Motive

## Music video

"**Motive**" (stylized in all lower case) is a song recorded by Ariana Grande from her sixth studio album, *Positions*, which was released on October 30, 2020 through Republic Records, featuring Doja Cat. It peaked at number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100.

## Background

The collaboration was first confirmed by Ariana Grande during a Zane Lowe interview. She revealed she worked with Doja around late 2019 to early 2020. When Ariana sent Doja the song, Doja said she was showering and would listen to it later. The next morning, Doja sent Ariana her verse and a video of herself twerking so hard that her wig fell off her head. She then asked Ariana if she could extend her verse because "The beat was mad-inspiring", which Ariana allowed her to do.

In June 2020, Doja Cat went on Instagram Live and was considering revealing a lyric from her verse on her Ariana collaboration but decided against it due to the song pending copyright at the time. However, people noticed Doja was singing part of 34+35 during that live, so it's unknown if she was planning on sharing a lyric from 34+35 or Motive.

In September 2020, rumors had spread that Ariana Grande and Doja Cat were featured on an upcoming Nicki Minaj song. Doja quickly confirmed these rumors as false but confirmed the existence of her collaboration with Ariana Grande alone.

In late October 2020, Ariana confirmed her collaboration with Doja was titled Motive and would serve as the third track of *Positions* on October 24, 2020, through Grande's social media.

## Lyrics

**[Intro]**

Mu-Mu-Mu-Murda

**[Verse 1: Ariana Grande]**

Tell me why I get this feeling

That you really wanna turn me on

Tell me why I get this feeling

That you really wanna make me yours, ah

**[Pre-Chorus: Ariana Grande]**

'Cause I see you tryin', subliminally tryin'

To see if I'm gon' be the one to sing along

I admit it's exciting, parts of me gonna like it

But before I lead you on

**[Chorus: Ariana Grande]**

Baby, tell me, what's your motive? (Motive)

What's your motive?

What's your motive? (Ah)

So tell me, what's your motive? (Motive)

What's your motive?

What's your motive? (Ah)

**[Verse 2: Ariana Grande]**

I could call bullshit all from a mile away (Don't say)

You want me if you can't keep comin' back for me

I'd have to curve you if you just can't talk straight (Just say)

Say what you mean 'cause you might get it

**[Pre-Chorus: Ariana Grande]**

'Cause I see you tryin', subliminally tryin'

To see if I'm gon' be the one to sing along

I admit it's exciting, parts of me gonna like it

But before I lead you on

**[Chorus: Ariana Grande & Doja Cat]**

Tell me, what's your motive?

What's your motive?

What's your motive? (Ah)

So tell me, what's your motive?

What's your motive?

What's your motive? (Ayy, yeah, yeah, ayy, ah)

**[Verse 3: Doja Cat]**

You treat me like gold, baby

Now you wanna spoil me

Did you want a trophy or you wanna spoil me, baby?

Want me on your neck 'cause you wanted respect

'Cause you fightin' some war, baby

Well, I had to bring the fists out, had to put a wall up

I don't trust phonies, baby (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)

You gotta tell me, what's your motive, baby?

'Cause you got your candy (Yeah) on your arm (Yeah)

No need to sugar coat our lies (Yeah)

Say what you want, I need it, I'm a bonafide G (Come on)

Can you promise me you'll bring it all tonight? (Give it to me)

'Cause I need you to be wise

Tell me everything that's on your mind, come on

**[Chorus: Ariana Grande & Doja Cat]**

Baby, tell me what's your motive? (Tell me, baby)

What's your motive? (What's your motive?)

What's your motive? (What's your motive?, ah)

Said tell me, what's your motive? (Better tell me, baby)

What's your motive? (What's your motive?; Better tell me, baby)

What's your motive? (Yeah, ayy, ah)