Ariana Grande Unveils ‘Star Wars’-Inspired “Break Free” Lyric Video: Watch

Christina Lee | July 7, 2014 11:34 am

When Ariana Grande first talked about her “Break Free” video, she said she was clearly inspired by Jane Fonda as ’60s sex icon Barbarella. With the song’s lyric video, though, Grande takes cues from another sci-fi classic: Star Wars.

From its title screen to its opening line (“A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away”) and how the lyrics scroll across, the “Break Free” lyric clip mimics the classic film’s iconic opening sequence. The video does draw more attention to co-producer Max Martin‘s influence – namely, the doggerel that is lyrics such as, “I only wanna die alive / never by the hands of a broken heart.” Given how Grande’s taken to campy retro-futurism instead of actually appearing futuristic, it isn’t likely any of that matters. Plus, critics have already spoken: “Break Free,” off Grande’s sophomore album  My Everything and also featuring Zedd, sounds like a hit for here and now.

Watch Grande’s “Break Free” lyric video up top, then revisit the Star Wars opening sequence below.

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