The Real Meaning Behind Billie Eilish's 'Happier Than Ever'
Billie Eilish never fails to surprise us with her incredible talent and voice. She's given us many hits since 2016 — each song showcasing her talent in different ways. Her latest album, "Happier Than Ever," is no exception. Her newest album is an example is how this talented artist has managed to retain her older music style and merge it with the new. With poetic lyrics and crisp vocals, it's Eilish again, emerging fresh with a much-anticipated release.
Eilish has shown much promise in her young career, so when a new release is around the corner, there's so much that's expected of her and her new song or album. And she's thankful for all the help she got through it. Per Pitchfork, Eilish wrote the album "Happier Than Ever" with the help of her brother and collaborator, Finneas. "I love you @finneas thank you for being you. I couldn't ask for a better brother and collaborator, you are my whole world and I couldn't do any of this without you," she wrote on Instagram to mark the album's release.
The eager wait surrounding Eilish's albums is not a surprise. Her debut full-length album titled "When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?" won her multiple Grammys. Her new album showcases a similar promise. So, what's the real meaning behind Eilish's "Happier Than Ever?" Keep reading for more!
"Happier Than Ever" projects the darker side of Billie Eilish's past relationship
Billie Eilish fans got to see more of her relationship in the 2021 documentary "Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry." Song lyrics site Genius pointed out that a part of the documentary showed a phone call between the two where her ex-boyfriend — rapper Brandon Adams, or 7:AMP — admitted to drunk driving. The part shows a concerned Eilish. The concern's also shown in the song "Happier Than Ever," but with a sense of realization of her feelings. Eilish sings, "I knew when I asked you to...Be cool about what I was tellin' you...You'd do the opposite of what you said you'd do."
The documentary also shows Eilish's perspective on her relationship, where she realized that she could not be "super excited about certain things that the other person couldn't care less about." And some fans think the song "Happier Than Ever" is about Eilish's ex, too. In itself, the song's intro is a declaration of Eilish's perspective on her happiness, where she is aware of what came in the way of her happiness.
Eilish told Rolling Stone that "none of the songs on this album are joyful," so listeners know what they're getting into. The album has something for everyone: columnists, critiques, fans, and even past lovers.
Billie Eilish hinted at the "Happier Than Ever" album with her British Vogue cover shoot
Billie Eilish has faced negative comments around her body. Unlike many other pop stars, Eilish wore full clothing after gaining popularity — perhaps a subtle hint of rebellion and response that her music has always expressed. But some fans haven't responded kindly to her outfit choices.
The Los Angeles Times writes about the time she turned 18 and posted a video where she was showering in a bathing shoot. "And because you could see my shoulders, everyone was, like, 'Oh, my God, she turned 18 and she's a slut!'" she told the publication. Later, for British Vogue, she was seen posing in lingerie. Per Eilish, the photoshoot was meant to send a message about everything that she was going to present with "Happier Than Ever."
Eilish credits much of the new vibe that produced the album to her early adulthood identity crisis. Per the Los Angeles Times, the singer did not want to "be the person with dyed hair," but then there she was, mixing colors that slowly painted her personality to the public. It looks like "Happier Than Ever" shows how her personality has trickled through it all.