Is Ariana Grande's "Dangerous Woman" Actually an Ode to Pegging? A Three-Part Analysis

In Ariana Grande's latest single, "Dangerous Woman," the 22-year-old pop chanteuse ostensibly sings about a woman who is dangerous. But is she actually singing about pegging — as in the sexual act in which a woman wears a strap-on dildo and fucks her dude in the butt?

Maybe! Let's explore. 

Exhibit A: Lyrics 

Below are some of the song's standout lyrics, presented with objective commentary.

Verse 1:

"Made my decision to test my limits"

The protagonist of this song wishes to explore her sexual boundaries. She is hesitant, yet resolute in her quest to move forward.

"Taking control of this kind of moment"

Unequivocally, what a woman in the throes of pegging her man would say.

"I'm locked and loaded"

An obvious reference to the "Lock & Load" deluxe strap-on dildo and harness, available for sale at your neighborhood adult novelty store.

"My mind is open"

A requirement if one wishes to engage in unconventional, gender-bending forms of sex play.

Chorus:

"Somethin' 'bout you makes me feel like a dangerous woman"

Is there an element of danger involved with pegging? Absolutely. It can lead to tearing and possibly anal fissures, especially if you don't use enough lube. Yet such are the risks that a dangerous woman must be willing to take. 

Verse 2:

"Introducing us to a new thing"

For most relatively vanilla straight couples, pegging is an act that requires some degree of (hopefully gentle) introduction. "New thing" is an obvious reference to the dildo itself. 

"'Cause I'm a taker / 'Cause I'm a giver"

The song's lyrical climax clearly represents our protagonist's transformation from receptive to active sexual partner.

Exhibit B: Apparel

The above is a still image that flashed across television screens prior to Grande's March 12 performance of "Dangerous Woman" on Saturday Night Live. Please note that she is dressed in what is traditionally considered male garb, thus demonstrably subverting conventional norms related to gender expression and sexuality.

Note the obvious phallic nature of Grande's signature ponytail.

Exhibit C: The Words of Ariana Grande Herself 

In a recent interview with Music Choice, Grande said that the lyrics of "Dangerous Woman" spoke to her because they made her feel "empowered as a person."

So let us ask ourselves again:

Is "Dangerous Woman" secretly about the act of pegging, in which a woman wears a strap-on dildo and fucks her dude in the butt?

Maybe! IDK. Draw your own conclusions.