Pop icon Sabrina Carpenter’s deluxe single ‘Such a Funny Way’ is a fun tune that encapsulates how it feels to use humour to cope with reality. In this case, this reality is rejection from a romantic partner. Carpenter uses her storytelling to present listeners with a list of ways an ex has upset her, while working her way through her feelings on the track.

The central emotion of the song is wry resilience with a touch of defiance, as Sabrina acknowledges the hurt but chooses to laugh at it. We feel this most in the lyrical moments ‘So funny that I have to laugh just so I don’t cry,’ which frames laughter as a coping mechanism. Carpenter, amongst co-writers, intentionally draws a contrast between vulnerability and humour. She protests, ‘And if distance makes you fonder/ I’m flattered by the distance you seek,’ which toys with the awareness that she and her partner are on two different timelines and simultaneously in denial about the situation. The wordplay adds a light tone to the otherwise heartfelt song. This structural choice reinforces her need to channel hurt into an enjoyable experience, reclaiming the power lost in the relationship.  

The track’s production style mimics the typical Sabrina Carpenter sound in its mixture of warmth and radio-ready pop. Co-producer Jack Antonoff’s addition of acoustic guitar, layered beneath electric textures, allows the song to feel wistful and cathartic. The musical arrangement involves shifts in tempo and dynamics, where the introspective verses contrast the colourful choruses and bridge, preventing the listener from feeling dull. 

While the song is a thrilling listen, it is understandable why it is placed as a deluxe track rather than on the standard album. The layering of vocals and high notes mirrors the sound found on songs like ‘My Man on Willpower’ or ‘Manchild,’ making ‘Such a Funny Way’ feel like a natural extension of the album. Alone, the song is compelling due to its arrangement, but grouped with the main album tracks, it can feel like a regurgitation of them. 

However, this does not take away from Carpenter’s writing ability in the deluxe track, which is infused with wit, humour, and self-awareness. This songwriting matters in modern pop because of its relatability, allowing listeners to hear a universal emotional experience wrapped up in thrilling hooks and intelligent phrasing.  

4/5

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