What were you doing at 22?

It feels like Billie Eilish, along with her creative partner/brother Finneas O’Connell, have been in the music game for decades, yet they’ve only been releasing music since 2017. There are artists that have been in the industry for much longer than she has and haven’t achieved as much admiration and professional praise. Her lyrics speak to people of all ages because they’re relatable and have universal themes. Sure, she’s young, but that doesn’t mean she’s not putting out quality music for the masses.

“Bitches Broken Hearts”

Single Release (2017)

This was the first song by Billie Eilish that I ever heard. She was only 16 when she released this tune, which is surprising because of how grown up the lyrics are. If you read them, you might think, what the fuck do kids even know about breakups? But kids, as well as adults, know about heartbreak. People know what it feels like to be dumped by someone, how it feels when that person moves on, and the mixed emotions and signals they get shown in the aftermath of the melee. This song is stunning all around.

“you should see me in a crown”

Album: When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? (2018)

With a thumping beat and lyrics about vengeance, “you should see me in a crown” makes for a badass song. I mean, who doesn’t want to watch their enemies bow down one by one? Eilish captures the beauty in leaving a devastating mark on people who might’ve doubted her greatness along the way. Some songs just make people feel untouchable, and this is one of them.

“everything i wanted”

Album: When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? (2019, Deluxe Edition)

Sometimes, the way that we view ourselves can take a negative turn. Sometimes, we feel like giving up, and feel like there isn’t anyone that would miss us in our absence. On the other hand, sometimes we need to tell our loved ones that they don’t see what we see. We see the whole person: the good, the bad, the everything in between that makes us love them. That is what “everything i wanted” is about. The melody is chill and soothing, and Eilish’s voice follows that same suit. The lyrics, though, are the real heart of this song.

“my future”

Album: Happier Than Ever (2020)

“my future” is all about the blissfulness and power of being alone. In some respects, it’s a love letter about choosing yourself over anyone else and being excited about that. My favorite lyrics are:

I know supposedly I’m lonely now (lonely now)
Know I’m supposed to be unhappy
Without someone (someone)
But aren’t I someone? (Aren’t I someone? Yeah)

Like, damn, that’s empowerment in a bottle. The musical arrangement is dreamy, and the lyrics are stunning. These two elements, along with Eilish’s vocals, makes for a delicious combination.

“Birds of the Feather”

Album: Hit Me Hard and Soft (2024)

This song is currently on repeat because I’m hellbent on memorizing it. I think this is a perfect love song. The lyrics get the point across easily enough, but it’s the bounciness of Eilish’s vocals, along with the ping ponging beat that really drew me in. Plus, it’s just a feel good song about loving someone completely even if they have a hard time letting that love in. I can almost guarantee that this song, and/or this album, will be nominated for a Grammy, and Eilish will have more of those golden statues to add to her growing collection.

BONUS

“What Was I Made For”

Album: Barbie the Album (2023)

This song won not only a Grammy for Song of the Year, but also the Oscar for Best Original song. But mostly, sad girl songs rule. The end.

Billie Eilish Ain’t No Kid