Intro (end of the world)
- Daniella Rojas
- Mar 18
- 3 min read
Updated: May 7
With one of the most majestic and delightful songs, Ariana Grande introduces us to her seventh studio album, Eternal Sunshine, with “intro (end of the world).” Throughout the album, Grande’s visual parallels to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, sharing her experience and highlighting the positives and negative aspects of her previous relationship, demonstrate how, even when you want to erase someone from your mind, you still remember those positives and enjoyable times that you don’t want to forget.
“How can I tell if I'm in the right relationship? Aren't you really supposed to know that shit? Feel it in your bones and own that shit? I don't know.” Starting with doubting questions, Grande demonstrates how society seems to have labeled things that we should know by now. How do you sense in your bones or get ‘the look’ to know if this person is right for you? How are you supposed to know? “Then I had this interaction I've been thinking 'bout for like five weeks. Wonder if he's thinking 'bout it too and smiling. Wonder if he knows that that's been what's inspiring me.” However, you recognize that you have developed a crush on someone. Which makes you all thrilled and delighted, and it seems to be all you can think about. You wonder if this person thinks of you the same way you feel about them. They’ve been your primary source of inspiration lately—the fuel that’s kept you going. "Wonder if he's judging me like I am right now." Grande states later in her song "ordinary things (ft. Nonna)," her grandmother answers these questions: while you may be concerned about judgment or fear, you should never forget the little things. These are the most crucial elements of a relationship. “I don't care; I'd rather tell the truth than make it worse for you.” You seemed unconcerned if this person did not feel the same way you do about them. You would instead express your feelings about this person than live in regret of never saying a word.
“If the sun refused to shine. Baby, would I still be your lover? Would you want me there?” If the world ended tomorrow and you were in another universe, would they still be on your mind? Will the person who loves you still choose you in another lifetime? “If the moon went dark tonight, and if it all ended tomorrow. Would I be the one on your mind? Your mind? Your mind? And if it all ended tomorrow, would you be the one on mine?” If everything ended tomorrow, the moon stopped shining, and the world stopped spinning, would you be on this person's mind? Is your love so telepathic that if the world stopped spinning, would you still choose each other if your memories were erased? All of this connects to the film because Clementine erased Joel from her mind, and eventually, he found out (when he shouldn’t have) and wanted to do the same. As Joel was getting his memory erased, within his memory in his mind, he didn't wish Clementine to leave. He recalled all of his beautiful memories with her, which would vanish from his mind once he finished the treatment. The simple lyrics, harmonizing, and lovely melodies make this one of the most magical album openings.
Grande, Ariana. "intro (end of the world)." eternal sunshine. Republic Records, 2024. Apple Music, https://music.apple.com/us/album/intro-end-of-the-world/1725877944?i=1725877946
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Directed by Michel Gondry, performances by Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet. Focus Features, 2004.
