Ariana's "Focus" Lyrics Are Super Empowering

We got the nicest surprise Friday, when Ariana Grande released her "Focus" video. Grande released "Focus" ahead of schedule, which only fueled our excitement, and gave us a new jam to watch over and over again. On repeat. Forevs. And, along with making gifs of the entire video to celebrate its finest moments, it's also super important to examine the lyrics of "Focus," which Grande has been teasing us with for the longest time!

In a recent interview with V Magazine, Grande spoke about her new music to Scream Queens creator Ryan Murphy. On her forthcoming third album, Grande says, "Moonlight is very honest and very special to me. I feel like this is the most personal music I’ve made, by far. I’m very proud of it and I’m very excited. It’s scary… it’s vulnerable and kind of terrifying." Which is totally exciting! Knowing that Grande is opening up, and giving access to our personal life via her music, is great news. And, now we've seen the video for "Focus," which features Grande with amazing platinum blonde hair (is that a wig or is that a wig?!), we're even more excited to hear the rest of the album when it drops. But, for now, let's examine what the song might be about.

So, for starters, when Ryan Murphy notes that Grande had just been through a high-profile break-up when news of her album broke, Grande says, "You know, people found out quite a while after it actually happened. By the time I was writing the new album, I had kind of moved on. It’s not going to be captured on the album too much. I’m in a happy place. There aren’t any breakup anthems because I had moved on." Which is great news for everyone. And, with "Focus" we've got a taste of Ariana Grande's positive outlook right now. Without further ado, let's break the lyrics down.

I know what I came to doAnd that ain’t gonna changeSo go ahead and talk your talkCause I won’t take the bait

Grande has been outspoken about sexism, particularly the way in which journalists ask sexist questions of her. So "Focus" starts off as a call to arms. Grande know what she wants to achieve, and who she is. Haters can hate as much as they like, or throw gossip about her around, but she won't fall for it. She's not even listening.

I'm over here doing what I likeI'm over here working day and night And if my real ain't real enoughI'm sorry for you, bae

Just like that first verse, Grande isn't fazed by criticism. She's working hard, in acting and music projects, and shows no signs of slowing down. Is Grande controversial sometimes? Sure! But she won't be beaten down.

Let's find a light inside our universe nowWhere ain't nobody keep on holding us downJust come and get it, let them say what they sayCause I'm about to put them all away

Grande has shown immense strength in standing up for herself against her critics, and in fighting for feminist issues. Her lyrics are often empowering, showcasing positivity, and it seems like "Focus" is no different. In addressing her audience, or another person, Grande asks that we "find a light inside our universe now," a positive space without any negativity. Let critics "say what they say." Grande's not listening.

Focus on me, f-f-focus on meFocus on me, f-f-focus on meFocus on me (Focus), f-f-focus on me (Focus on me)Focus on me (Focus), f-f-focus on me (Focus on me)

Ariana Grande is still very much the center of attention.

I can tell you're curiousIt's written on your lipsAin't no need to hold it backGo 'head and talk your sh*tI know you're hoping that I'll reactI know you're hoping I'm looking backBut if my real ain't real enoughThen I don't know what is

Haters gonna hate, y'all! Grande won't let media criticism get to her. She's comfortable in who she is. Watch the video in full below.

Image: ArianaGrande/VEVO (4)