Ariana has been teasing us with Instagram stories about the release of her upcoming deluxe album, eternal sunshine deluxe: brighter days ahead, for some time now. She finally released the full project on March 28, casting a soft glow over these moody spring days.
One track that made me feel like turning on my disco lights and dancing alone in my room was “twilight zone.” It’s a beautiful song produced by none other than Max Martin and Ilya Salmanzadeh. It feels ethereal, filled with Ariana’s signature layered vocals and ambient synths, really emphasizing the story she tells.
Fans speculate the song is about her ex-husband, Dalton Gomez, but it can, of course, be applied to almost any relationship ending, whether it was romantic or not. Throughout the verses, we hear some questioning on how she feels about the relationship as she assesses why she really wrote the song.
“Why do I still protect you? /
Pretend these songs aren’t about you /
Hope this might be the last one.”
Even when people become part of our past, the love we have for them doesn’t entirely disappear. Instead, it might just change its shape. She reflects on how important this person was to her at one time, while also grappling with the fact that the story they made together is important for her to share, too. It’s like that first big breakup that lingers just a little too long. They were the first person you were truly vulnerable with, and no matter how dirty they did you, you can’t help but be grateful for the love they gave you when it was real.
Ariana does a stellar job of delivering meaningful messages through very realistic lyrics. The way she words the chorus on this track is a perfect example of how simply stating what you feel is what’s going to resonate most with your audience.
“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.”
The chorus is completely vulnerable in a sassy sort of way. She’s like, “Yeah, we had something special… but also, what was I thinking?” I love this about her, and I love her writing — it’s so honest. There’s going to be so many reflective moments throughout our lives where we can’t even believe the person we used to be, and the way Ariana words this makes it feel okay. It’s okay to evolve and grow. It’s a beautiful thing to look at the past and not even believe it really happened.
