Released: 2024
In “Eternal Sunshine” by Ariana Grande, she dives deep into the emotional rollercoaster of moving on from a relationship that’s seen better days. It’s about the battle between reminiscing the good times and facing the harsh truths of a love gone sour. Grande contrasts her journey to find peace with the lingering attachment to her past love, described as her “eternal sunshine.”
The song kicks off with Grande talking straight up about the reality of trying to change someone who doesn’t see the need for change themselves. The line “I don’t care what people say” shows her initial defiance, but as she admits “I’ve never seen someone lie like you do”, you can feel her struggle to escape the cycle of deceit. She’s caught in a loop, knowing deep down that some truths can’t be reshaped, no matter how hard one tries.
As we move through the lyrics, the imagery of “now she’s in my bed laying on your chest” and the flip side of “now he’s in your bed, laying on my chest” illustrates the tangled web of past and present relationships. Grande expresses her vulnerability by admitting she was the first to say, “I’m sorry,” highlighting how she’s been left to deal with aftermath alone. The phrase “played me like Atari” is a clever way to say she was toyed with, likening herself to a game being controlled, devoid of genuine connection.
The chorus hammers home the theme of lingering love despite knowing better. Calling this person her “eternal sunshine” symbolizes how they’re a constant source of warmth and happiness in her memory, even if the reality is much colder. The line “I found a good boy and he’s on my side” suggests she’s moving on with someone new but can’t quite let go of the old.
The bridge “Won’t break, can’t shake, This fate, rewrite, Deep breaths, tight chest, Life, death, rewind” serves as a mantra for Grande. It’s her acknowledging the struggle to break free from the emotional chains of the past, attempting to rewrite her narrative while dealing with the physical symptoms of heartache. The repeated phrases signify a cycle of hurt and healing, a continuous loop she’s desperate to escape.
Ultimately, “Eternal Sunshine” is Ariana Grande’s heartfelt confession of a love that’s hard to let go despite its flaws. It’s a raw and real depiction of trying to move forward while being pulled back by the memories of what used to be her sunshine.
