrics depict Grande’s unwavering desire to win over her love interest, even as he plays hard to get. She confidently asserts her uniqueness and loyalty, promising devotion if he meets her halfway. The repeated plea to “meet me at the borderline” cleverly symbolizes the fine line between friendship and something more, inviting vulnerability and risk. Missy Elliott’s verse injects playful energy, echoing the song’s playful yet earnest plea for connection. The entire track is a celebration of pursuing love boldly, trusting that what awaits across the borderline is worth the chase.
Song Credits
- Artists: Ariana Grande featuring Missy Elliott
- Songwriters: Ariana Grande, Missy Elliott, Savan Kotecha, Max Martin, Ilya Salmanzadeh
- Release Year: 2018
- Label: Republic Records