Ariana Grande's romance with real estate mogul Dalton Gomez began in 2020, leading to wedding bells in May 2021. However, their story took an unexpected turn, and the couple opted to separate after two years. Their divorce was finalized in October 2023. "Bye," the second track on her seventh album, Eternal Sunshine, chronicles the emotional tribulations of this separation. The song repeatedly echoes the word "bye," emphasizing the definitive nature of the decision.

"Bye" explores a bittersweet yet resolute approach to moving forward. Phrases like "Bye, bye, it's over, it's over" and "taking what's mine" hint at both closure and a reclaimed sense of self. "That was a tricky balance for me," Grande told Zach Sang via Amazon Music, "because I definitely had some sessions where I was writing more emotionally and reactively but that's also very human so I didn't want to erase all of it."

The pre-chorus buzzes with anticipation for fresh beginnings, showcasing Grande's signature blend of humor and vulnerability in her songwriting. So I grab my stuff Courtney just pulled up in the driveway It's time "Courtney" is Courney Chipolone, one of Grande's closest friends.