Ariana Grande's highly anticipated album, "Eternal Sunshine," has finally been released, and fans are eagerly dissecting the lyrics for clues about the private downfall of her marriage to Dalton Gomez. The couple, who tied the knot in May 2021, announced their separation in July 2023, citing "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for their divorce.
Throughout the 13-track album, Ariana appears to provide a deeply personal and introspective look into the challenges and heartbreak she experienced during her marriage to Dalton. From the very first track, "intro (end of the world)," the pop star questions the strength of her relationship, singing, "How can I tell if I'm in the right relationship? / Aren't you really s'posed to know that shit? / Feel it in your bones and own that shit? I don't know."
As the album progresses, Ariana delves deeper into the issues that seemingly led to the couple's eventual split. In the aptly titled "don't wanna break up again," she paints a picture of the cyclical pain they endured, with lyrics like, "I fall asleep cryin' / You turn up the TV / You don't wanna hear me / One more sleepless night." The song also hints at Ariana's efforts to mend the relationship, which she suggests went unreciprocated until it was too late.
However, it's the album's title track, "eternal sunshine," that delivers the most shocking revelation. In the song, Ariana alludes to lies, manipulation, and even infidelity on Dalton's part. "I've never seen someone lie like you do / So much, even you start to think it's true / Get me out of this loop," she sings, before seemingly suggesting that the affair took place in their shared home: "Now she's in my bed, layin' on your chest / Now I'm in my head, wonderin' how it ends."
The raw emotion in Ariana's voice is palpable throughout the album, particularly in the song "i wish i hated you," where she grapples with the loss of her partner and the memories they shared. "Hung all my clothes in the closet you made / Your shoes still in boxes, I send them your way / Hoping life brings you no new pain," she sings, her voice cracking with the weight of her pain.
Despite the heartbreak and betrayal, Ariana maintains a sense of optimism and acceptance as the album draws to a close. In the final track, "ordinary things," she includes a poignant voice recording of her grandmother, affectionately known as Nonna, offering relationship advice and emphasizing the importance of open communication and knowing when to walk away.
While Dalton Gomez has not publicly responded to the implications made in Ariana's lyrics, the album has sparked widespread speculation and discussion among fans and media outlets alike. Many see "Eternal Sunshine" as Ariana's attempt to reclaim her narrative and shed light on the true reasons behind the couple's divorce.
The album's release also comes amidst reports of Ariana's new relationship with actor Ethan Slater, whom she met while working on the upcoming film adaptation of the musical "Wicked." Some fans have interpreted the lyrics in "eternal sunshine" as Ariana's way of addressing the "homewrecker" accusations leveled against her following the news of her romance with Slater.
As "Eternal Sunshine" continues to dominate the charts and capture the attention of fans worldwide, it serves as a testament to Ariana Grande's ability to channel her personal experiences into powerful, relatable music. Through her lyrics, she invites listeners on a journey of love, loss, and ultimately, the strength to move forward and find happiness once again.
