Meaning of fake smile (live) by Ariana Grande
In Ariana Grande's song "fake smile (live)," the overall theme is centered around the idea of masking one's true emotions and putting on a facade of happiness. The lyrics delve into the struggles of dealing with fame, societal pressure, and personal hardships, all while trying to maintain a public persona of being fine and unaffected. While the song itself is powerful and relatable, let's explore some standout lyrics and the imaginative themes they help develop within the song.One standout lyric is "Happy for the love and all of the above, If I'm being honest, I done been through way too much." This lyric highlights the theme of experiencing pain behind closed doors while projecting happiness outwardly. It depicts the struggles that individuals, including Ariana herself, face in the public eye. The imaginative theme connected to this lyric is the concept of a rose with thorns. Just like a rose showcases its beautiful petals while hiding its sharp spikes, Ariana portrays herself as happy despite the underlying pain she has endured.Another important lyric is "I read the things they write about me, hear what they're sayin' on the TV, it's crazy." This lyric delves into the theme of the media's influence and the pressure created by public opinions. The imaginative theme associated with this line is the metaphor of a puppeteer controlling the strings. Ariana feels manipulated and controlled by the media, who have the power to shape public perception. She is portrayed as a puppet on a string, dancing to their tune while struggling to maintain her own identity.The pre-chorus line "I can't fake another smile, I can't fake like I'm alright" emphasizes the theme of authenticity and the struggle to hide one's true emotions. The imaginative theme that arises from this lyric is the concept of an invisible mask. Ariana wears her smile as an invisible mask, masking her pain and insecurities. However, this mask becomes heavy and unbearable at times, preventing her from being genuine and honest about her struggles.In the bridge, the lyrics "Say, if I'm hurt, I ain't gon' lie about it, arms crossed with the attitude, lips pouted" unveil the theme of refusing to conform to societal expectations. The imaginative theme tied to this lyric is the depiction of Ariana as a phoenix rising from the ashes. She refuses to pretend in the face of pain and adopts a defiant stance. Like a phoenix, she emerges stronger and more determined to live her truth.Overall, "fake smile (live)" by Ariana Grande explores the theme of maintaining a false sense of happiness while dealing with personal struggles. The standout lyrics in the song help develop imaginative themes such as the rose with thorns, the puppet on a string, the invisible mask, and the phoenix rising. These themes add depth and creativity to the song, showcasing Ariana's journey of self-discovery and resilience in the face of adversity.