Honeymoon Avenue

Ariana Grande's 'Honeymoon Avenue' is a soulful ballad that delves into the complexities of a relationship that has lost its initial spark. The song uses driving as a metaphor for navigating the journey of love. The 'rearview mirror' symbolizes looking back on the past, which, to the protagonist, seems clearer and more desirable than the uncertain future ahead. The 'Honeymoon Avenue' represents the blissful beginning stages of a relationship, where everything feels perfect and love is in its purest form.

The lyrics express a yearning to return to that initial state of euphoria, as the current state of the relationship is compared to being stuck in 'bumper-to-bumper traffic'—a situation that denotes stagnation and frustration. The mention of 'butterflies' and 'yellow light' further emphasizes the caution and loss of excitement that now characterizes the relationship. Grande's powerful vocals convey the emotional turmoil of knowing that the relationship is heading in the wrong direction, yet feeling helpless to steer it back to its joyful beginnings.

The song also touches on the theme of resilience in love, as indicated by the line 'Baby, you know how to drive in rain.' This suggests that the partner has the capability to navigate through tough times, but has chosen not to make the necessary changes to improve the situation. The repeated plea to 'get back to the way it was' is a testament to the hope that love can be rekindled and that the couple can find their way back to 'Honeymoon Avenue.'