In "off the table" by Ariana Grande and The Weeknd, the lyrics explore the theme of failed relationships and the hope for love to be revived. The song reflects on the struggles of moving on from a past love and questioning if it's possible to love again in the same way.
Ariana Grande opens the song by pondering whether she will ever love again with the same intensity as before. She also questions if the love she had for her past partner is irreplaceable. She expresses her desire not to be this way and wonders if love is completely off the table for her.
The chorus repeats the questions of whether her love will be reciprocated and if she is still not healed or ready for a new relationship. She wonders if she should be more consistent in her approach to love and wants to know if love is completely off the table for her.
The Weeknd joins in the second verse, conveying that he is willing to wait for Ariana Grande, even if he feels like he is always in second place compared to someone she can no longer be with. He emphasizes that if she lets him in, he is ready to give her what he couldn't before. Despite his past toxic behavior and being haunted by personal struggles, he believes he can love her more than ever now. He is hopeful that if she allows him into her heart, love is not completely off the table for them.
The bridge highlights the need for reassurance, with Ariana Grande asking if The Weeknd can hold her and prove his commitment. She wants him to calm her down and help her get out of her own head. She expresses the desire to believe that he will never leave her and acknowledges that they are not like her past partner. However, she admits it will be challenging for her to let someone new into her life.
The song concludes with The Weeknd reiterating his vow to wait for Ariana Grande whenever she is ready, emphasizing his commitment and willingness to love her.
Overall, "off the table" explores the challenges of moving on from past relationships and the hope for love to be revived, depicting a story of two individuals who are cautious yet hopeful about finding love again.