By Lillian Murray
For over a year now, Ariana Grande has been scrutinized by media outlets and music critics. From comments about her affair with Ethan Slater — aka Mr. Spongebob on Broadway — to her drastic weight change, the media has shown all her drama in a negative light.
Grande recently released the extended version of her newest album, Eternal Sunshine, as a way to acknowledge her vulnerability of constantly being in the spotlight. She addressed multiple emotional topics within this album, but overall it addresses the media in a way she has never done before.
This has been one of her most lyrically interesting and bold albums yet. Prior to this album, she encouraged loving, empathetic, and innocent narratives, which may be a reason the public is quick to scrutinize her.
Grande begins the album with songs such as “True Story,” and “Yes, And?,” which gives the audience a glimpse of her emotional battle with constant public opinions and criticisms.
“True Story” carries almost a sarcastic tone claiming she will be the villain that the media expects her to be.
She uses this song as a way to ask listeners to question their media-based opinions of her and to rethink the narrative that has been encouraged. Although it is a very personal statement, it serves as a jab to the present culture of bullying that celebrities like Grande face daily.
Her song, “Yes, And?,” carries a much more bold tone, and serves as her answer to public judgement. She mixes upbeat background music and assertive lyrics such as, say that shit with your chest, to balance her newfound confidence and care-free attitude with her vulnerability to the media’s verbal attacks.
Although the lyrics pose questions and statements that represent the media’s criticisms, she answers, “Yes, and?” As a way to show ownership, rather than embarrassment or regret. Many fans of Grande favor this song as it serves as a clapback to a multiple-year battle of her vs. the media.
As rumors surrounding her affair grew bigger, Grande promoted the song, “The Boy Is Mine,” as an answer. Many viewers and members of the public questioned how she could justify her affair, which broke up Slater’s family including a year-old baby.
Rather than asking for sympathy or denying blame, Grande includes lyrics within this song to build herself as a villain character and utilizes provocative language. This song stands out on the album as it addresses her vulnerability of the situation, yet directly dismisses the criticisms.
The title has been acknowledged as a nod to the 1998 song, “The Boy Is Mine,” by Brandy and Monica, which addresses two women fighting over a man. Grande’s twist on this is almost a dismissive way to say there is no fight, he’s mine. This song allows Grande to show her confidence in light of the media’s constant questioning and criticisms.
I think the album as a whole is meant to teach the listener to stay confident despite what box others place you in. It is truly powerful.
