in my head interlude (live)

Ariana Grande's 'in my head interlude (live)' delves into the complexities of love and the illusions we often create about our partners. The song opens with a spoken word segment, where Grande addresses the listener directly, explaining that they are in love with a version of a person they have created in their mind. This sets the stage for a narrative about self-deception and the painful realization that the person she loved was a figment of her imagination.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Grande's internal struggle. She admits to having a habit of seeing what isn't there, getting caught up in the moment, and being tangled in the sheets of a relationship that was never truly real. The metaphor of seeing a 'demon' as an 'angel' without a halo or wings highlights her tendency to idealize her partner, ignoring their flaws and shortcomings. This idealization leads to a sense of falling and needing something to believe in, only to realize that it was all in her head.

Grande's use of imagery and metaphors continues as she describes how she 'invented' her partner, attributing qualities and potential to them that they never possessed. The line 'wanted you to grow, but, boy, you wasn’t budding' encapsulates her disappointment and the futility of trying to change someone who isn't willing or able to change. The song concludes with a poignant acknowledgment that she did it to herself, recognizing her role in the illusion and the heartbreak that followed. This introspective piece serves as a reminder of the importance of self-awareness and the dangers of projecting our desires onto others.