[Ariana Grande:]
I shoulda saw it coming
I shoulda saw the signs
But I wanted to believe you, trust you
You said you wouldn’t lie
But baby, you were so good, so good
You had me going blind
You said he was your best friend
I’m guessing I wasn’t your type, hey
What goes around comes around
And if it goes up, it comes down
I know you’re mad ’cause I found out
Want you to feel what I feel right now
Now that it’s over
I just wanna break your heart right back, right back (I’m coming)
Want you to cry me a river (Out)
I just wanna break your heart right back
Yeah, all this time I was blind, running ’round telling everybody (I’m coming)
My baby loves me
My baby loves me
My baby, my baby
My baby loves me
You said I was your best, would be your last
Now he’s gone, you’re alone
Don’t want you back
You’re telling me you’re sorry
Well sorry, I’m over it
‘Cause I’ve already been there done that
Ain’t doing this again, no
What goes around comes around
And if it goes up, it comes down
I know you’re mad ’cause I found out
Want you to feel what I feel right now
[Ariana Grande & Childish Gambino:]
Now that it’s over
I just wanna break your heart right back, right back (I’m coming)
Want you to cry me a river (Out)
I just wanna break your heart right back
Yeah, all this time I was blind, running ’round telling everybody (I’m coming)
My baby loves me (My baby loves me)
My baby loves me (My baby loves me)
My baby, my baby
My baby loves me (Ooh, yeah)
My baby loves me (Oh, whoa)
My baby loves me (Oh, whoa)
My baby, my baby (Yeah)
My baby loves me (Yeah)
[Childish Gambino:]
Uh, listen, you got a man, but your man ain’t loyal (True)
Don’t understand how to spell it out for ya (Uh-huh)
Yes, I’m a G, from the A, and they ask why (Yeah?)
Sorry, had to tell you I’m a nice guy
Naw, I’m a sick guy, money too much (Too much)
I step on stage, and girls move too much (Too much)
The flow so gross, my nickname school lunch
And he with them other guys, and you know it’s true ’cause
OK, G-A-M-B-I-N-O
I know they hate, but I don’t know why, uh
I know the way he did you was whack
But I know how you can get dude right back and get with me
[Ariana Grande & Childish Gambino:]
Now that it’s over
I just wanna break your heart right back, right back (I just wanna break your heart right back, right back, baby)
Want you to cry me a river (Want you to cry me a river)
I just wanna break your heart right back (Right back)
Yeah, all this time I was blind, running ’round telling everybody
My baby loves me
(But do he really tho?)
My baby loves me
(But do he really tho?)
My baby, my baby
My baby loves me (My baby loves me)
My baby loves me (My baby, my baby)
(But do he really tho?)
My baby loves me
(But do he really tho?)
My baby, my baby (Yeah, I swear)
My baby loves me
[Ariana Grande:]
Ooh, yeah, running ’round town tellin’ everybody
Ooh, yeah, running ’round town tellin’ everybody
Ooh, yeah, running ’round town tellin’ everybody
Ooh, yeah, running ’round town tellin’ everybody
I’m coming out, yeah, yeah, say, say he’s coming, hey
I’m coming out
Facing Betrayal and Reclaiming Power
“Break Your Heart Right Back” by Ariana Grande featuring Childish Gambino is a bold, empowering anthem about overcoming infidelity and betrayal in a relationship. The lyrics capture the emotional whiplash of discovering a partner’s dishonesty, with Ariana’s vocals expressing a mix of shock, anger, and renewed confidence. The repeated phrase “What goes around comes around” drives home a message of karmic justice. Rather than wallowing in heartbreak, the narrator finds strength in exposing the truth and moving on, flipping the pain back onto the one who caused it.
Collaboration and Attitude
Childish Gambino’s verse adds a playful yet honest perspective, suggesting that loyalty is rare and offering a new beginning. The catchy chorus and upbeat production contrast with the song’s serious subject matter, making it both relatable and danceable. Ultimately, the song celebrates self-worth and resilience, reminding listeners that even after betrayal, it’s possible to reclaim your happiness.
Song Credits
- Artist: Ariana Grande featuring Childish Gambino
- Songwriters: Max Martin, Savan Kotecha, Peter Svensson, and Charles Simmons
- Release Year: 2014
- Label: Republic Records