Ariana Grande stormed the pop scene with her powerhouse vocals and impeccable range, drawing comparisons to legends like Mariah Carey. Since her 2013 debut, Yours Truly, she has changed into a global pop icon with record-breaking albums like Sweetener and Thank U, Next.

Her ability to blend R&B, pop, and trap effects has earned her multiple Grammy Awards and Billboard Music Awards. Grande’s career is marked by her fearless reinvention of sound, making her one of the defining voices of her generation.

About the Song 

This song is about being drawn to someone despite challenges. It has a catchy beat with reggae-inspired sounds. Nicki Minaj’s rap adds energy to the track.

It became a big hit and was played everywhere when it was released.

Side to Side Lyrics by Ariana Grande

[Intro: Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj]

I’ve been here all night (Ariana)
I’ve been here all day (Nicki Minaj)
And, boy, got me walkin’ side to side (Let them hoes know)

[Verse 1: Ariana Grande]

I’m talkin’ to ya
See you standing over there with your body
Feeling like I wanna rock with your body
And we don’t gotta think ’bout nothin’ (‘Bout nothin’)
I’m comin’ at ya
‘Cause I know you got a bad reputation
Doesn’t matter, ’cause you give me temptation
And we don’t gotta think ’bout nothin’ (‘Bout nothin’)

[Pre-Chorus: Ariana Grande]

These friends keep talkin’ way too much
Say I should give you up
Can’t hear them, no, ’cause I—

[Chorus: Ariana Grande]

I’ve been here all night
I’ve been here all day
And, boy, got me walkin’ side to side
I’ve been here all night
I’ve been here all day
And, boy, got me walkin’ side to side (Side to side)

[Verse 2: Ariana Grande]

Been tryna hide it
Baby, what’s it gonna hurt if they don’t know?
Makin’ everybody think that we solo
Just as long as you know you got me (You got me)
And, boy, I got ya
‘Cause tonight I’m making deals with the devil
And I know it’s gonna get me in trouble
Just as long as you know you got me

[Pre-Chorus: Ariana Grande]

These friends keep talkin’ way too much
Say I should give you up
Can’t hear them, no, ’cause I—

[Chorus: Ariana Grande]

I’ve been here all night
I’ve been here all day
And, boy, got me walkin’ side to side (Side to side)
I’ve been here all night (Been here all night, baby)
I’ve been here all day (Been here all day, baby, yeah)
And, boy, got me walkin’ side to side (Side to side, boy)

[Verse 3: Nicki Minaj]

Uh, yo
This the new style with the fresh type of flow
Wrist icicle, ride dick bicycle
Come through, yo, get you this type of blow
If you wanna ménage, I got a tricycle
All these bitches’ flows is my mini-me
Body smoking, so they call me Young Nicki Chimney
Rappers in they feelings ’cause they feelin’ me (Murder)
Uh, I-I give zero fucks and I got zero chill in me
Kissing me, copped the blue box that say Tiffany
Curry with the shot, just tell ’em to call me Stephanie
Gun pop, then I make my gum pop
I’m the queen of rap, young Ariana run pop, uh

[Pre-Chorus: Ariana Grande]

These friends keep talkin’ way too much (Way too much)
Say I should give him up (Give him up)
Can’t hear them, no, ’cause I—

[Chorus: Ariana Grande]

I’ve been here all night (Been here all night, baby)
I’ve been here all day (Been here all night, baby, yeah)
And, boy (Boy), got me walkin’ side to side (Side to side)
I’ve been here all night (Been here all night, babe)
I’ve been here all day (Been here all day, baby, yeah; Ooh, baby)
And, boy (No), got me walkin’ side to side (Side to side)
(Yeah, yeah-yeah-yeah)

[Outro: Nicki Minaj & Ariana Grande]

Uh, yo
This the new style with the fresh type of flow (Been here all night, baby)
Wrist icicle, ride dick bicycle (Been here all day, baby; Ayy)
Come through, yo, get you this type of blow (No)
If you want a ménage, I got a tricycle (Side to side, yeah)

Similar Songs Like Side to Side

Side to Side” is a bold, rhythmic pop hit that blends Ariana’s smooth vocals with an irresistible beat. If you enjoy this song’s energy and style, here are some other Ariana Grande tracks you might like:

• Into You – A sultry song about being completely drawn to someone, with a strong dance beat.
• Bang Bang – It is a high-energy collaboration with Nicki Minaj and Jessie J, filled with confidence and fun.
• Problem – This is a catchy song about trying to move on but still feeling connected to someone.
• God is a Woman – It’s a powerful anthem with a dreamy sound and deep, confident lyrics.
• Dangerous Woman – Talks about welcoming strength and fearlessness wrapped in a seductive melody.
• Greedy – A fun, upbeat song about wanting more love, with an irresistible groove.
• Love Me Harder – A blend of pop and R&B featuring The Weeknd, with intense emotion.

Live Performances of Side to Side by Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande’s 2016 MTV VMAs performance of Side to Side, featuring Nicki Minaj, was a high-energy spectacle, complete with a gym-inspired stage and flawless vocals.

On The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, she showcased a more stripped-down version, focusing on her impressive vocal control.

Both performances highlighted her versatility and ability to command the stage in different settings.

1. Live from the MTV VMAs (2016) ft. Nicki Minaj

2. Live On The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Similar Artists Like Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande blends pop, R&B, and powerful vocals to create unforgettable music. If you love her sound, here are some other artists with a similar style and energy.

• Dua Lipa
  Genres: Pop, Dance-Pop, Synth-Pop
  Top Albums: Dua Lipa (2017), Future Nostalgia (2020), Radical Optimism (2024)

• Selena Gomez
  Genres: Pop, Dance-Pop, R&B
  Top Albums: Revival (2015), Rare (2020), Revelación (2021)

• Camila Cabello
  Genres: Pop, R&B, Latin Pop
  Top Albums: Camila (2018), Romance (2019), Familia (2022)

• Jessie J
  Genres: Pop, R&B, Soul
  Top Albums: Who You Are (2011), Alive (2013), R.O.S.E. (2018)

• Madison Beer
  Genres: Pop, R&B, Indie Pop
  Top Albums: Life Support (2021), Silence Between Songs (2023)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Featured on Side to Side?

Nicki Minaj joins Ariana Grande, delivering a rap verse that adds energy to the song.

What Double Meanings Exist in the Side-to-Side Lyrics?

The lyrics use cycling and riding references as metaphors for physical intimacy, creating double meanings.

What Inspired the Theme of Side-to-Side?

Ariana has said the song is about “being so involved with someone that it affects your daily routine.”