I'm about to share something very scandalous -- I'm not a huge Billie Eilish fan. Don't worry, I do know that she has talent, and I can appreciate what she does. This is exactly why I chose her for Behind the Lyrics. I think it is important to look at all artists who are good at what they do and determine just what it is that makes them so good?
Let's dig in:
"Birds of a Feather" -- Billie Eilish
"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
If you go, I'm going too, uh
'Cause it was always you, alright
And if I'm turning blue, please don't save me
Nothing left to lose without my baby
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
And I don't know what I'm crying for
I don't think I could love you more
It might not be long, but baby, I
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
I want you to see, hm
How you look to me, hm
You wouldn't believe if I told ya
You would keep the compliments I throw ya
But you're so full of shit, uh
Tell me it's a bit, oh
Say you don't see it, your mind's polluted
Say you wanna quit, don't be stupid
And I don't know what I'm crying for
I don't think I could love you more
Might not be long, but baby, I
Don't wanna say goodbye
Birds of a feather, we should stick together, I know ('til the day that I die)
I said I'd never think I wasn't better alone ('til the light leaves my eyes)
Can't change the weather, might not be forever ('til the day that I die)
But if it's forever, it's even better
I knew you in another life
You had that same look in your eyes
I love you, don't act so surprised"
Billie Eilish's lyrics are not really profound. Think of "Bad Guy". While fun and easy to sing along to, it definitely doesn't make anyone think too deeply about the meaning. Same in "Birds of a Feather". However, sometimes simple is best, especially since her style focuses on finding a catchy beat and rhythm and making the lyrics suit that.
In our English classes, we called this "Stream of Consciousness". Maybe you have memories of an old English teacher who asked you to "Pull out your writing journals and just write non-stop for about 2-5 minutes." You weren't allowed to stop. Anything that popped into your mind you HAD to write down.
Now, imagine your English teacher had an original track playing in the background, gave you a few minutes to get into the groove of it, and then, they asked you to write. Could you let the emotion take your imagination away?
I think Billie Eilish is also way more focused on subject matter in her technique than say Pearl Jam. There is a subject, it is usually very obvious, but the words fit and go along with the words, creating a very interesting combination of poetry with music.
I would highly suggest giving this type of songwriting a try, especially if you feel blocked from any ideas. Relaxing and just letting things happen is one of THE best ways to get those creative thoughts moving and grooving.
Until next time.
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