Singer-songwriter Billie Eilish released her third studio album “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT” on Friday, May 17, 2024. As a follow-up to her previous album, “Happier Than Ever,” and her debut album, “WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?” Eilish explores her desire for an everlasting relationship by falling in and out of love.
Through her newfound maturity in her voice and songwriting abilities, Eilish wrote and produced 10 songs with her brother FINNEAS, her longtime musical collaborator. Known for her darker and more edgy approach to pop music, her sultry vocals compliment her openness to expressing her sexuality without boundaries.
In the opening track “SKINNY,” Eilish unveils her insecurities as the media scrutinizes her body and degrades her self-image. As a result, she begins to love all the parts of herself despite the media’s obsession with her appearance.
“People say I look happy / Just because I got skinny / But the old me is still me and maybe the real me / And I think she’s pretty,” Eilish sings.
Eilish conveys her sapphic sensuality in “LUNCH,” an upbeat and clever pop hit where Eilish wants to be with an untamed woman she cannot get enough of. As a result, she becomes confident in finding a perpetual love with someone she will do anything for, comparing her desire to a craving for lunch.
“Baby, I think you were made for me / Somebody write down the recipe / Been tryin’ hard not to overeat / You’re just so sweet,” Eilish sings.
“CHIHIRO” illustrates Eilish’s desire for a more open relationship with her partner as she struggles to get her partner to reciprocate their love. While their relationship becomes distant, Eilish cannot help but feel neglected and alone.
“Open up the door, can you open up the door? / I know you said before you can’t cope with any more / You told me it was war, said you’d show me what’s in store / I hope it’s not for sure, can you open up the door?” Eilish sings.
In the fourth track “BIRDS OF A FEATHER,” Eilish expresses an eternal love for a person so strong it lasts until death. As a result, she wants her partner to be with her for the rest of her life because she will always love them unconditionally.
“And I don’t know what I’m cryin’ 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,” Eilish sings.
Eilish does not feel “THE GREATEST” as she experiences unrequited affection and selfless devotion. Moreover, she feels unappreciated and questions if her effort to maintain their relationship was worth anything.
“Man, am I the greatest / My congratulations / All my love and patience / All my admiration / All the times I waited / For you to want me naked / Made it all look painless / Man, am I the greatest,” Eilish sings.
“L’AMOUR DE MA VIE” is a reflection of love and heartbreak as Eilish tries to become content with losing the love of her life. While her love interest has already moved on, she struggles to get over them after all they went through.
“Did I break your heart? / Did I waste your time? / I tried to be there for you / Then you tried to break mine / It isn’t asking for a lot for an apology / For making me feel like it’d kill you if I tried to leave / You said you’d never fall in love again because of me / Then you moved on immediately,” Eilish sings.
Eilish’s obsession and desperation are showcased in “THE DINER” as she tells the story of a stalker who crossed her boundaries. Soon enough, Eilish plays the role of a crazed lunatic who cannot face rejection.
“Bet I could change your life / You could be my wife (Wife, wife) / Could get into a fight (Fight) / I’ll say, ‘You’re right’ / And you’ll kiss me goodnight,” Eilish sings.
Eilish reinvents the word “bittersweet” as “BITTERSUITE” in the ninth track as she unveils her desire to fall in love with someone, but their love is unattainable. It is implied that Eilish was left bitter in a hotel suite, where she becomes distant from her thoughts and emotions.
“I’ve been overseas / I’ve been havin’ dreams / You were in the foyer / I was on my knees / Outside of my body / Watchin’ from above / I see the way you want me / I wanna be the one,” Eilish sings.
Billie Eilish’s third album “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT” encapsulates her desire for an everlasting love she cannot obtain. With only 10 tracks, Eilish vulnerably shares her true feelings and emotions through her signature sound and gut-wrenching lyricism. From desire to rejection, Eilish takes her fans through an emotional whiplash.