Ariana Grande's 'Eternal Sunshine' Reflects on the Transition from Dalton Gomez to Ethan Slater

Ariana Grande's 'Eternal Sunshine' Reflects on the Transition from Dalton Gomez to Ethan Slater

Explore the subtle hints in Ariana Grande's 'Eternal Sunshine' lyrics that trace the end of her marriage to Dalton Gomez and the start of a new romance with Ethan Slater.

Ariana Grande Eternal Sunshine Lyrics Allude to Ethan Slater Romance

Ariana Grande Eternal Sunshine Lyrics Allude to Ethan Slater Romance

John Shearer/Getty Images

Ariana Grande openly shared details about her love life in her latest album, Eternal Sunshine, which was released on March 8th. The album consists of 13 songs, with the opening track "Intro (End of the World)" hinting at the end of her marriage to Dalton Gomez and the beginning of her relationship with Ethan Slater.

Ariana Grande sings about questioning her relationship and wondering if her partner feels the same way. She reflects on a particular interaction that has been on her mind for weeks, pondering if he is thinking about it too and if he is aware of how it has inspired her.

In July 2023, news surfaced that Grande, 30, had started dating her Wicked costar Slater, 31. Reports indicated that Grande and her then-husband Gomez had been experiencing difficulties for some time and had quietly separated. Grande officially filed for divorce from Gomez in September 2023 after two years of marriage, with their divorce being finalized the following month.

Slater and his estranged wife Lilly Jay are currently going through divorce proceedings. Sources have conflicting information about when exactly they decided to split. One source claimed that Ariana and Dalton broke up in January, while Ethan told Lilly he wanted a divorce just before news about him and Ariana came out, catching Lilly by surprise.

Grande has not publicly discussed her relationship with Slater or her breakup with Gomez. According to a source, Grande's album "Eternal Sunshine" is her way of sharing her side of the story, as revealed before the album was officially released.

The insider mentioned that Ariana believes these songs will offer valuable insights to her fans. It appears that this is indeed the case.

As you scroll through Eternal Sunshine, you will notice numerous references to Grande and Slater's relationship.

‘Intro (End of the World)’

Aside from the start of their story, Grande seemingly alluded to being honest about her feelings for Slater.

“I’d rather tell the truth,” she sings on the track. “Than make it worse for you.”

Eternal Sunshine

Dalton Gomez Is Trying to Give Ariana Grande ‘Her Space’ Amid Split, But Also Wants to Contact Her

Dalton Gomez Is Trying to Give Ariana Grande ‘Her Space’ Amid Split, But Also Wants to Contact Her

Dalton Gomez, Ariana Grande Courtesy of Ariana Grande/Instagram

The title track of the album talks about the different parts of her life after her marriage with Gomez ended.

In the chorus, she sings, “I showed you all my demons, all my lies / Yet you played me like Atari / Now it’s like I’m lookin’ in the mirror.” She also mentions, “Hope you feel alright when you’re in her / I found a good boy and he’s on my side.”

She appeared to sing about Slater being in Gomez’s bed and “layin’ on [her] chest.”

‘Supernatural’

Grande seems completely captivated by Slater's love, as expressed in this song.

In the lyrics, she sings, "I don't want anyone else near me / I just need you by my side," and continues with, "You're the only thing I focus on / It's so clear to me."

‘The Boy Is Mine’

Ariana Grande Eternal Sunshine Lyrics Allude to Ethan Slater Romance

Ariana Grande Eternal Sunshine Lyrics Allude to Ethan Slater Romance

In this song, Grande suggests that the boy in question could possibly be Slater. She mentions how she is usually drama-free when it comes to her love life, but decides to throw all that away to be with this boy, who is presumably Slater.

In the second verse, she sings, "This isn't what I had in mind / Wouldn't have bet anything on it / There must be a reason why. My friends always have my back in tough times, saying, 'It's okay, it happens.'"

In another part of the song, Grande hints that Slater is "perfect for someone like me," and talks about not wanting to ignore their connection.

Reimagining a Classic

The title of this track is a nod to the 1998 hit by Brandy and Monica, sharing the same name. Ariana Grande expressed her desire to put her own spin on the song, calling it a "bad girl anthem" in an interview with Apple Music's Zane Lowe before the album's release.

Grande released this song as the album's lead single in January. In the lyrics, she seems to be standing up for her relationship with Slater.

In the bridge, she sings, "Please don't talk about my appearance, don't respond." It appears that she is speaking out against the public's scrutiny of her love life. She continues, "Your life is yours and mine is mine / Why are you so interested in who I choose to be with?"

‘Imperfect for You’

Should Grande and Slater run away together? It seems the idea was on the table for the couple.

The song starts with the lyrics, "My boy, come take my hand / Throw your guitar and your clothes in the back seat." As the song progresses, Grande talks about crashing and burning with a significant other, hinting at the drama in her relationship with Slater.

She continues to sing, "Now I just can’t go where you don’t go / And usually, I’m messed up, anxious, too much / But I’ll love you the way you need me to." Grande expresses how she may be imperfect and distressed, but she feels different since meeting her significant other.

‘Ordinary Things’

Ariana Grande Eternal Sunshine Lyrics Allude to Ethan Slater Romance

Ariana Grande Eternal Sunshine Lyrics Allude to Ethan Slater Romance

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

The record comes full circle with the final song that appears to put an end to her relationship with Gomez as she starts anew with Slater.

The chorus of the song goes like this: "No matter what we do, there’s never gonna be an ordinary thing with you. It’s funny, but it’s true. As long as I’m with you, there’s never gonna be an ordinary thing."

The final lines of the song are a conversation with Grande’s Nonna, Marjorie Grande, where she responds to the questions that the singer asked in the beginning.

Nonna always emphasizes the importance of kissing goodnight before bed. She firmly believes that it is crucial and should never be neglected. Nonna warns that failing to do so is a big mistake that should be avoided at all costs. She also adds that if you are unable or unwilling to kiss goodnight, then you may be in the wrong relationship and should consider leaving.

Editor's P/S:

Ariana Grande's