Billie’s Message
Billie Eilish is a name I’m sure we all recognize. These past years she has blown up in the media, for her unique music and her style – more specifically the clothes she wears. But as you can imagine, her fame can turn into a negative thing in the blink of an eye. Her newest album, “Happier Than Ever” is kind of an oxymoron. The songs on the album have common themes of her growing into the happiest version of herself through all these heart wrenching experiences, it’s really interesting to listen to. On the album cover, you can even see her embracing herself while tears stream down her face. The ninth track on the album is titled, “Not My Responsibility.” This track is more of a script than a song, instead of singing Billie talks. This track is also available on youtube as it was originally released two years ago as a short film.
As much as the media likes to categorize Billie and her personality into categories, this song/film’s message is really powerful. The words are open for interpretation, but I thought I’d further share her message, as it is a beautiful one for all women to hear.
do you know me?
really know me?
you have opinions
about my opinions
about my music
about my clothes
about my body
some people hate what I wear
some people praise it
some people use it to shame others
some people use it to shame me
but I feel you watching
always
and nothing I do goes unseen
so while I feel your stares
your disapproval
or your sigh of relief
if I lived by them
I’d never be able to move
would you like me to be smaller?
weaker?
softer?
taller?
would you like me to be quiet?
do my shoulders provoke you?
does my chest?
am I my stomach?
my hips?
the body I was born with
is it not what you wanted?
if I wear what is comfortable
I am not a woman
if I shed the layers
I’m a slut
though you’ve never seen my body
you still judge it
and judge me for it
why?
we make assumptions about people
based on their size
we decide who they are
we decide what they’re worth
if I wear more
if I wear less
who decides what that makes me?
what that means?
is my value based only on your perception?
or is your opinion of me
not my responsibility.
Original short film can be found here : https://youtu.be/ZlvfYmfefSI
