Best Mistake by Ariana Grande Lyrics Meaning – Unraveling the Layers of Love and Regret

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Ariana Grande's Best Mistake at Lyrics.org.

Lyrics

How soon do we forget, how we felt?
Dealing with emotions, that never left
Playing with the hand that we were dealt, in this game

Maybe I’m the sinner, and you’re the saint
Gotta stop pretending, what we ain’t
Why we pointing fingers, anyway?
When we’re the same

Break up
Make up
Total waste of time
Can we please make up our minds
And stop acting like we’re blind?

‘Cause if the water dries up and the moon stops shining
Stars fall, and the world goes blind, boy
You know, I’ll be savin’ my love for you, for you

‘Cause you’re the best mistake I’ve ever made
But we hold on, hold on
There’s no pot of gold in the rainbows we chase
But we hold on, hold on

I guess time’s wasting, tick tocking, lip locking
How can we keep the feelings fresh, how do we zip lock it?
Wear your heart up on your sleeves so watch out for pickpockets
I guess to go the distance we might need to pit stop it
Hold up, I know love could be a beach with no shore
I done count to ten, lost my temper, and went back to four
I know sometimes it’s hard to realize I’m the man that you need
I had a dream we branched out started a family tree
And I feel like that everything we do is overdue
You ask why I love your mom so much ’cause she’s a older you
I wish that you were happy I guess that’s the one thing I should be providing
Ain’t no number twos, we both ones of ones and we the oddest
Couple only humans ‘cept you, you a goddess
Only lying to you when I lie you down, just being honest
When you start as friends it’s hard to say you’re never going back
If I’m not the one then I’m the best mistake you ever had

Break up
Make up
Total waste of time
Can we please make up our minds?
And stop acting like we’re blind

‘Cause if the water dries up and the moon stops shining
Stars fall, and the world goes blind boy
You know, I’ll be savin’ my love for you, for you

‘Cause you’re the best mistake I’ve ever made
But we hold on, hold on
There’s no pot of gold in the rainbows we chase
But we hold on, hold on

You’re, you’re, you’re, you’re
Mmm, I’ll be savin’ my love for you, for you

You’re, you’re, you’re, you’re
Mmm, I’ll be savin’ my love for you, for you

Ariana Grande’s ‘Best Mistake’ is a sonic canvas painted with the complex hues of love, regret, and the paradoxical nature of relationships. The song emerges as a gentle, R&B-infused confession that captivates the listener with its raw, unfiltered dive into the emotional whirlpool that two lovers find themselves swirling in.

Throughout the track, Grande’s sultry vocals weave through an intricate labyrinth of sentiment and reflection, posed against the backdrop of a minimalist beat and somber piano chords. The lyrics express a narrative that resonates with anyone who has ever found themselves clinging to a love that is as enriching as it is debilitating, highlighting the imperfection and humanity within a bond between two souls.

A Prelude to Heartache and Bliss: Dissecting ‘Best Mistake’

In the landscape of modern love anthems, ‘Best Mistake’ stands out for its introspective nature and emotional sincerity. Grande introduces us to a relationship mosaic that is tinged with both pain and devotion. The heart of the track delves into the dichotomy of a bond that is equally fulfilling and destructive, hinting at the complexities that make human connections so uniquely torturous and transcendent.

The song navigates through the cycles of breaking up and making up, a refrain that echoes the cycle of uncertainty that often plagues strained relationships. But amid this pattern, there is a steadfast determination — a raw admission that, despite the turbulence, there is an unwavering intent to preserve the love they have, flawed though it may be.

Deciphering the Divine and the Earthly: A Goddess in Human Skin

In a verse brimming with personal revelation, the song’s featured guest, Big Sean, refers to Grande as a ‘goddess’, elevating her above mortal imperfections while simultaneously acknowledging the couple’s ordinariness. It’s a juxtaposition that sheds light on the concept of worshipping one’s partner despite knowing their very human flaws.

This elevated imagery transcends the mundane, permitting the listener to grasp the eternal flame of adoration that burns even when the passion seems to be flickering in the winds of reality. Big Sean’s lyrical contribution adds a dimension of depth to the song, portraying the reverence and idolatry that often accompanies profound love.

The Soft Underbellies of Lovers: Vulnerability Clad in Metaphor

Grande’s lyrics excel in metaphoric dexterity: ‘Wear your heart up on your sleeves, so watch out for pickpockets’ suggests the perils of emotional openness. The vulnerability of love is painted as a risk, one that can lead to heartache if not approached with caution. Yet, there’s a recognition of the necessity to be vulnerable to sustain the love they’ve cultivated.

Through these carefully crafted lyrics, ‘Best Mistake’ emits a cautionary tale about the dangers of exposing one’s emotions, while simultaneously advocating for the beauty found in such risks. This vulnerability is a recurrent theme, imbibing the song with a relatable essence that makes it strikingly human.

Perseverance in the Face of Elusive Dreams: The Chasing of Rainbows

‘There’s no pot of gold in the rainbows we chase’, Grande muses, acknowledging that the promises of a relationship may not materialize as imagined. Yet the conviction to ‘hold on’ speaks volumes about the resilience and hope that defines love. It’s an anthem for the stubbornness of the heart, the refusal to release a connection even when the odds appear stacked against its favor.

The imagery of chasing rainbows encapsulates a yearning for something seemingly unreachable, painting a vivid picture of the lengths we’ll go to for the faint glimmer of love’s potential fulfillment. The song’s narrative doesn’t shy away from the fact that love can sometimes be the longest and most taxing of journeys, one that requires undying perseverance.

Echoes of a Love Unyielding: The Song’s Haunting and Memorable Lines

The line ‘If I’m not the one then I’m the best mistake you ever had’ reverberates as a haunting echo of self-aware confidence and bittersweet acknowledgment. Grande manages to encapsulate the entire emotional spectrum of a troubled relationship in one poignant phrase, providing a rallying cry for those in the midst of romantic turmoil.

Such memorable lines are the heartbeat of the track, offering a lyrical embrace to listeners who find solace in their piercing truth. Grande’s ‘Best Mistake’ becomes more than just a song—it transforms into an experience, a moment of cathartic reflection for anyone who has wrestled with the intricacies of a love that is as exquisite as it is flawed.