On March 28, 2025 Ariana Grande released the deluxe version of her seventh studio album, Eternal Sunshine. This release added five brand new songs plus an extended version of the album’s opener, “intro (end of the world)”, These new tracks are entitled, “twilight zone”, “warm”, “dandelion”, “past life”, and “Hampstead.” She also released a short-film that goes along with the brand new tracks.
The first new song is an extension of the opening track entitled, “Intro (end of the world.)” The song starts off with the lyrics, “How can I tell if I’m in the right relationship?” which later comes full circle with the original finale the album, “Ordinary Things” where Ariana’s Nonna answers the question by saying,
“I mean, I could’ve packed up and left a million times, You know? It’s not that we never fought, You can overcome that you know? It-it’s very easy and as I told her, never go to bed without kissin’ goodnight, That’s the worst thing to do, don’t ever, ever do that and if you can’t, and if you don’t feel comfortable doing it you’re in the wrong place, get out.”
The extension of this song brings an even sadder meaning to it as it depicts the aftermath of a horrible breakup. Some lyrics include, “I broke your heart because you broke mine, so me I am the bad guy ‘cause I’d already grieved you.” and “I wish I could un-need you.”
Senior, Joslyn DelSignore says, “This was my favorite song from the deluxe because I remember really liking the original version and wishing it was longer. In my opinion the original version of the album was already perfect and a deluxe version wasn’t needed. I really did like her idea of making a short film though, I just wish it was with the original track list. “
The second new song, “Twilight Zone” starts off with the questions, “Did I dream the whole thing? Was I just a nightmare?” Where Ariana sings about reflecting on a past relationship and all the things that seem almost impossible to believe had happened. She sings lyrics like, “Does she know you’re not who you say you are?” and “And it’s not like I’m still not over you. It’s so strange, this I never do, not that I miss you, I don’t. Sometimes, I just can’t believe you happened.”
Senior Madison Esposito says, “My favorite was Twilight Zone because it’s one of the only ones I really enjoyed. The song was something I can relate to and can show that you are able to carry on and be okay when someone leaves that you thought you needed. Honestly, the whole album carries that message and that’s one of the major reasons I liked it so much.”
“Warm” opens with ,“I can find my way, never needed anybody to stay. I’ve been the one to slip away never thought I’d find another could fly here at my pace.” Discuss a potential fear of being in a relationship, constantly prioritizing her independence over a partner. Lyrics like, “Cause I’m cool on my own, but it’s warmer in your arms.” and “Cause it’s nice to unravel, tears as they travel, happy ones tonight.” show that whatever current relationship she may be in has altered her thoughts on that entirely. The song discusses finally allowing yourself to open up to someone else and the beauty of a new relationship.
“Past life” begins with, “Woke up with a ghost by my side, kissed by the passing of time.” These beautiful lyrics discuss remembering a past relationship and being haunted by the memories that came along with it, hence the ghost reference. Another powerful line is, “You think i’m lost, but that’s just how you found me. Well maybe I’m the stranger afterall.” Where she hints to the fact that maybe her ex-partner didn’t truly know her at all.
“Dandelion” however, was a major disappointment compared to the rest of the songs where it often came last in people’s song rankings. Although Ariana describes herself as a dandelion in the song, many would say that the seductive lyrics were poorly written and not at all what they were hoping for. Senior, Madison Esposito also agrees that this was her, “least favorite song on the album.”
“Hampstead” is a direct message to Ariana’s haters where she opens it up with, “I left my heart at a pub in Hampstead And I misplaced my mind in a good way. Threw away my reputation, but saved us more heartache.” Hampstead is an area in Northern London and is also where the movie Wicked was filmed that Ariana just recently starred in. This song is about her current partner Ethan Slater, who plays Boq in the film. This new relationship caused a lot of controversy online towards Ariana. This song is a direct reflection of that.
Eternal Sunshine was a huge success for Ariana and has even returned to number one on the Billboard charts a year after its release. The album as a whole reflects themes of love, heartbreak, loss, and even self-discovery. This is definitely a must-listen to for anyone who has been following Ariana Grande for awhile and enjoys her music.
