7 Shocking Secrets Behind Ariana Grande’s "Side To Side" Lyrics (The NSFW Meaning Confirmed)

Released in 2016, "Side to Side" by Ariana Grande featuring Nicki Minaj is one of the most infectious and enduring pop songs of the last decade, yet many casual listeners still miss the explicit, NSFW meaning hidden just beneath its catchy reggae-pop beat. As of the current date, December 17, 2025, the song continues to rack up billions of streams, proving its cultural staying power, but its true intention—confirmed by Grande herself—is far more risqué than its bicycle-themed music video suggests. This deep dive uncovers the production genius, the controversial lyrics, and the lasting legacy of a track that cemented Grande's transition from pop princess to a mature, boundary-pushing superstar.

The track, a standout single from the critically acclaimed *Dangerous Woman* album, masterfully uses playful innuendo to discuss a very adult topic. It’s a prime example of how Max Martin’s production team can blend commercial appeal with a subversive lyrical edge, making it a favorite for both radio play and deep-cut analysis among fans.

Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj: The Powerhouse Collaboration Profile

The success of "Side to Side" is inextricably linked to the star power of its two main artists and the legendary team behind the scenes. Here is a look at the key entities that brought this global hit to life:

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

• Ariana Grande-Butera (Lead Artist):
  • Born: June 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida.
  • Career Highlights: Multi-platinum selling artist, Grammy Award winner, known for her four-octave vocal range. Transitioned from Nickelodeon star (Victorious, *Sam & Cat*) to global pop icon.
  • Album at Release: *Dangerous Woman* (2016).
  • Recent News (2024/2025): Released her seventh studio album, *Eternal Sunshine*, in 2024, and continues to break streaming records, including a Guinness World Record for monthly listeners in early 2025.
• Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty (Nicki Minaj - Featured Artist):
  • Born: December 8, 1982, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
  • Career Highlights: Rapper, singer, and songwriter known as the "Queen of Rap." Holds multiple records for female rappers on the charts.
  • Collaboration History: "Side to Side" is one of several successful collaborations with Grande, following "Bang Bang" and "Get On Your Knees."
• The Production Dream Team:
  • Producers: Max Martin and Ilya Salmanzadeh (Ilya).
  • Songwriters: Ariana Grande, Onika Maraj, Savan Kotecha, Alexander Kronlund, Max Martin, and Ilya.

The Explicit Meaning: Walking ‘Side to Side’ Explained

The most compelling aspect of "Side to Side" is its lyrical double entendre, which was explicitly confirmed by Ariana Grande herself. The song's chorus, which sounds innocent on the surface, refers to the physical soreness and difficulty walking after an intense sexual encounter.

The "Riding Leading to Soreness" Confession

The central hook of the song, and the line that provides the title's meaning, is:

"I've been here all night / I've been here all day / And boy, got me walkin' side to side."

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

Grande clarified the meaning in an interview with MTV News, stating, "That whole song is about riding leading to soreness." The phrase "walking side to side" is a euphemism for the physical strain experienced after a long, vigorous sexual session, specifically one involving "riding." This confirmation turned the seemingly bubbly pop hit into a bold statement about female sexuality and pleasure.

Decoding the NSFW Lyrics and Innuendo

The explicit theme is woven throughout the entire track, not just the chorus. The lyrics use clever wordplay to maintain a radio-friendly veneer while still being clear to those listening closely. Key lines that reveal the hidden meaning include:

• Pre-Chorus: "These friends keep talkin' way too much / Sayin' I should give you up / Can't hear them, no, 'cause I..."

  This suggests an all-consuming passion that makes the singer ignore outside advice, a common trope in songs about intense, new relationships.

  • The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662
• Nicki Minaj's Verse:

  Minaj's rap verse is arguably the most explicit part, using direct and confident language to assert her sexual dominance and skill. She references her own fame and wealth in the context of her sexual prowess, a signature move for the rapper, solidifying the song’s mature theme.

The contrast between the light, breezy reggae-pop production and the heavy, adult lyrical content is what gives "Side to Side" its unique flavor and enduring appeal. It’s a sophisticated piece of pop songwriting that rewards a deeper listen.

The Reggae-Pop Sound and Max Martin’s Genius

Beyond the controversial lyrics, "Side to Side" is a masterclass in modern pop production. The song is a fusion of Pop, R&B, and Reggae, a blend that was highly fashionable in the mid-2010s. The use of a smooth, island-inspired beat gives the track a relaxed, almost deceptive feel that masks the intensity of the lyrics.

The Max Martin and Ilya Formula

The production was handled by the legendary Swedish hitmaker Max Martin and his protégé, Ilya. Martin is famous for crafting some of the biggest pop songs of the last three decades (Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift), and his involvement in "Side to Side" guaranteed its commercial polish. The key elements of their production include:

• The Trop-Pop Beat: A prominent, syncopated bassline and a light, airy synth melody that immediately evokes a tropical, summer feel. This sound is a key component of the song's genre.
• Vocal Layering: Ariana Grande’s incredible vocal range is showcased through complex vocal arrangements and harmonies, which add depth and texture to the chorus.
• Seamless Integration: The song effortlessly transitions between Grande’s soaring vocals and Nicki Minaj’s sharp, rhythmic rap, ensuring both artists shine without disrupting the flow of the track.

The Lasting Pop Culture Legacy and VMA Performance

"Side to Side" was a massive commercial success, peaking at number four on the US *Billboard* Hot 100 and reaching the top ten in numerous countries worldwide. Its success wasn't just on the charts; it became a cultural moment that defined the *Dangerous Woman* era.

The Iconic VMA Performance

One of the most memorable moments in the song's history was the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards (VMA) performance. Grande and Minaj performed the song in an elaborate, highly stylized setting that resembled a cycling studio and a locker room. This performance was a direct nod to the music video's fitness theme, while the overtly suggestive choreography and costumes further hinted at the song’s hidden meaning, creating a buzz that boosted its popularity.

The Music Video’s Visual Innuendo

The accompanying music video, directed by Hannah Lux Davis, uses visual irony to complement the lyrical double entendre. It features Grande and Minaj in a series of brightly colored, fitness-themed locations—a spinning class, a weight room, and a sauna. The video’s upbeat, athletic aesthetic contrasts sharply with the song's mature theme, a subtle joke that only deepens the song’s cleverness.

In conclusion, "Side to Side" is far more than just a catchy tune. It is a strategically crafted pop masterpiece that uses a deceptively innocent sound to deliver a bold, mature message about female sexuality. Its enduring popularity, even years after its release, is a testament to the genius of the songwriting, the Max Martin production, and the undeniable chemistry between Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj.

More Entities and Contextual Keywords:

• Dangerous Woman Tour
• Sexual Innuendo in Pop
• Reggaeton Influences
• Trop-Pop Genre
• Savan Kotecha
• Alexander Kronlund
• VMA 2016
• Billboard Hot 100 Peak
• Female Empowerment in Music
• Hidden Messages in Pop Songs
• Spinning Class Theme
• Hannah Lux Davis (Director)