Billie Eilish’s “Bury a friend” takes us on a dark journey through her mind, exploring themes of self-doubt, fear, and the feeling of being trapped. The song acts as a conversation between Billie and a monster under her bed, symbolizing her inner demons. She delves into the destructive nature of her thoughts and how they affect her, expressing a desire to end these tormenting thoughts. The song isn’t about a specific person; it’s an introspective look at her mental state. Billie wrote this song to give her audience a glimpse into her mind, encouraging empathy and understanding for those struggling with similar issues.
Ever wondered what goes on in Billie Eilish’s mind? “Bury a friend” offers a glimpse; it’s as intriguing as it sounds.
“Bury a friend” Lyrics Meaning
The song starts with a sense of inquiry and confusion, as Billie questions the monster, “What do you want from me?” She’s searching for answers, trying to understand her own thoughts and feelings. “Why aren’t you scared of me?” suggests a longing for normalcy, a desire for her dark thoughts to be afraid of her, instead of vice versa.
“Say it, spit it out, what is it exactly?” shows her impatience and frustration, wanting clarity on what is tormenting her. The lines “The way I’m drinkin’ you down / Like I wanna drown, like I wanna end me” reveal a self-destructive behavior, an attempt to drown out the pain.
“Step on the glass, staple your tongue” and “Bury a friend, try to wake up” depict acts of self-harm and a cry for help, illustrating the internal battle she’s facing. “Cannibal class, killin’ the son” might symbolize the destructive nature of societal expectations, eating away at the individual.
The chorus echoes her feelings of entrapment and the desire to escape from her own mind, while the verses delve deeper into her struggles. “Keep you in the dark, what had you expected?” reflects how others may have underestimated her struggles.
“I’ll meet you in the park, I’ll be calm and collected” suggests a façade, appearing calm while battling her demons internally. “Your talk’ll be somethin’ that shouldn’t be said out loud” implies that these thoughts are taboo, not to be shared with others.
“For the debt I owe, gotta sell my soul” speaks to the compromises she feels she must make to appease her inner demons. The song ends with a repetition of the opening questions, bringing the journey full circle, yet leaving the questions unanswered.
The Story Behind “Bury a friend”
“Bury a friend” was written and produced by Billie Eilish and her brother, Finneas O’Connell. Billie was only 17 at the time, making the song’s depth and darkness even more profound. She has been open about her struggles with mental health, and this song is a raw and honest depiction of what goes on in her mind.
At this point in her life, Billie was experiencing rapid fame, which brought its own set of challenges and pressures. The song reflects her feelings of being overwhelmed, as well as her desire for understanding and connection.
“Bury a friend” is a powerful insight into the mind of one of today’s most influential artists, showing that even those who seem to have it all can struggle with dark thoughts. Billie’s bravery in sharing her experience encourages others to speak out and seek help, making “Bury a friend” not just a song, but a message of hope and resilience.