Ariana Grande is currently riding high on a wave of happiness after releasing her new album, Sweetener, on August 17.
Her fourth studio album though, isn’t without bittersweet undertones, as she recovers from a tragic attack that happened at the end of her Manchester Arena concert, on May 22, 2017.
Many of her fans expected to see some sort of tribute on the album, and it comes in the form of ‘Get Well Soon’, the last track on the album. The lyrics touch on feeling alone and disconnected, which no doubt reflect her feelings in the aftermath.
“They say my system is overloaded
(Girl, what’s wrong with you? Come back down)
I’m too much in my head, did you notice?
(Girl, what’s wrong with you? Come back down)
My body’s here on Earth, but I’m floating
(Girl, what’s wrong with you? Come back down)
Disconnected, so sometimes, I feel frozen and alone”
The song is also 5:22 seconds long, with a silence long at the end, which many think is a nod to those who lost their lives on that night.
the fact ariana honoured the Manchester victims in get well soon allowing a moment of silence until it was 5 minutes 22 seconds long, I just don’t have the words right now. she has my entire heart. @ArianaGrande you’re an angel ♡ #Sweetener
– chelsea (@Chelseaxphelps) August 17, 2018
In a new interview with Beats 1’s Ebro Darden, Ariana breaks down while talking about the song and its meaning. She explained, fighting back tears,
“It’s about just being there for each other and helping each other through scary times and anxiety. You know, there’s some dark sh*t out there, man. And we just have to be there for each other as much as we can. ‘Cause you never f*cking know, you know? So, I wanted to do something to make people feel good and less alone. ”
“It’s not just about that… it’s also about personal demons, and anxiety, and more intimate tragedies as well, you know? Mental health is so important. People don’t pay enough mind to it because we have things to do, schedules, we have jobs, kids, places to be, and pressures to fit in, Instagram Stories – whatever the f*ck you’re trying to put on, facade… trying to keep up. People don’t pay attention to what’s happening inside, you know? I’m so sorry, I’m falling apart. ”
“That’s why I felt like it was important. I just wanted to give people a hug, musically. I feel like the lyrics can be kind of corny when I talk about wanting to hug you and stuff, but I really do…I don’t know. People gotta be nicer. When you see this sh*t on the news, it affects you, but not in the same way. You feel bad, you tweet, you post a picture, you send your condolences, you say something and you move on. But like, Christmas comes and you’re thinking about it, it’s like… f*ck I’m so sorry. People are permanently affected by this sh*t. It’s just, perspective. It changes everything. ”
It’s clear she’s still incredibly affected by the tragedy, and it’s an emotional watch. Bravo Ariana for talking about how you feel and showing your fans that it’s okay to do the same. You can watch the full interview below.
A year on from the tragedy, Ariana paid tribute with a series of heartfelt sentiments.
The young star, who was performing in Manchester when a terror attack saw 22 people lose their lives and over 500 injured, first took to Twitter to write: “Thinking of you all today and every day”
“I love you with all of me and am sending you all of the light and warmth I have to offer on this challenging day. ”
The star also unveiled a bee tattoo in honour of the 22 victims.
She took to social media to share a snap of the tiny inking, which is just behind her left ear, and captioned it: “Forever. ”
The worker bee became the symbol of Manchester solidarity after the attack and many of Ariana’s fans have followed her lead by getting their own.
Ariana also attended a family vigil, which was led by her mum, Joan, in honour of those who had died.
It is unbelievable how May 22, 2017 started last year in Manchester! Who would ever have imagined the horrors that awaited us all. . one year later I look to the strength of Manchester with a bowed head, and love in my heart! At home last night, all together grateful!
– Joan Grande (@joangrande) May 24, 2018
thinking of you all today and every day ? I love you with all of me and am sending you all of the light and warmth I have to offer on this challenging day
– Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) May 22, 2018
The inking comes after Ariana spoke candidly about how she channelled her emotions into her music following the tragic Manchester terror attack.
She called the Manchester Arena attack the ‘absolute worst of humanity’. Ahead of the first anniversary of the attack. She told Time magazine : “Music is supposed to be the safest thing in the world. I think that’s why it’s still so heavy on my heart every single day.
“When I started to take care of myself more, then came balance, and freedom, and joy.
“It poured out into the music. We’ve messed with the idea of not being able to find the ground again, because I feel like I’m finally landing back on my feet now. ”
We’re glad to hear it, Ariana.
Her first television television appearance after the attack was on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. During the interview, she discussed her new album and what fans can expect, before talk turned to the tragic events that unfolded.
Jimmy said: “I know it’s tough for everybody, tough for fans and tough for you, and I know you haven’t done any interviews, and I understand that.
“I just wanted to say thank you so much for coming on the show and for being strong and for entertaining and for showing up and going back to Manchester and doing a benefit. I thought that was awesome of you. I just think you’re so strong and so cool. ”
Ariana, visibly upset, just replied: “Thanks. Thank you. ”
Her new album is “about bringing light to a situation, or to someone’s life, or somebody else who brings light to your life, or sweetening the situation”.
According to E! , her appearance on the show was record-breaking, bringing in over 3 million social interactions. The 24-year-old also performed her new single ‘No Tears Left To Cry’ for the first time on TV, which you can watch below.
Following the attack, which saw 22 people lose their lives and over 500 injured, Ariana put together the One Love Manchester benefit concert which raised over £4 million for all of the victims.
Prior to the concert, she paid a surprise visit to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and sat at the bedside of children who were still recovering from the attack.
Jaden Farrell-Mann, 10, was left with fractures to both her legs and shrapnel wounds from the terror attack and has undergone two operations.
The youngster happily tweeted: “I got to meet my queen today love you @ArianaGrande xxxxxx”
The singer also had photos with nurses at the hospital and dozens of other patients, including 14-year-old Evie Mills.
The horrific incident took place at around 10. 35pm after Grande performed her final song from the Dangerous Woman tour.
The explosion was detonated by a suicide bomber, who was named as 22-year-old Salman Abedi. Born in Manchester to Libyan parents, Abedi is thought to have made his way to the city from London in order to carry out his attack. Abedi set off a homemade bomb near the exit as fans were leaving the venue.
All 22 victims have now been named: Georgia Callender, 18; Saffie-Rose Roussos, 8; Olivia Campbell, 15; John Atkinson, 26; Martyn Hett, 29; Eilidh MacLeod, 14; Chloe Rutherford, 17; Liam Curry, 19; Michelle Kiss, 45; Sorrell Leczkowski, 14; Nell Jones, 14; Alison Howe, 45; Lisa Lees, 47; Jane Tweddle-Taylor, 51; Angelika and Marcin Klis; Kelly Brewster, 32; Elaine McIver, 42; Megan Hurley, 15; Wendy Fawell, 50; Courtney Boyle, 19, and her 32-year-old step-father Philip Tron.
Following the attack, Ariana Grande – who left the venue unharmed – took to Twitter to express her heartbreak, saying “broken. from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don’t have words. ”
