Ariana Grande has left fans emotional on her Eternal Sunshine Tour by making a significant change to the lyrics of her hit song 'thank u, next'. The pop star, known for her candid lyrics about past relationships and personal growth, debuted the updated version during the first night of the tour in Oakland, California.
New Lyrics Reflect Personal Growth
In the original 2018 release, Grande sang: 'One day I'll walk down the aisle / Holdin' hands with my mama / I'll be thankin' my dad / 'Cause she grew from the drama.' However, on the Eternal Sunshine Tour, she changed the line to: 'We all grew from the drama.' This subtle but powerful shift acknowledges the healing that has taken place in her family, particularly with her father, Ed Butera.
Fans quickly took to social media to express their appreciation for the change. One user tweeted: '“we all grew from the drama” is so touching you can tell mending her relationship with her dad really helped in her healing.'
A Healed Relationship with Her Father
Ariana Grande has had a complicated relationship with her father in the past, but the two have reconciled in recent years. At the 2020 Grammy Awards, she brought him as her date and even changed the lyric to: 'I'll be thanking my dad / Cause he's really awesome.' Additionally, she used her full name, Ariana Grande-Butera, in the credits for both 'Wicked' films as a tribute to him.
Other Changes to the Performance
Beyond the lyrical update, Grande seemed more at ease performing the song than in previous tours. She smiled throughout and introduced new choreography for the track. She also playfully altered the line 'Only wanna do it once, real bad / Gon' make that s--- last' by raising two fingers and avoiding singing the word 'once' out loud, a nod to her past marriage to Dalton Gomez, which ended in separation in February 2023 after marrying in May 2021.
Fan Reactions
The changes have been met with widespread approval from fans, who appreciate the honesty and growth reflected in the new lyrics. The Eternal Sunshine Tour continues to showcase Grande's evolution as an artist and individual, with 'thank u, next' serving as a highlight of the setlist.
For more updates on Ariana Grande and her Eternal Sunshine Tour, stay tuned to Capital.
