Released: 2024
“SKINNY” by Billie Eilish is a melancholic anthem that struggles with the pressure of fame, self-esteem issues, and a troubled relationship. The song wrestles with how external changes don’t necessarily match internal feelings and how the world’s perceptions can be deceptive, even destructive.
The first lines, “Hm (I never did you wrong) / Hm (and my, my patience is gone)” reveal a tough relationship spotlighting Eilish’s frustration and hurt. “Fell in love for the first time / With a friend, it’s a good sign” hints at a relationship that started from friendship, often believed to be the best foundation for love.
“21 took a lifetime“, signals the heaviness of her young age, feeling as though it stretched into a lifetime. The subsequent lines, “People say I look happy / Just because I got skinny” highlight society’s obsession with physical appearance equating happiness and success.
Eilish then proclaims with defiance, “But the old me is still me and maybe the real me / And I think she’s pretty“. It’s a strong statement affirming her self-worth and acceptance of her past self against societal expectations.
As the song progresses, “Am I already on the way out?” and “When I step off the stage, I’m a bird in a cage / I’m a dog in a dog pound” expose the harsh realities of fame, feeling trapped and boxed in by expectations.
Bringing back the relationship dimension, “And you said I was your secret / And you didn’t get to keep it” unveils disappointment, a betrayal where a private matter became public. Here, Eilish attacks the internet culture that feeds off rumors and drama with the lines, “And the internet is hungry for the meanest kind of funny / And somebody’s gotta feed it“.
As the song ends, we see a reiteration of her pain and patience running out, with a twist of longing – “I loved you for so long“. It’s a reflection of heartache and an unfulfilled relationship that lingers even amidst the challenges of fame.
