past life
- Daniella Rojas
- May 7
- 4 min read
With its distinctive and rhythmic opening, “past life” is the second-to-last song on the deluxe version of Eternal Sunshine, standing out as the 18th track on the album. The song expresses a sense of closure and growth, suggesting finally being ready to move forward. It beautifully illustrates the realization that we deserve better, emphasizing that leaving someone behind from our past can often be the most empowering decision we make. This track resonates with listeners by reflecting on the complexities of letting go and the liberation of embracing new beginnings.
“Woke up with a ghost by my side. Kissed by the passing of time, time.” It feels as though your partner has become a phantom in your life. At this stage in your relationship, their presence is more invisible than physical, as if they’ve faded into the background, leaving you with a sense of emptiness and longing. The once vibrant connection is now wrapped in silence, creating a dreadful distance that leaves you questioning their reality in your world. “A moth to a flame, I didn't think, I just flew. I just didn't wanna change my mind, mind.” The phrase "moth to a flame" is a known simile, illustrating the strong attraction one feels towards something potentially treacherous. It captures the essence of an irresistible interest, even in the face of danger. You recognize the pain it brings, yet you remain oblivious of the consequences, drawn in by the appealing impression hiding the truth beneath.
“Rhythms of the night consume my body
Just let the music confiscate my soul.”
Music intertwines into your life, creating a coherent connection between you and the rhythms flowing through your body. It’s as if each note resonates within you, harmonizing with your soul. Allowing music to consume your soul can be a powerful escape, allowing you to overlook the challenges that weigh you down. This depth of feeling might reflect the emotions Ariana experienced in her relationship, potentially leading her to compose this tune.
“You think I'm lost, but that's just how you found me
Well, maybe I'm the stranger after all”
Your partner assumed you were feeling lost due to your behavior, assuming it reflected that disorientation. However, they entirely misinterpreted your situation. As highlighted in "we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” it often felt like a lost cause, and expressing true feelings to them was challenging, as their assumptions clouded their perception. You didn’t need rescue; you were exploring your own emotions in a way they struggled to comprehend. Their lack of understanding reflects the idea that, without a genuine connection to your inner self, they consider you a stranger.
“Always wondered what would happen if I let you lose me. Always wondered what would happen if I let myself need more. Might fuck around and elevate my expectations. Now I'm (I'm), fine (Fine), to leave you in a past life. Yeah, I'm (I'm), fine (Fine), to leave you in a past life.” It seems that you have settled for less in your relationships. You wonder what would happen if you allowed someone to lose you or if you demanded that you needed more from them. Deep down, you know you can't accept less than you deserve, and your past relationship has confirmed this for you. You might explore different perspectives to see if a change in treatment could help you raise your expectations and find satisfaction. Eventually, you realize it’s okay to leave this person in your past life. The current version of yourself benefits from cutting all ties and moving on from someone who once meant the world to you.
“Phased me just like the moon.” Being compared to the moon's phases connects to astrology. The moon undergoes eight distinct phases each month, each one reflecting its own unique beauty and character. Similarly, your partner may have observed that you also exhibit different phases, moods, or behaviors that, at times, may not resonate well with him.In the echoing backing vocals, it resembles a wolf, connected to werewolves, illustrating how mystical creatures seem to transform with the lunar cycle.
“I used to think you were the medicine, but you were just code blue.” You believed they were the remedy to heal your wounds, but it turned out to be quite the opposite. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a "code blue" hospital announcement indicates that an adult is experiencing a medical emergency, typically cardiac or respiratory arrest. This can resonate with the lyrics, reflecting how things didn't work out, leading to the emotional rage that feels like suffering a cardiac arrest due to heartbreak.
“And you're thinking it too and I already knew (Knew). I just didn't wanna waste more time.” From afar, it was clear that your relationship was facing challenges, with both partners perceiving disillusionment. Rather than pretending everything was fine, you both chose to embrace honesty and fearlessly decided to part ways. This sincere agreement enables you to grow and progress, liberating you from the weight of misconceptions and clearing the path for brighter futures.
“Something just to save me, just to confiscate. My body, my soul (Confiscate my soul).” As previously noted, you have an intense craving for music and rhythm to surround your entire being, as if they could seize your soul and provide comfort. It feels as though these melodies could dive in and rescue you from the depths of your hurtful heartbreak, transforming your pain into a powerful emotional experience that resonates through every note and beat. “You think I'm lost but, that's just how you found me. Maybe, I am the stranger after all (I'm the stranger after all).” They believe you’re lost in the chaos, wandering without direction, but all along, you’ve been dependable and true to your path. Perhaps you’re the protagonist of your own story, shining bright with potential, even if they fail to recognize your brilliance and depth.
"Something just to save me, something just to save me, ah, ah
Something just to save me, something just to save me, ah, ah"
As the song nears its end, the chorus resonates again, blending seamlessly with a poignant outro that recalls the earlier bridge. This moment acts as a powerful lifeline, intended to lift you from the depths of sorrow and elevate your spirit, guiding you toward a brighter and more uplifting emotional landscape.
Grande, Ariana. "past life." eternal sunshine deluxe: brighter days ahead. Republic Records, 2025. Apple Music, https://music.apple.com/us/album/past-life/1800579610?i=1800580288
“Hospital Code Blue: What It Means & Why It's Called.” Cleveland Clinic, 25 July 2022, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23532-code-blue-hospital. Accessed 7 May 2025.
