This is a true story about all the lies
You fantasized ’bout you and I
This is a true story about all the games
I know you play
No, this is not what I need (gimme love, love, gimme love)
Not what I want (gimme love, love, gimme love)
Ain’t gonna happen to me
Gimme love, love, gimme love, love
Love, gimme love, gimme love, love
Love, love, love
I’ll play the villain if you need me to
I know how this goes, yeah
I’ll be the one you pay to see, play the scene
Roll the cameras, please
Turning like a dime (dime)
Wasting all their time
Sneaking like a creep in the night
But I’ll play whatever part you need me to
Mm-mm-mmm
This is a true story about all the lies
You fantasized ’bout you and I
This is a true story about all the games
I know you play
No, this is not what I need (gimme love, love, gimme love)
Not what I want (gimme love, love, gimme love)
Ain’t gonna happen to me
Gimme love, love, gimme love, love
Love, gimme love, gimme love, love
Love, love, love
I’ll play the bad girl if you need me to
If it makes you feel better
I’ll be the one you love to hate, can’t relate
Too much on my plate
See it in your eyes (eyes)
You got too much time
For fun you like to pray for my demise, mm-mmm
But I’ll play whatever part you need me to
And I’ll be good in it too
This is a true story about all the lies
You fantasized ’bout you and I
This is a true story about all the games
I know you play
No, this is not what I need (gimme love, love, gimme love)
Not what I want (gimme love, love, gimme love)
Ain’t gonna happen to me (gimme love, love, gimme love, love)
Ooh-ah (love, gimme love, gimme love, love)
Gimme love, gimme love (love, love, love)
Not what I want (gimme love, love, gimme love)
Not what I need (gimme love, love, gimme love)
Ain’t gonna happen to me (gimme love, love, gimme love, love)
Gimme love, gimme love (love, gimme love, gimme love, love)
Love, love, love
Unmasking the Truth: Exploring ‘true story’
Ariana Grande’s song “true story” delves into themes of manipulation, self-worth, and emotional boundaries. The lyrics paint a vivid portrait of someone facing dishonesty and mind games in a relationship. Grande cleverly flips the narrative by declaring her awareness of the lies and refusing to play along, showcasing confidence and self-respect.
The Power of Refusal
Throughout the song, Ariana repeats her desire for genuine love, not the superficial affection offered by her counterpart. Lines like “Not what I need… Not what I want… Ain’t gonna happen to me” reinforce her resolve to reject toxic patterns. The playful willingness to “play the villain” or “bad girl” highlights her understanding of expectations thrust upon her, yet she remains unfazed and steadfast in her self-assurance.
Song Credits
Artist: Ariana Grande
Release Year: 2024