Meaning of ​in my head by Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande's song "in my head" delves into the concept of self-deception in relationships. The overall theme of the song centers around the idea of being infatuated with an idealized version of someone that exists only in the imagination. Through her lyrics, Grande explores various aspects of this theme and delves into the consequences of creating false perceptions.One standout lyric that contributes to the development of this theme is "Painted a picture, I thought I knew you well, I got a habit of seeing what isn't there." This lyric embodies the concept of painting an idealized image of a person in one's mind. It speaks to the tendency to project one's desires onto another, ignoring any red flags or flaws that may be present. The theme here revolves around the idea of falling for an illusion of a person rather than the reality.Another important lyric is "When you broke my heart, I said you only wanted half of me." This lyric touches on the aspect of feeling unfulfilled and incomplete in a relationship. By believing that the other person only wants a portion of who they truly are, the protagonist creates a narrative where they are not fully accepted or loved. This theme explores the impact of self-deception and the realization that the love they thought existed was never truly reciprocated.The line "My imagination's too creative, they see demon, I see angel, without the halo, wingless angel" introduces a surreal and imaginative theme within the song. It delves into the idea that our perception of someone can be shaped by our own perspective. While others may see flaws or negative traits, the protagonist envisions an angelic figure without the common symbolism associated with purity. This theme questions the reliability of our own judgments and the tendency to create perceptions based on personal biases.One of the most thought-provoking lyrics is "Your Gucci tennis shoes, running from your issues, cardio good for the heart. I figured we could work it out." This lyric brings attention to the idea of using material possessions and distractions as a means of escaping personal problems. The theme here revolves around the notion that individuals may prioritize external validation or superficial aspects, such as brand-name items, to escape confronting deeper emotional issues. It highlights the importance of addressing underlying problems within relationships rather than relying on external factors to maintain a facade of happiness.In the bridge, Grande introduces the concept of personal growth and the disappointment that arises when the person we believe in fails to develop as we envisioned. The lyric "Wanted you to grow, but, boy, you wasn't budding, everything you are made you everything you aren't" portrays a theme of unmet expectations and the realization that the person they had hoped would change did not live up to those expectations. This theme explores the disappointment and internal struggle that comes with realizing that someone may never become the person we imagined them to be.Overall, "in my head" powerfully addresses the notion of self-deception and the consequences of idealizing others within relationships. The song sheds light on the tendency to create false narratives and believe in a version of someone that exists solely within our own minds. By exploring various themes throughout the lyrics, Ariana Grande invites listeners to reflect on the dangers of creating illusions and the importance of embracing reality in order to avoid heartache and disappointment.