Meaning of "make up" by Ariana Grande

The lyrics of "make up" explore the dynamic of a passionate and tumultuous relationship. The singer begins by expressing her enjoyment of causing arguments in order to eventually make up with her partner. The intensity of their fights and the way he screams her name excites her and makes her desire intimate moments with him. She even mentions the possibility of breaking up just to experience the satisfaction of making up again. This suggests that the singer thrives on the rollercoaster of emotions within the relationship.

The chorus emphasizes the pleasure the singer derives from the makeup process. She loves it when they make up, and she invites him to ruin her makeup, symbolizing the idea that their conflicts and subsequent resolutions are worth the mess they create. The makeup becomes a metaphor for their relationship, highlighting the singer's attraction to the excitement and drama that comes with fighting and making up.

The second verse reveals that the singer purposely stays mad throughout the day so they can release their emotions in the bedroom at night. It implies that their fights serve as a form of foreplay, fueling their desire and passion. The line "Sorry-in-a-box so when it pops up by surprise" suggests that the sudden makeup after a fight is a pleasant surprise and potentially enhances their sexual chemistry.

The bridge of the song revolves around the transformative power of the makeup process. The singer asks her partner to kiss her and make it stick, indicating that the act of kissing has the ability to bring reconciliation and silence any arguments. She also compares looking at her partner to the fix provided by makeup, emphasizing that he is the highlight of her life. The mention of Fenty Beauty, a cosmetics brand known for its diverse range of products, further solidifies the connection between the makeup metaphor and the singer's relationship.

Overall, "make up" portrays a relationship that feeds off conflict and the subsequent makeup. The singer finds fulfillment in the intensity of their fights, as well as the passionate reunions that follow. It suggests a unique bond formed through a shared love for drama, intensity, and the excitement of making up.