Meaning of Everytime (alternative version) by Ariana Grande

In Ariana Grande's alternative version of the song "Everytime," she explores the constant struggle of being drawn back to a toxic relationship, despite knowing it's not healthy. The song delves into the emotions of addiction, vulnerability, and the unexplainable magnetic pull between two people. Each lyric serves as a puzzle piece, helping to develop unexpected and imaginative themes that ultimately tie back to the overarching theme of the song.One standout lyric that captures the essence of the song is, "I get tired of your no-shows, you get tired of my control." This lyric speaks to the push and pull dynamic of a toxic relationship. The theme it helps develop is the battle of power and control within a relationship. The constant back and forth between the desire to control the other person and the fatigue that comes with constantly trying to please them is a destructive cycle that keeps bringing the narrator back.Another powerful lyric is, "I get weak and fall like a teenager." This line reflects the vulnerability that exists within this complicated connection. The theme it develops is the regression into youthful emotions and behaviors when dealing with a toxic partner. It explores the idea that, no matter how much the narrator may have grown or learned from past relationships, this particular person has the ability to reduce them to a state of emotional immaturity.The line, "Just when I get on a new wave, boy, you look at me and I slip outta my lace," highlights the impact this person has on the narrator's self-confidence and personal growth. The theme developed here revolves around the disruption of progress and personal reinvention caused by the constant presence and influence of a toxic individual. The metaphorical slipping out of one's "lace" represents the unraveling of one's self-assuredness and the difficulty of breaking free from the familiar cycle.The theme of addiction is prevalent throughout the song. The lyrics, "You get high and call on the regular, I get drunk, pretend that I'm over it," express the different coping mechanisms employed by the narrator and their partner. This theme explores the idea of using substances or distractions to numb the pain inflicted by the relationship. It also delves into the idea of addiction not only to a person but also to the cyclical patterns and emotions that come with them.The seemingly contradictory lyric, "I go back to you, back to you, back to you every time," embodies the theme of a magnetic attraction that cannot be avoided. It suggests that despite the toxicity, despite the pain, there is an unexplainable force pulling the narrator back to their partner. This theme explores the concept of an irresistible magnetic connection that transcends logic and reason, leaving the narrator feeling powerless to resist their partner's gravitational pull.In conclusion, the alternative version of Ariana Grande's "Everytime" uncovers a myriad of unexpected and imaginative themes. From power struggles and regressing into vulnerable states to the disruption of personal growth and addiction, this song delves into the complexities of toxic relationships. Through evocative lyrics, Grande sheds light on the inexplicable forces that keep bringing the narrator back to a destructive love.