Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande avatar image
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Problem album cover

Problem

Ariana Grande

Lyrics

[Intro: Ariana Grande, Iggy Azalea]
(Mm-hmm-mm) Uh-huh!
(Ha-ha-ha, ha) It's Iggy Iggz!
I got one more problem with you girl
(One less, one less problem, n-) Hey!

[Verse 1: Ariana Grande]
Hey, baby, even though I hate ya
I wanna love ya (I want yo-o-ou)
And even though I can't forgive ya
I really want to (I want yo-o-ou)
Tell me, tell me, baby
Why can't you leave me?
'Cause even though I shouldn't want it
I gotta have it (I want yo-o-ou)

[Pre-Chorus: Ariana Grande]
Head in the clouds
Got no weight on my shoulders
I should be wiser and realize that I've got
[Chorus: Big Sean, Ariana Grande]
One less problem without ya
I got one less problem without ya
I got one less problem without ya
I got one less, one less problem, no
One less problem without ya
I got one less problem without ya
I got one less problem without ya
I got one less, one less problem, no
[Verse 2: Ariana Grande]
I know you're never gonna wake up
I gotta give up (But it's yo-o-ou)
I know I shouldn't ever call back
Or let you come back (But it's yo-o-ou)
Every time you touch me
And say you love me
I get a little bit breathless
I shouldn't want it (But it's yo-o-ou)

[Pre-Chorus: Ariana Grande]
Head in the clouds
Got no weight on my shoulders
I should be wiser and realize that I've got
[Chorus: Big Sean, Ariana Grande]
One less problem without ya
I got one less problem without ya
I got one less problem without ya
I got one less, one less problem, no
One less problem without ya
I got one less problem without ya (Ooh, babe)
I got one less problem without ya (Ooh, woah)
I got one less, one less problem, no

[Interlude: Iggy Azalea]
It's Iggy Iggz!
Uh, what you got?
[Verse 3: Iggy Azalea]
Smart money bettin' I'll be better off without you
In no time I'll be forgettin' all about you
You sayin' that you know, but I really, really doubt you
Understand, my life is easy when I ain't around you
Iggy Iggy, too biggie to be here stressin'
I'm thinkin' I love the thought of you more than I love your presence
And the best thing now is probably for you to exit
I let you go, let you back, I finally learned my lesson
No half-steppin', either you want it or you just playin'
I'm listenin' to you knowin' I can't believe what you sayin'
There's a million you's baby boo, so don't be dumb
I got ninty-nine problems but you won't be one, like what?

[Bridge: Ariana Grande]
Mmm, nah (One less, one less problem, no)
Mmm, yeah (One less, one less problem, no)

[Pre-Chorus: Ariana Grande]
Head in the clouds
Got no weight on my shoulders (One less, one less problem, no)
I should be wiser and realize that I've got (One less, one less problem, no)
[Chorus: Big Sean, Ariana Grande, Iggy Azalea]
One less problem without ya (Babe)
I got one less problem without ya (No, babe)
I got one less problem without ya (Ooh)
I got one less, one less problem, no (Ooh, baby)
One less problem without ya (Yeah, I got)
I got one less problem without ya (Woo, hey!)
I got one less problem without ya
I got one less, one less problem, no babe (Woo)
One less problem without ya (Uh, hey)
I got one less problem without ya (Without you)
I got one less problem without ya (I got one less, one less, yeah)
I got one less, one less problem, no (Ah, no yeah)
[Produced by Max Martin, Shellback, and Ilya]

Ariana Grande image

Ariana Grande’s “Problem” featuring Iggy Azalea is a throwback song with 90s influence. The upbeat dance-pop/R&B song was released as the first single from Grande's sophomore album, My Everything. The song features the use of saxophone loops, which give it a retro-feel. The lyrics of the song represent the feeling of being terrified to re-approach a relationship that's gone sour but wanting to try again. The narrative of the song is based on Grande's real-life experience with an ex-lover. However, the song ends on a negative note, but in real life, Grande states that they are hoping to end it positively.

About Problem

Ariana Grande's "Problem" featuring Iggy Azalea is an infectious horn-heavy jam that debuted at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. In its first week, it sold 438,000 copies, earning Grande her biggest digital song sales week ever. The song peaked at number two, surpassing her previous hit single, "The Way," as her biggest hit single in the United States. Additionally, it made British chart history upon its debut as the first song to top the charts in Britain based on both sales and streaming.

Grande revealed to Billboard that the song tells the story of the struggle to try again in a relationship after it had gone sour. The song's chorus, sung by Ariana, features uncredited and whispered vocals from rapper Big Sean, who also happens to be Grande's ex-lover. The song's intro is spoken by Iggy Azalea, and she also delivers a rapped verse in the track that adds to the song's attractive sound.

"Problem" received enormous critical acclaim from music critics due to its throwback sound and 90s influence. It is a well-crafted pop track that showcases Grande's fantastic vocal range and the song's retro groove. The saxophone loop, which provides the song's backbone, is as uplifting as the lyrics itself. The horn section adds another layer of energy, with Grande and Azalea's voices complementing each other perfectly in the mix.

The music video for "Problem" is as memorable as the song itself. The video, directed by Australian director Youngastronaut, depicts Grande and her backup dancers effortlessly executing slick dance routines. The young pop star channels a 60s vibe in the video, donning mod dresses, thigh-high boots, and a high half ponytail that add to the video's retro feel.

The "Problem" video won "Best Pop Video" at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards. Grande's ability to switch between singing and dancing has always been impressive, and the video's choreography plays to these strengths. The video successfully captures the song's groove and energy, with Grande's infectious lyrics and Azalea's rap verse on full display.

"Problem" has continued to resonate with fans worldwide. In the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards, the song won "Best Song." It's also featured in the popular video game Just Dance 2015, which showcases the song's catchy and delightful melody.

In summation, "Problem" is undoubtedly one of Ariana Grande's biggest hits. Its 90s-influenced sound, charming lyrics, and impeccable delivery and vocals have made it a timeless track. Although it has been years since its release, "Problem" continues to capture the hearts of music and pop lovers worldwide.