5 Shocking Secrets Behind Ariana Grande's 'Side To Side' Lyrics That You Missed

Released in 2016, "Side to Side" quickly became one of the most recognizable and streamed songs of the decade, cementing Ariana Grande's transition into a global pop icon. This reggae-infused R&B track, featuring a powerhouse verse from rapper Nicki Minaj, was the third single from Grande’s critically acclaimed album, Dangerous Woman.

However, despite its bright, catchy, and seemingly innocent bicycle-themed music video, the true meaning of the song’s central phrase—"got me walkin' side to side"—has remained a subject of intense curiosity and discussion. As of this current date in late 2025, the track continues to draw new listeners who are eager to uncover the explicit, hidden truth behind the lyrics that even Ariana Grande herself had to confirm.

The Powerhouse Duo: Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj Biography Profiles

The success of "Side to Side" is inextricably linked to the star power and creative synergy of its two featured artists, whose combined influence dominated the pop and hip-hop charts in the mid-2010s.

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Ariana Grande-Butera (Ariana Grande)

• Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
• Born: June 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
• Career Start: Began her career in 2008 in the Broadway musical 13, before rising to fame as Cat Valentine on the Nickelodeon show Victorious (2010–2013) and its spin-off Sam & Cat.
• Music Debut: Her debut album, Yours Truly (2013), launched her into the pop scene.
• Key Albums: My Everything, Dangerous Woman, Sweetener, Thank U, Next, and Positions.
• Vocal Style: Known for her impressive four-octave vocal range and her signature whistle tones, often drawing comparisons to Mariah Carey.
• Recent Work: Has been heavily involved in the film adaptation of the musical Wicked, playing Glinda.

Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty (Nicki Minaj)

• Full Name: Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty (née Maraj)
• Born: December 8, 1982, in St. James, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
• Career Start: Gained initial attention with her mixtapes in the mid-2000s, signing with Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment in 2009.
• Music Debut: Her debut studio album, Pink Friday (2010), achieved massive commercial success.
• Key Albums: Pink Friday, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, The Pinkprint, Queen, and Pink Friday 2.
• Rapping Style: Renowned for her versatility, use of alter egos, and rapid-fire, flowing rap style, making her one of the most influential female rappers of all time.
• Impact: Often referred to as the "Queen of Rap," she holds numerous records for female artists on the Billboard charts.

The Uncensored Meaning: Why Ariana Grande is 'Walkin' Side to Side'

The core of the song's enduring appeal—and its most controversial element—is the double entendre hidden within the chorus. For casual listeners, the lyrics seemed to reference a simple, fun night out or perhaps a lighthearted hangover. The bright, colorful music video set in a spin class and a sauna only reinforced this innocent interpretation.

However, the explicit truth was revealed by Grande herself.

1. The Explicit Confirmation of the Lyrics

The phrase "I've been here all night, I've been here all day, and boy, got me walkin' side to side" is not about a hangover or a difficult spin class.

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Ariana Grande confirmed during a radio interview that the lyrics are, in fact, about being sexually exhausted. Specifically, she stated that the phrase refers to the difficulty of walking after a very intense sexual encounter. This revelation instantly changed the perception of the song from a bubbly pop track to a provocative R&B anthem.

2. Nicki Minaj’s Explicit Verse

Nicki Minaj’s verse further drives home the song's sexual themes, using her signature wordplay and bold delivery. Her lyrics are often more direct and less veiled than Grande’s, leaving little doubt about the song’s subject matter. The lines, "Let them hoes know, I'm the queen of rap, and I'm here to stay," also serve as a powerful assertion of her dominance in the music industry, a common theme in her work.

This collaboration was a strategic masterstroke, pairing Grande’s angelic vocals and pop appeal with Minaj’s raw, explicit hip-hop energy, broadening the song's reach across multiple genres (Pop, Reggae, R&B).

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The Masterminds of 'Side to Side': Max Martin and Ilya

A key factor in the song's global success lies in its production team. "Side to Side" was co-written by Grande, Minaj, Savan Kotecha, and Alexander Kronlund, but the production was handled by two of pop music’s most legendary figures: Max Martin and Ilya.

3. Max Martin's Pop-Perfection Formula

Max Martin, a Swedish songwriter and producer, is responsible for an astonishing number of global hits for artists like Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, and Katy Perry. His involvement in "Side to Side" ensured the track had a flawless, radio-ready structure and an instantly memorable hook. This level of pop craftsmanship is what propelled the song to peak at number 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it Grande’s eighth top-ten hit at the time.

The song’s unique blend of Pop and Reggae was a deliberate attempt to capture the popular sounds of 2016, following the success of similar tropical-tinged tracks in the music landscape.

4. The Dangerous Woman Album Era and Collaborations

"Side to Side" was a pivotal track on the Dangerous Woman album, which marked a significant shift in Grande's image from a Nickelodeon star to a mature, confident artist. The album itself is a masterclass in pop diversity, featuring other major collaborations that added to its topical authority and commercial strength.

Other major entities and tracks from the album include:

• "Dangerous Woman" (the title track)
• "Into You" (another massive hit with a similar dance-pop vibe)
• "Let Me Love You" (featuring Lil Wayne)
• "Leave Me Lonely" (featuring Macy Gray)
• "Greedy" and "Be Alright" (fan-favorite tracks)

The album's cohesive theme of female empowerment and sexual liberation provided the perfect context for the explicit nature of "Side to Side."

5. The Enduring Legacy and Cultural Impact of the Track

Even years after its release, "Side to Side" remains a staple in pop culture. Its catchy melody and the provocative, hidden meaning ensure its continued relevance. The song’s cultural impact can be seen in several key areas:

• Music Video Aesthetics: The visual, directed by Hannah Lux Davis, with its spin class and gym setting, became iconic and highly parodied.
• Chart Longevity: The track appeared on 19 charts worldwide and spent an impressive amount of time on the global charts, showcasing its universal appeal.
• The Pop-Reggae Trend: Along with other tracks of the time, "Side to Side" helped solidify the Pop-Reggae/Dancehall fusion as a dominant sound in mainstream music.
• Ariana Grande’s Image: It was instrumental in establishing Grande as an adult artist capable of handling mature, sensual themes, fully breaking away from her previous teen idol persona.

The song's dual nature—innocent sound, explicit meaning—is a testament to brilliant songwriting and marketing, successfully triggering curiosity and discussion among millions of listeners globally. The phrase "walkin' side to side" has officially entered the modern pop lexicon as a euphemism for sexual exhaustion.