So that explains it.
When the absolute tune that is Shout Out to my Ex dropped a few months ago, the world and his mother assumed it was directed at Zayn Malik, ex-boyfriend of Little Mix star Perrie Edwards.
It was suggested that some of the lyrics, namely, “Guess I should say thank you for the ‘hate yous’ and the tattoos” were aimed at Zayn, particularly seeing how he got a tattoo on his arm of Perrie and then covered it with another after they broke up.
However, in a recent interview, Perrie said that there was another reason behind the song and it’s actually a pretty great one.
Although break-up songs are often emotional and sentimental, the 23-year-old said that during such a tough time women need to feel “empowered”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Pwbn2nVS44
Chatting to E! Online, Perrie explained:
“When people go through break ups, you automatically want to hear really sad songs. You want to listen to Toni Braxton’s Un-Break My Heart and have a little cry, get a tub of ice cream out.”
The Little Mix girls wanted to give single ladies a song that would remind them exactly how fabulous they are.
“We just thought, ‘You know what? Women need to feel empowered.’ Everybody needs to feel empowered after a breakup and we feel like this song can relate to everyone because everybody’s had an ex.”
More of this girl power, please.
Main image via Instagram: Perrie Edwards