"We Can't Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)" delves into the bittersweet reality of unrequited feelings blossoming within a friendship. Ariana Grande waits patiently for her friend's love to return, but the song is laced with a melancholic undercurrent. Grande recognizes that the very intensity of her desires threatens the delicate balance of their friendship, making a true connection seem impossible.

The song's layers go beyond just a personal heartbreak. There are hints of a possible meta-narrative that reflects Grande's relationship with the public and the press. Lines like "you cling to your papers and pens, wait until you like me again" resonate with the idea of being constantly painted in a certain light by the media, potentially mirroring the frustration she feels when her friend in the song doesn't understanding her true feelings. This interpretation is further fueled by Grande's comments on The Zach Sang Show, where she mentions wanting the song to be relatable to everyone and "whoever you want it to be about."

Ariana Grande wrote the lyrics herself, channeling her vulnerability into the song's core. However, the production paints a different picture. Reuniting with Swedish hitmakers Max Martin and Ilya, with whom she's created numerous hit songs like "No Tears Left to Cry," "Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I'm Bored," and "Yes, And?," "We Can't Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)" boasts a dynamic and energetic soundscape. Their signature blend of Europop and synth-pop creates a sonic contrast to the sad and frustrated lyrics, adding a layer of complexity to the listening experience.