Thought I’d end up with Sean
But he wasn’t a match
Wrote some songs about Ricky
Now I listen and laugh
Even almost got married
And for Pete, I’m so thankful
Wish I could say, “Thank you” to Malcolm
‘Cause he was an angel
One taught me love
One taught me patience
And one taught me pain
Now, I’m so amazing
Say I’ve loved and I’ve lost
But that’s not what I see
So, look what I got
Look what you taught me
And for that, I say
Thank you, next (Next)
Thank you, next (Next)
Thank you, next
I’m so fuckin’ grateful for my ex
Thank you, next (Next)
Thank you, next (Next)
Thank you, next (Next)
I’m so fuckin’…
Spend more time with my friends
I ain’t worried ’bout nothin’
Plus, I met someone else
We havin’ better discussions
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 (So good with that)
She taught me love (Love)
She taught me patience (Patience)
How she handles pain (Pain)
That shit’s amazing (Yeah, she’s amazing)
I’ve loved and I’ve lost (Yeah, yeah)
But that’s not what I see (Yeah, yeah)
‘Cause look what I’ve found (Yeah, yeah, I’ve found)
Ain’t no need for searching, and for that, I say
Thank you, next (Thank you, next)
Thank you, next (Thank you, next)
Thank you, next (Thank you)
I’m so fuckin’ grateful for my ex
Thank you, next (Thank you, next)
Thank you, next (Said thank you, next)
Thank you, next (Next)
I’m so fuckin’ grateful for my ex
Thank you, next
Thank you, next
Thank you, next
I’m so fucking…
One day I’ll walk down the aisle
Holding hands with my mama
I’ll be thanking my dad
‘Cause she grew from the drama
Only wanna do it once, real bad
Gon’ make that shit last
God forbid something happens
Least this song is a smash (Song is a smash)
I’ve got so much love (Love)
Got so much patience (Patience)
And I’ve learned from the pain (Pain)
I turned out amazing (Turned out amazing)
Say I’ve loved and I’ve lost (Yeah, yeah)
But that’s not what I see (Yeah, yeah)
‘Cause look what I’ve found (Yeah, yeah)
Ain’t no need for searching
And for that, I say
Thank you, next (Thank you, next)
Thank you, next (Thank you, next)
Thank you, next
I’m so fuckin’ grateful for my ex
Thank you, next (Thank you, next)
Thank you, next (Said thank you, next)
Thank you, next (Next)
I’m so fuckin’ grateful for my ex
Thank you, next
Thank you, next
Thank you, next
Yeah, yee
Thank you, next
Thank you, next
Thank you, next
Yeah, yee
Learning from Love and Loss
“thank u, next” by Ariana Grande is a heartfelt anthem that transforms personal heartbreak into a celebration of growth and self-love. In the opening verses, Grande reflects on her past relationships with candor and gratitude, turning what could be painful memories into valuable life lessons. Each ex-partner is credited for teaching her something unique—love, patience, and pain—culminating in a sense of empowerment rather than regret.
Embracing Self-Love and Moving Forward
The song transitions from reminiscing about past loves to focusing on self-discovery. Grande boldly declares her intention to prioritize her relationship with herself, using the playful line, “her name is Ari, and I’m so good with that.” This message of self-acceptance resonates throughout the track, highlighting the importance of personal growth and embracing one’s journey, no matter the setbacks.
Song Credits
“thank u, next” was written by Ariana Grande, Charles Anderson, Michael Foster, Tayla Parx, Victoria Monét, and Tommy Brown. It was released in 2018 under Republic Records.