Released: 2014
Ariana Grande’s “One Last Time” is a heartfelt plea for a final chance at love. The song’s theme revolves around regret, longing, and the desire for redemption. Grande expresses her remorse for past mistakes and her wish to make things right, even if just for one last moment.
The song kicks off with Ariana admitting her faults, saying she was a “liar” and “gave in to the fire.” She’s owning up to her mistakes, acknowledging that she should’ve fought harder for the relationship. It’s a classic case of realizing what you’ve lost only after it’s gone. She feels like a “failure” because she couldn’t give her partner what they needed, and now someone else is fulfilling that role.
In the chorus, Ariana’s desperation is clear. She wants “one last time” to be with her ex, promising to let go afterward. It’s a bittersweet request, driven by the hope of waking up next to him, even if he has someone else “in his heart.” The urgency in her voice highlights her deep longing and the emotional turmoil she’s experiencing.
As the song progresses, Ariana continues to plead for forgiveness, even if it’s just “temporarily.” She admits she doesn’t “deserve” another chance but is willing to do whatever it takes to make it “worth it.” This part of the song shows her vulnerability and the depth of her feelings, emphasizing that she knows she’s at fault but is desperate for a chance to make amends.
The repetition of “one last time” throughout the song underscores her yearning and the finality of her request. It’s a last-ditch effort to hold onto a love that she knows is slipping away. The song captures the universal feeling of wanting to turn back time and fix past mistakes, a sentiment that resonates with anyone who’s ever experienced heartbreak.
