The Real Meaning Behind Billie Eilish's 'Getting Older'
Billie Eilish dropped her second studio album "Happier Than Ever" to a world of delighted and anticipatory fans. Eilish opened up about how she feels about the album and it literally means the world to her. The album was released at midnight on July 30, but Eilish dropped some of the hits prior to the grand release. For instance, she made "NDA," a song about the downside of fame, available to fans earlier in the summer, according to Pitchfork.
While the album marks a huge success for the already very famous pop star, Eilish hasn't had an easy time with fame. She spoke out against online trolls who seem to find anything to criticize. Eilish is quick to clap back but still, that's got to get tiring. Eilish has also opened up about feeling "ashamed" and "embarrassed" for things she said or did in her past. To be fair, she became famous when she was, what, 15? Anyone would be embarrassed of things they did as a 15-year-old. It sort of goes with the territory, even if some of the backlash could be expected.
Nevertheless, looking back and reflecting on growth seems to be a theme for Eilish, particularly on her new album, and her song, "Getting Older." Here's what the song really means.
Billie Eilish talks about the pain of growing up on 'Getting Older'
Billie Eilish's new song "Getting Older" kicks off her "Happier Than Ever" album, setting a muted, nostalgic tone. The vocals rub us just the right way, with a smoky smoothness to the aching writing. USA Today calls the song a "soft, meditative reflection."
True to its name, "Getting Older" taps into the pain of growing up and the profound sense of loneliness that can go with it. "I'm getting older, I think I'm agin' well / I wish someone had told me I'd be doin' this by myself," she sings, per Genius. In the song, Eilish also reflects on the change in interest that comes with growing up. "Things I once enjoyed just keep me employed now," she sings. "Things I'm longing for someday I'll be bored of."
While many of the feelings in the song are universal, Eilish also opens up about the struggles of fame that have come with her specific career. "There's reasons that I'm thankful, there's a lot I'm grateful for/ But it's different when a stranger's always waiting at your door." Eilish doesn't just talk career in "Getting Older." She also opens up about trauma.
Billie Eilish gets real on 'Getting Older'
While "Getting Older" touches on the journey of growing up, Billie Eilish also speaks about personal trauma in the song."'Cause, to be honest, I just wish the word I promised / Would depend on what I'm given' (Not on his permission) / (Wasn't my decision) to be abused," she sings, according to Genius. This isn't the only instance where Eilish sings about trauma and abuse in the song. "For anybody asking, I promise I'll be fine," she sings. "I've had some trauma / Did things I didn't wanna / Was too afraid to tell ya / But now I think it's time," she adds, per Genius.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times on July 23, Eilish spoke about toeing the line of sharing her personal life and keeping private. "I want them to know everything about my life somehow," she says. "I have experienced some stuff that I have never spoken about, and I don't want to at all," Eilish said. "I don't want to f****** talk about it. I don't want to tell anyone, let alone the entire internet. It's embarrassing to go through stuff like that. It's why a lot of women and men — but especially women — don't tell anyone when they're going through it."
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