Behind The Lyrics

I was sat in my bath tub, surrounded by suds and melodies, when a familiar voice started to harmonize from my phone. A song I have been obsessed with recently, one that really sings to my soul. Billy Eilish – TV.

Have you, my dear reader, ever heard this song? Actually… let me rephrase that. Have you ever really listened to the lyrics? As in, really listened to the message the artist was trying to put across? I bet, like myself, you never really gave it much thought. That was, until, I was sat in my bath tub.

So let's have a look.

Billie Eilish currently finds herself in a state of domestic seclusion, using her music to convey her emotions. She grapples with the complexities of her romantic relationship, realizing that her circle of friends has dwindled as a result. The sacrifices made for love are common, yet undeniably disheartening. In her poignant chorus, she reflects,

“You tell yourself it's fine, you're just in love.”

While this is a familiar experience for many, it remains a poignant lament, a longing for something different.

The dissolution of harmony with her romantic partner serves as a stark reminder of the void left in her life. When friends have drifted away, and solitude becomes the norm, it can be a bleak and desolate place. In the opening verse, Billie describes her moments of inertia, lounging on the couch, perhaps watching TV. Ironically, even the television becomes her window to the external world.

Throughout the song, Billie subtly weaves in references to the broader public sphere. She alludes to the high-profile Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial that captivated global attention. Additionally, she touches upon the contemporary abortion debate, referencing the historic Roe v. Wade ruling from the 1970s, which has been jeopardized in recent times. These references are encapsulated in the lines that conclude the second verse:

“The internet’s gone wild watching film stars on trial

While they’re overturning Roe v. Wade”

All of this unfolds against the backdrop of Billie Eilish's personal solitude and her struggle to rekindle connections with others. The song's somber conclusion leaves us with the haunting words, “maybe I'm the problem.”

In essence, Billie Eilish's new song, “TV,” explores the notion that when a romantic relationship falters, and friendships wane, one is left in isolation, with life losing its meaning. The melody is a melancholic, yet transient, experience. Expressing sadness without reservation remains a courageous act, even in the face of such circumstances.

Here is the link to the song on YouTube - https://youtu.be/_JGGLJMpVks?si=v3nlTlBWA3gEyxFl

Here are the original lyrics -

I don't wanna talk right now

I just wanna watch TV

I'll stay in the pool and drown

So I don't have to watch you leave

I put on Survivor just to watch somebody suffer

Maybe I should get some sleep

Sinking in the sofa while they all betray each other

What's the point of anything?

All of my friends are missing again

That's what happens when you fall in love

You don't have the time, you leave them all behind

You tell yourself it's fine, you're just in love

Don't know where you are right now

Did you see me on TV?

I'll try not to starve myself

Just because you're mad at me

And I'll be in denial for at least a little while

What about the plans we made?

The internet's gone wild watching movie stars on trial

While they're overturning Roe v. Wade

Now all of my friends are missing again

'Cause that's what happens when you fall in love

You don't have the time, you leave them all behind

And you tell yourself it's fine, you're just in love

And I don't get along with anyone

Maybe I'm the problem

Maybe I'm the problem

Maybe I, maybe I, maybe I'm the problem

Maybe I, maybe I, maybe I'm the problem

Maybe I, maybe I, maybe I'm the problem

Maybe I, maybe I, maybe I'm the problem

Maybe I, maybe I, maybe I'm the problem

Maybe I, maybe I, maybe I'm the problem

Baby, I, baby, I, baby, I'm the problem

Baby, I, baby, I, baby, I'm the problem

Baby, I, baby, I, baby, I'm the problem

Baby, I, baby, I, baby, I'm the problem

Baby, I, baby, I, baby, I'm the problem