After a noticeable hiatus from the pop scene, Ariana Grande marks her return with the release of her latest single, “yes, and?”, her first musical endeavor since the 2020 album Positions. Co-written and produced with the renowned Swedish duo ILYA and Max Martin, this new track draws inspiration from classic Madonna dance anthems such as “Vogue” and “Express Yourself”.
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“yes, and?” is an empowering anthem that revolves around themes of self-belief, overcoming criticism, and moving beyond past traumas to discover true happiness. Ariana, who has recently gone through a divorce, uses the first verse of the song to empathize with others facing their own challenges, advocating for greater understanding and empathy.
The lyrics from the song capture this sentiment vividly:
In case you haven’t noticed,
Well, everybody’s tired
And healin’ from somebody
Or somethin’ we don’t see just right
In the pre-chorus, Grande encourages defiance of traditional gender norms:
Boy, come on, put your lipstick on (No one can tell you nothin’)
Come on and walk this way through the fire (Don’t care what’s on their mind)
The chorus of “yes, and?” might subtly reference the late Mac Miller’s 2018 song “Jet Fuel”, and seems to be a nod to the improvisational theater concept of “yes, and”, which emphasizes adaptability and collaboration.
“Yes, and?”
Say that shit with your chest, and
Be your own fuckin’ best friend
Say that shit with your chest
Keep moving like, “What’s next?”
“Yes, and?” (Yeah)
Addressing issues like gossip and body shaming, Grande’s bridge in the song is a call for self-focus and disregarding negative external commentary.
My face is sitting, I don’t need no disguise (I don’t need no disguise)
Don’t comment on my body, do not reply
Your business is yours and mine is mine
Accompanying the release of “yes, and?” is a dance-centric music video, reminiscent of Paula Abdul’s iconic “Cold Hearted Snake” and influenced by the 1979 film All That Jazz. This video is a visual testament to Grande’s growth and artistic evolution, showcasing her as not just a pop icon, but also a symbol of resilience and self-empowerment.
