"we can’t be friends (wait for your love)" by Ariana Grande is a song about a complicated relationship where the speaker knows they can't be friends with the person they're interested in, but they still hold out hope that they might one day be together. The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship fraught with tension and frustration, but also longing and desire.

Here's a breakdown of the thoughts and background behind the lyrics:

Verse 1:

• "I didn't think you'd understand me": This line reveals that the speaker feels misunderstood by the other person. They believe their feelings and perspective are different from theirs.
• "How could you ever even try?": This line expresses the speaker's frustration and disbelief that the other person even attempts to understand them. They feel like the other person isn't making any effort to bridge the gap between them.
• "I don't wanna tiptoe, but I don't wanna hide": The speaker is caught in a dilemma. They want to be open and honest about their feelings, but they also don't want to be completely vulnerable and risk rejection.
• "But I don't wanna feed this monstrous fire": The speaker acknowledges the potential for hurt and pain in this relationship, and they don't want to fuel the fire of their desire for the other person.
• "Just wanna let this story die": This line reflects the speaker's desire to move on and forget about the relationship.
• "And I'll be alright": This is a statement of self-assurance. Despite the pain, the speaker believes they will be okay in the end.

Chorus:

• "We can't be friends": This line is a direct statement about the relationship dynamics. The speaker acknowledges that a platonic friendship is not possible due to their feelings.
• "But I'd like to just pretend": Despite knowing it's not realistic, the speaker wishes they could pretend to be just friends with the person they love.
• "You cling to your papers and pens": This line paints a picture of the other person being preoccupied with other things, perhaps their work or studies, and not giving the speaker the attention they need.
• "Wait until you like me again": The speaker's hope and the core of the song's theme are revealed here. They are willing to wait, even if it's a long time, until the other person reciprocates their feelings.

Verse 2:

• "Me and my truth, we sit in silence": The speaker feels alone with their feelings, unable to express them to the other person.
• "Baby girl, it's just me and you": This line reveals that the speaker is addressing a woman.
• "Cause I don't wanna argue, but I don't wanna bite my tongue": The speaker is caught in a battle between wanting to express themselves and avoiding conflict.
• "Yeah, I think I'd rather die": This dramatic statement highlights the intensity of the speaker's feelings and their reluctance to suppress them.
• "You got me misunderstood": This line emphasizes the disconnect between the speaker and the other person.
• "But at least I look this good": This line reveals the speaker's self-awareness and confidence, even when facing rejection.

Bridge:

• "Know that you made me": The speaker acknowledges that the other person has influenced who they are.
• "I don't like how you paint me, yet I'm still here hanging": The speaker doesn't appreciate the other person's perception of them, but they remain in the relationship despite the conflict.
• "Not what you made me": The speaker asserts their own identity and independence.
• "It's something like a daydream": The speaker describes their feelings as a fantasy, a dream that may not be real.
• "But I feel so seen in the night": This line reveals that the speaker feels understood and accepted by the other person in a particular setting, suggesting a possible intimacy that exists despite their conflicts.
• "So for now, it's only me": The speaker acknowledges their loneliness and isolation.
• "And maybe that's all I need": This is a statement of self-reliance and resilience. The speaker is finding solace in their own company, suggesting that they're gradually becoming less dependent on the other person.

Outro: The outro is a repetition of the phrase "I'll wait for your love", emphasizing the speaker's unwavering hope and determination to wait for the other person to reciprocate their feelings.

Overall, the lyrics of "we can’t be friends (wait for your love)" illustrate the complexities of unrequited love. The speaker is caught in a difficult position, wanting to be close to the person they love but knowing that it's not possible in the present. The lyrics explore the speaker's internal struggle between accepting the situation and holding out hope for a future where their feelings might be reciprocated.