Ariana Grande’s “Moonlight” is a captivating track that serves as the opening song on her third studio album, Dangerous Woman. Released on May 20, 2016, the song holds a special place in Grande’s heart and showcases her songwriting collaboration with Victoria Monét, who also contributes backing vocals.
The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery, metaphors, and emotion, showcasing the intricacies of romantic relationships.
The song’s main ideas, like unrequited love, the strength of love, and the challenges in relationships, are relatable to a broad audience.
In this article, we will delve into the meaning behind the lyrics of “Moonlight” and explore the themes of love, desire, and the enchanting nature of a blossoming relationship.
“Moonlight” Lyrics Meaning
Before we delve into the story behind this song, let’s take a closer look at each verse of the lyrics.
Verse 1
“The sun is setting
And you’re right here by my side
And the movie is playing
But we won’t be watching tonight
Every look, every touch
Makes me wanna give you my heart
I be crushin’ on you, baby
Stay the way you are”
The first verse sets a quiet, intimate scene. As the sun sets and a movie plays in the background, the focus is not on the cinematic depiction of romance but on the real love blooming between Grande and her partner.
Each look, each touch, propels her towards a growing attachment, affirming her feelings for him. The last line, “Stay the way you are,” signals her acceptance and adoration of her partner as he is, without any need for change.
Chorus
“‘Cause I never knew, I never knew
You could hold moonlight in your hands
‘Til the night I held you
You are my moonlight
Moonlight”
The chorus introduces the beautiful metaphor of ‘moonlight.’ Grande’s boyfriend compares her to moonlight, a symbol of beauty, guidance, and calmness in darkness.
The act of holding moonlight in one’s hands, previously unthinkable, becomes possible in the metaphorical sense, when he holds his beloved Grande – his personal source of moonlight.
Verse 2
“I kiss his fingertips
As I’m wishing he’s all mine
He’s giving me Elvis
With some James Dean in his eyes
Puts his lips on my neck
Makes me want to give him my body
I be fallin’ for you, baby
And I just can’t stop”
In the second verse, Grande continues the narrative of their burgeoning romance. She’s longing for him, finding an attractive mix of “Elvis and James Dean” in him.
This metaphor imbues him with the charm and allure of these iconic figures. The physical intimacy deepens her feelings, pulling her deeper into the relationship.
Bridge
“Baby, I be fallin’
You’re my moonlight
Moonlight”
The bridge intensifies the romantic sentiment, her feelings of falling in love, while reiterating his role as her ‘moonlight.’
Verse 3
“He’s so bossy
He makes me dance
Tryna sit in the back of his whip
And just cancel my plans
Sweet like candy
But he’s such a man
He knows just what it does
When he’s holding me tight
And he calls me ‘Moonlight’ too”
In the third verse, Grande reveals a playful side to their relationship. Despite his assertiveness, she’s enchanted by his charm. His ability to make her dance could imply his influence over her, steering her actions and emotions.
They are deeply connected, canceling plans to be together. The mutual nickname “Moonlight” signifies their shared intimacy and mutual adoration.
Music Video
Ariana Grande’s “Moonlight” was accompanied by an unreleased music video that was filmed in mid/late 2015. Originally intended to be the second single and title track of the album, before the album’s name changed to “Dangerous Woman,” the video featured captivating visuals and intriguing scenes. Although the video remains unseen, some snippets and details have surfaced, giving fans a glimpse into its theme and aesthetic.
In early 2019, Ariana Grande took to Instagram to share a 45-second black and white backstage video, leaving fans wondering why the visuals were never utilized. The post showcased various scenes that were intended for the “Moonlight” music video.
One of the scenes depicted Ariana sitting in a dark room on a table or piano, adorned in a lace white dress, reminiscent of a vintage era. The room featured an old wallpaper, adding a touch of nostalgia to the visual. Another scene featured Ariana and her ex-boyfriend, Ricky Alvarez, sitting at a restaurant table in a dimly lit room, with dishes and menus, evoking a 1960s aesthetic. In addition, there was a scene of Ariana in a dark hallway, leading to a door resembling an emergency exit.
Although the leaked intro to the music video revealed a starry sky, further details and the complete video remain unknown. Based on the scenes shared by Ariana, it can be inferred that the music video’s theme revolved around passion and love set in a 1960s-style restaurant. However, it’s important to note that the visuals from the unreleased music video were never utilized or officially released.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Moonlight”
Ariana Grande holds a special place in her heart for her song “Moonlight,” considering it her favorite. The story behind this captivating track sheds light on its meaning. It was created during a spontaneous recording session with Victoria Monét and Tommy Brown, over three days starting on April 9, 2015, at 4 a.m.
During the process, Grande’s love interest at the time, Ricky Alvarez, affectionately called her “Moonlight,” inspiring the song. This moment became the catalyst for its inception.
It’s believed Ricky’s patience in waiting for their first kiss left an impression on Grande, inspiring the heartfelt lyrics. “Moonlight” symbolized the beginning of their connection.
Interestingly, the song’s creation coincided with a rare blood moon event on April 4, 2015, adding to its ethereal inspiration. Grande’s tweet about a “night under the blood moon” hints at a possible connection.
Grande shared lyrics on social media, giving fans a taste of the song’s playful yet passionate nature. “Moonlight” became a significant part of her live performances, demonstrating its enduring appeal.
The song exudes a dreamy atmosphere, painting intimate moments between two people. Grande’s adoration and infatuation are evident as she expresses her desire to give her heart and body to her love interest. The metaphor of moonlight symbolizes the transformative power of love, embodying awe and discovery.
Overall, “Moonlight” captures the essence of a deep connection, emphasizing vulnerability, longing, and the pull of love. It serves as a beautiful ode to the start of a significant relationship in Ariana Grande’s life, immortalizing enchanting moments under the moonlit sky.
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