Ariana Grande’s 2025 song “Twilight Zone” from Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead captures the surreal feeling of looking back at a past relationship and questioning if it was even real. The lyrics explore disbelief, detachment, and a sense of closure, emphasizing that everything happens for a reason. The song’s meaning suggests a mix of emotions, acknowledging the past without wanting to dwell on it.
This article breaks down the lyrics of “Twilight Zone” to interpret what Ariana Grande might be expressing. While meanings can be subjective, we’ll explore the themes, metaphors, and emotions in each section of the song.
“Twilight Zone” Lyrics Meaning: Line by Line
Verse 1: Questioning Reality
Did I dream the whole thing?
Was I just a nightmare?
These lines set the tone of the song, comparing the relationship to a dream, or perhaps a nightmare.
The phrasing suggests disbelief, as if the past feels unreal.
Different dimensions
Stuck in the twilight zone
The reference to “different dimensions” and “the twilight zone” reinforces the idea of being lost between realities.
This could symbolize feeling trapped in confusion, as if the relationship never made complete sense.
Is this a black-and-white scene?
If so, then I’m in the gray one
She plays with the imagery of old movies, where things were either good or bad, black or white.
But she finds herself in the gray, stuck in uncertainty.
Hope you win for best actor
‘Cause I had you completely wrong
This implies deception.
The other person in the relationship put on an act, making her believe in something that wasn’t true.
The sarcasm in “hope you win for best actor” suggests betrayal.
Pre-Chorus: A Possible Warning
Does she know you’re not who you say you are?
‘Cause I might give her a call
Or was I just not me at all?
Here, she questions whether the deception is ongoing.
“Does she know?” suggests the person has moved on to someone new, while the idea of calling hints at exposing the truth. There’s an undertone of lingering frustration—she may not want him back, but she doesn’t want someone else to fall for the same lies.
The last line questions if she even recognized herself in the relationship. Was she blind to the red flags, or did she change who she was to fit into his world?
Chorus: Conflicted Emotions
And it’s not like I’m still not over you
It’s so strange, this I never do
These lines contradict themselves on purpose, showing mixed emotions.
She claims she’s over it but acknowledges the situation still feels bizarre.
Not that I miss you, I don’t
Sometimes, I just can’t believe
You happened
She denies missing the person but admits the whole experience still lingers in her mind.
Saying “you happened” makes it sound like the relationship was just an event rather than something meaningful.
It’s not like I’d ever change a thing
‘Cause I’m right here where I’m meant to be
Ariana reassures herself that everything turned out the way it was supposed to.
Even though she questions the past, she doesn’t wish to go back and change it.
Not that I’d call you, I won’t
Sometimes, I just can’t believe
You happened
Reinforcing the earlier lines, she repeats that she won’t reach out.
It’s not about missing the person. It’s about coming to terms with what was.
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Verse 2: The Truth Behind the Relationship
Were we just mistaken?
Disguised our intentions?
These lines suggest that both people misread the situation.
It wasn’t love. It was something else disguised as love.
Our nest was a masquerade
A “nest” usually symbolizes home or security, but calling it a masquerade means it was all fake.
The love they built wasn’t real.
Why do I still protect you?
Pretend these songs aren’t about you
Ariana struggles with still shielding this person from blame.
She denies that her songs are about them, but by saying this, she acknowledges that they are.
Hope this might be the last one
‘Cause I’m not fooling anyone
She wants closure.
Writing about this relationship over and over again keeps it alive, and she’s ready to move on.
The last line admits that everyone knows who the song is about and that there’s no point in pretending otherwise.
“Twilight Zone” Song Meaning: A Love That Feels Unreal
“Twilight Zone” is about the surreal feeling of looking back at a past relationship and realizing it wasn’t what it seemed. The lyrics balance disbelief, sarcasm, and closure, showing that while the memories linger, there’s no desire to return. She expresses confusion over how things happened but ultimately accepts that it led her to where she is now.
The song also touches on the idea of deception—not just from the other person, but self-deception as well.
Looking back, she sees the signs she ignored and recognizes that she misjudged the entire situation.
Songs Like “Twilight Zone”
If you connect with the themes in “Twilight Zone,” these songs might resonate with you:
1. “Ghostin” by Ariana Grande
“Ghostin” captures the pain of loving someone while still being haunted by a past relationship. The lyrics, like in “Twilight Zone,” explore emotions that are hard to explain.
2. “Back to December” by Taylor Swift
“Back to December” tells a story of regret and realization, much like “Twilight Zone.” While Ariana’s song leans more toward disbelief, both tracks deal with processing a failed relationship.
Related: Songs About Missing Someone
3. “Ex-Factor” by Lauryn Hill
“Ex-Factor” dives into the complications of a past relationship that still affects the present. The honesty in the lyrics mirrors the raw emotion in “Twilight Zone.”
4. “Save Your Tears” by the Weeknd
“Save Your Tears” deals with looking back at a relationship with both sadness and indifference. Like “Twilight Zone,” it’s about moving on while still being shocked by the past.
Conclusion: Accepting the Past Without Regret
“Twilight Zone” isn’t about longing for the past. It’s about coming to terms with it.
The lyrics capture the strange feeling of realizing a relationship wasn’t what you thought, but also knowing you wouldn’t change a thing.
Ariana Grande delivers a song that’s both introspective and final. She acknowledges the past, but she’s not living in it.
You can listen to “Twilight Zone” on Spotify and Amazon.
Be sure to check out more of our Song Meanings articles!