At #3 this week is the second single from Ariana Grande’s album Eternal Sunshine. I wrote briefly about the album a couple of weeks ago after listening to it once. Since then I’ve played it multiple times and liked it more each time through. This may well be her finest work yet.
‘We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)’ is a splendid song, and already her second #1 hit from this album. The song debuted in the top spot, giving her the most number one debuts by any woman in history (with seven). Only Drake (nine) has more.
This song could be about a romantic relationship, but the more popular reading sees it as a commentary on Grande’s relationship with the media amid the controversies that have followed her throughout her career. Lines like “I don’t like how you paint me,” “You cling to your papers and pens,” and “Just wanna let this story die and I’ll be alright” certainly support that interpretation.
Musically, this is a great synth-pop track. I’ve seen multiple comparisons to Robyn’s ‘Dancing On My Own,’ and I definitely get that. The song has a similar blend of heartfelt lyrics with electronic beats that’s mesmerizing.
I didn’t think you’d understand me
How could you ever even try?
I don’t wanna tiptoe, but I don’t wanna hide
But I don’t wanna feed this monstrous fire
Just wanna let this story die
And I’ll be alright
[Chorus]
We can’t be friends
But I’d like to just pretend
You cling to your papers and pens
Wait until you like me again
[Post-Chorus]
Wait for your love
Lo-love, I’ll wait for your love
[Verse 2]
Me and my truth, we sit in silence
Mm
Baby girl, it’s just me and you
‘Cause I don’t wanna argue, but I don’t wanna bite
My tongue, yeah, I think I’d rather die
You got me misunderstood
But at least I look this good
[Chorus]
We can’t be friends
But I’d like to just pretend
You cling to your papers and pens
Wait until you like me again
[Post-Chorus]
Wait for your love
Lo-love, I’ll wait for your love
I’ll wait for your love
Lo-love, I’ll wait for your love
[Bridge]
Know that you made me
I don’t like how you paint me, yet I’m still here hanging
Not what you made me
It’s somethin’ like a daydream
But I feel so seen in the night
So for now, it’s only me
And maybe that’s all I need
[Chorus]
We can’t be friends
But I’d like to just pretend
You cling to your papers and pens
Wait until you like me again
[Post-Chorus]
Wait for your love
Lo-love, I’ll wait for your love
I’ll wait for your love
Lo-love, I’ll wait for your love
[Outro]
I’ll wait for your love
I’ll wait for your love
I’ll wait for your love
I’ll wait for your love
I’ll wait for your love
Meet Me In Montauk 
Good stuff. I think she intended the lyrics to work on two levels, both as a love song and about the media.
I am testing to see if my comments are going through. It didn’t yesterday 🤷♀️