true story
- Daniella Rojas
- Apr 5
- 3 min read
In the mystical world crafted by Ariana Grande, "true story" and "the boy is mine" serve as sister tales, connected by threads of fantasy and deception. These narratives unfold in a story where the consequences of devious choices and the influence of media are vividly illustrated. Within this fantastical landscape, the rapid spread of rumors reflects how information circulates in our modern lives, often misinterpreting the truth. So, step into this fantasized space—a whimsical story of reality and lies, where each song reveals the problematic expression between perception and reality. Welcome to a fantastical journey through true stories steeped in misconception.
“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.” Delving once more into heartbreak, here’s a different narrative. This is a story about the deception of a relationship, where your partner conjured elaborate fantasies about the two of you—a world that existed only in their imagination. In this elaborate game, you mastered the plays and clever tricks they employed, navigating each twist and turn with a sharp understanding. It’s a tale of emotional complexity and resilience, set against a stage of unspoken desires and hidden truths.
“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.” Yet, this is far from what your heart truly desires. What you seek above all is genuine love, not the cruel games that leave you feeling played and betrayed. You’ve reached a point where you refuse to let others contorl your emotions or exploit your heart. The time for lies and endless suffering is over; what you long for is someone who can genuinely embrace and cherish you, someone who will heap you with the love you deserve.
“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.” You find yourself playing along with their twisted game, fully aware that stepping into the role of the rival is part of the strategy. The reason for your agreement lies in your ability to see beyond the surface; you’ve become talented at anticipating their every move, having recognized the repeating patterns that define their play. With each round, you’ve sharpened your skills, mastering the art of prediction, and now you move with a calculated confidence that keeps you one step ahead of their strategy. “Turning like a dime. Wasting all their time. Sneaking like a creep in the night, but I'll play whatever part you need me to.” You have the ability to quickly alter your course of action, often at the expense of others' time as you engage in hidden tricks. Yet, despite this secret behavior, you remain eager to stay immersed in the unfolding game alongside them.
“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.” Similar to the previous lyrics, you find yourself stepping into the role of the villain, willingly playing the part if it brings them comfort. To soothe their insecurities, you become the embodiment of their loathing, though you cannot claim the same in return. “See it in your eyes, you got too much time. For fun, you like to pray for my demise, but I'll play whatever part you need me to, and I'll be good in it too.” You’re navigating a storm of emotions, while they seem to flow effortlessly through life, indifferent and unbothered. Their lips form silent prayers for your downfall, perhaps out of envy for the light you carry. Yet, you see through their disgust, and in a twist of fate, you decide to embrace the role they've assigned you, allowing the shadows of betrayal to guide your steps as a form of revenge.
The repetitive chorus echoing the phrase "gimme love" captures the essence of a profound internal conflict—an intense desire to escape the game, yet feeling irresistibly tied up. It's as if you long to say "checkmate" and bring the game to an end, but instead, you find yourself endlessly moving from one possibility to another, trapped in a loop you can't quite break free from.
Grande, Ariana. "true story." eternal sunshine. Republic Records, 2024. Apple Music, https://music.apple.com/us/album/true-story/1725877944?i=1725878238
