BIRDS OF A FEATHER - BILLIE EILISH
- Daniella Rojas
- May 22
- 4 min read
With an infectious rhythm and a hauntingly beautiful voice, Billie Eilish consistently captivates her audience, composing unforgettable tracks that resonate deeply. Following the release of her album, "HIT ME HARD AND SOFT," which has garnered immense popularity, her standout song from the junior album "BIRDS OF A FEATHER" has skyrocketed to the top of various music charts, securing numerous awards and celebrating her artistry. The combination of her unique sound and emotional depth continues to define her as a remarkable force in the music industry.
“I want you to stay 'til I'm in the grave, 'til I rot away, dead and buried, 'til I'm in the casket you carry.” Billie invites us to experience this vibrant track, expressing how love endures even into the afterlife. The person who has entered your life has changed the way your heart beats, and you love them passionately, wishing for them to remain by your side for a lifetime and beyond. While Billie has mentioned that the song is open to interpretation and explores themes of death more than love, it does so in a positive way. “If you go, I'm goin' too, 'cause it was always you. And if I'm turnin' blue, please don't save me. Nothin' left to lose without my baby.” Turning blue, not caring if there's something you're missing because you feel complete with this person—everything seems perfect. What more could there be? If they go into the afterlife, you're going with them. This love feels like destiny, and you are uncertain if there will be any sense of satisfaction once they are gone.
“Birds of a feather, we should stick together, I know
I said I'd never think I wasn't better alone
Can't change the weather, might not be forever
But if it's forever, it's even better”
The term birds of a feather comes from the proverb "birds of a feather flock together," hinting at the idea that we should stick together. This means that people of the same sort or with the same tastes and interests will be found together. Embracing similarity in companionship is important. You never believed you were better off alone; you knew there was someone out there who shared your similarities and would love you genuinely in return. Although part of you acknowledges that relationships can end, you prefer not to dwell on that. Like changing the weather, it’s impossible, but you know the storm will eventually pass. It would be even better if only the sunny day could last forever, vibrant in love.
“And I don't know what I'm cryin' for
I don't think I could love you more
It might not be long, but baby, I”
The tears streaming down your face are uncertain for their cause, yet they seem to be filled with joy and love. It feels as though the sensitivity of falling in love makes you vulnerable. Even a lifetime may not be enough to fully love this person.
“I'll love you 'til the day that I die
'Til the day that I die
'Til the light leaves my eyes
'Til the day that I die”
Just like in wedding vows that say "until death do us part," your love for this person is unconditional. The phrase "’til the light leaves your eyes" refers to that special spark, the glimmer in your eyes. You know you'll cherish that love until your very last day alive.
“I want you to see. How you look to me. You wouldn't believe if I told ya, you would keep the compliments I throw ya.” You want to see yourself through their eyes, to witness how your eyes glimmer in their sight. You’re curious about how it appears and how it feels. You want to experience the way they look at you, the fondness in their gaze, and to truly feel the love from their point of view. “But you're so full of shit, tell me it's a bit. Say you don't see it, your mind's polluted; say you wanna quit, don't be stupid.” However, it seems that it's not entirely joyful or cheerful. There appears to be a slight disconnect between you and your partner. They seem to doubt your devotion to them at times. Occasionally, they want to call things off, but you know they are not thinking clearly.
“And I don't know what I'm cryin' for
I don't think I could love you more
Might not be long, but baby, I
Don't wanna say goodbye”
You know that your goodbye won’t be for long when you enter your next lifetime. However, you can’t deny that eventually you have to say goodbye, and you don’t want to. Even though you’ll see each other again, the misery of parting is still difficult to accept.
“I knew you in another life
You had that same look in your eyes
I love you, don't act so surprised”
Your devotion to this person feels like it will last forever and always. Even in another life, that look in their eyes is so remarkable that there's no point in pretending otherwise; you know you are meant to be together in every universe. The song concludes with the refrain intertwining with the chorus, creating a wonderful mix of sounds that feels warm and loving. The blend of melodies creates an alluring tune, stirring strong emotions and leaving a lasting feeling of fondness.
I would like to include a part of the video where Billie gets pulled around in various directions by something invisible. In my interpretation, Billie is being drawn toward her destined love, much like the invisible string theory. This theory suggests that people are connected to their soulmates through a metaphorical invisible string, even before they are destined to meet. Everything that happens is aligned to bring them together at the right time.
Eilish, Billie. "BIRDS OF A FEATHER." HIT ME HARD AND SOFT. Darkroom/Interscope Records, 2024. Apple Music, https://music.apple.com/us/album/birds-of-a-feather/1739659134?i=1739659142