What Was I Made For? by Billie Eilish: A Deep Dive into the Song’s Essence and Impact

by Alex Harris

28th November, 2023

What Was I Made For? by Billie Eilish: A Deep Dive into the Song's Essence and Impact

The Convergence of Art and Emotion in Billie Eilish’s Latest Hit

Billie Eilish, known for her hauntingly beautiful voice and introspective songwriting, has once again captivated audiences with her latest single, What Was I Made For?

This track, a part of the Barbie movie soundtrack, marks a significant departure from the film’s generally upbeat tone, delving into a more melancholic and introspective realm.

Billie Eilish What Was I Made For song cover
Billie Eilish What Was I Made For song cover

The creation of What Was I Made For? is a tale of artistic spontaneity and emotional depth. Initially hesitant, Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas, the song’s producer, embarked on a journey that led to the birth of this poignant track.

As Eilish shared in a YouTube interview, the song’s first few lyrics, “I used to float, now I just fall down,” emerged organically, setting the tone for the rest of the piece.

Billie Eilish What Was I Made For Lyrics: A Search for Purpose

Billie Eilish’s What Was I Made For lyrics transcends its initial concept, transforming into a profound exploration of purpose and identity.

The lyrics of What Was I Made For, initially intended for a fictional character, unintentionally became a powerful mirror reflecting Eilish’s own struggles.

Lines like “I used to float, now I just fall down” paint a vivid picture of lost innocence and a yearning for a simpler time.

This sentiment is further emphasised by the repeated question, “What was I made for?”

This central question, echoing throughout the lyrics ofWhat Was I Made For, becomes a desperate plea for meaning and direction.

The chorus further delves into the emotional turmoil: “Cause I, I / I don’t know how to feel / But I wanna try / I don’t know how to feel / But someday I might / Someday I might.”

These lyrics expose a vulnerability and confusion about emotions, a desire to experience and understand them.

Despite the uncertainty, there’s a flicker of hope—the belief that someday these feelings might be unlocked.

The song isn’t just about personal struggles; it unexpectedly struck a chord with a wider audience, particularly young women.

Billie Eilish herself, referencing the fan videos inspired by the song, acknowledged the song’s ability to connect across “gender identities and generations from all over the world.” 

Lines like “Takin’ a drive, I was an ideal / Looked so alive, turns out I’m not real / Just something you paid for” resonated with the pressures and objectification faced by many women.

What Was I Made For became an anthem for women confronting internalised misogyny and societal expectations.

What Was I Made For lyrics raw honesty fostered a sense of shared experience and a call for self-acceptance.

While the path to purpose may be unclear, the song offers a glimmer of hope—the possibility of connection, understanding, and ultimately, discovering what we were truly made for.

Interestingly, as Billie Eilish revealed in an Apple Music interview, What Was I Made For lyrics, though written for a character, are a direct expression of her feelings, viewed through an objective lens.

This subconscious exploration highlights the universality of the themes explored in the song.

Chart Performance and Reception

Upon its release on July 13, 2023, What Was I Made For quickly made its mark on the music charts.

The song debuted at #34 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to a peak of #14, showcasing its widespread appeal and resonance with listeners.

The Musical Composition of What Was I Made For?

A Blend of Genres and Emotions

What Was I Made For by Billie Eilish is a masterful mix of pop and alternative genres, characterised by its melancholic tone.

Billie’s soft, breathy vocals glide over a minimalist and synthetic production, creating a dreamy and ethereal soundscape.

The song’s slow tempo and simple structure, featuring a repetitive chorus and a mood-shifting bridge, enhance its introspective nature.

The Use of Electronic and Orchestral Elements

The track employs electronic sounds and distorted effects, adding to its dreamlike quality.

Orchestral elements like strings and piano are woven in, bringing a dramatic and emotional depth to the song.

These components reflect not only Billie’s personal and artistic journey but also resonate with the theme and story of the Barbie movie.

The Song’s Meaning and Impact

A Reflection of Personal and Cinematic Narratives

What Was I Made For stands as a poignant exploration of Billie Eilish’s curiosity, doubt, sadness, and hope regarding her identity and purpose.

The song also mirrors Barbie’s spiritual journey in the movie as she discovers herself in the real world.

This dual narrative adds layers of meaning to the track, making it a powerful piece both within and outside the movie’s context.

The Emotional Resonance with Listeners

Billie Eilish’s ability to articulate deep emotions in her music has always been a hallmark of her artistry. 

What Was I Made For continues this tradition, offering listeners a window into her soul and a mirror for their own introspections.

The song’s success is a testament to its emotional depth and relatability.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of What Was I Made For

What Was I Made For by Billie Eilish, with its introspective lyrics and haunting melody, is more than just a soundtrack song; it’s a reflection of the human experience.

Its success on the charts and in the hearts of listeners worldwide speaks to the universal themes of self-discovery and emotional vulnerability that Billie Eilish so masterfully conveys.

Stream Billie Eilish What Was I Made For:

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Billie Eilish What Was I Made For Lyrics

Verse 1
I used to float, now I just fall down
I used to know, but I’m not sure now
What I was made for
What was I made for?

Verse 2
Takin’ a drive, I was an ideal
Looked so alive, turns out I’m not real
Just somethin’ you paid for
What was I made for?

Chorus
‘Cause I, I
I don’t know how to feel
But I wanna try
I don’t know how to feel
But someday, I might
Someday, I might

Post-Chorus
Mm, mm, ah
Mm, mm, mm

Verse 3
When did it end? All the enjoyment
I’m sad again, don’t tell my boyfriend
It’s not what he’s made for
What was I made for?

Chorus
‘Cause I, ’cause I
I don’t know how to feel
But I wanna try
I don’t know how to feel
But someday, I might
Someday, I might

Outro
Think I forgot how to be happy
Somethin’ I’m not, but somethin’ I can be
Somethin’ I wait for
Somethin’ I’m made for
Somethin’ I’m made for

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