Ariana Grande’s ‘Ordinary Things’ Has Some Sage Advice About Leaving a Relationship

Nonna knows best. In the closing track of Eternal Sunshine, Ariana Grande includes a poignant recording of her grandmother, Marjorie Grande, imparting wisdom about love, relationships, and happiness. This heartfelt message ties the entire album together.

The song, titled “ordinary things,” sees Grande reflecting on the little moments in life and relationships, preferring these simple joys over grand gestures of love. “I don’t need no diamonds, just your time,” she sings in the second verse, emphasizing the value of presence and attention over material gifts.

Towards the end of the song, her nonna shares a nostalgic memory of her own past relationship, illustrating the profound impact of simple, everyday moments. “And when he’d come home and I’d see him, when he first gets off that train, it was like God Almighty arrived. It was like seeing daylight,” Marjorie reminisces, highlighting the joy and anticipation of seeing a loved one.

Marjorie also recounts the challenges she faced in her relationship, acknowledging that difficulties are an inevitable part of any long-term partnership. “I mean, I could’ve packed up and left a million times, you know? It’s not that we never fought.” However, her sage advice on overcoming these tough times is both practical and profound: “Never go to bed without kissing goodnight. That’s the worst thing to do, don’t ever, ever do that. And if you can’t, and if you don’t feel comfortable doing it, you’re in the wrong place. Get out.”

This advice resonates deeply, especially considering Ariana Grande’s own experiences. One can’t help but wonder if Ariana found solace in these words during her divorce from her ex-husband, Dalton Gomez, whom she was married to from 2021 to 2023. The song’s message provides a comforting and reassuring perspective on when to hold on and when to let go.

In a revealing interview with Zane Lowe, Grande discussed how the message of “ordinary things” ties back to the central question posed at the beginning of the album: “How do I know if I’m in the right relationship?”

“Honestly, I didn’t realize it until I found the voice note,” she confessed. “I knew ‘ordinary things’ was the end of the album. I was like, ‘This is the last song, but I wonder how I can put that button on it and have it land emotionally the way that I feel it can, and how can I answer the question?’ I always record my nonna when I’m with her, because you never know what she’s going to say, and she’s the most hilarious person in the world. I had this 30-minute voice note of her and her friend, Shirley, talking. It was just right smack in the middle of it, and I said, ‘Oh my God, that’s the answer.’”

This anecdote underscores the authenticity and emotional depth that Grande brings to her music. By incorporating her grandmother’s wisdom, Ariana Grande not only adds a personal touch to her album but also offers listeners timeless advice about love and relationships. In a world often obsessed with the extraordinary, “ordinary things” reminds us that it’s the simple, everyday moments that truly matter.