Billie Eilish Finds Comfort in Being Alone in ‘my future’

It’s fair to say that the music scene is feeling a little more whole now that Billie Eilish has resurfaced with a brand new single. Titled, ‘my future,’ Eilish kept her fans on their toes through the week with a slew of anime-esque teasers and snippets of the tune. And now that it has finally arrived, the song will take its time to digest. 

It opens with the gentle, sleepy notes of a piano which gradually eases into the young star’s characteristic vocals. Billie’s verses are rather fairytale-like and lulling, allowing fans to settle into this familiar territory. And then, just as you’re getting comfortable, ‘my future’ witnesses a sudden switch in pace with the introduction of quick-paced beats. Interestingly, the shift in pace also creates a change in mood, shaving off the melancholic edge to the song. It makes a refreshing turn away from some of Billie’s previous numbers. 

Billie Eilish Finds A Space to Grow

‘my future’ speaks of self-discovery as Billie finds a sense of comfort in her loneliness as it also provides her the space to grow. As seen in her previous numbers, the young star’s songwriting delivers once again. Her lyrics bring a strange cocktail of subtlety and an understanding of the self to the table. Take a look:

You check your complexion
To find your reflection’s all alone
I had to go
Can’t you hear me?
I’m not comin’ home
Do you understand?
I’ve changed my plans

‘Cause I, I’m in love
With my future
Can’t wait to meet her

Taking a page from Miyazaki’s book, the animation style in this music video is very reminiscent to that of ‘My Neighbour Totoro’ and ‘Spirited Away’. It features an animated version of Billie Eilish amid a rainy, lush landscape. Between gazing at the moon and dipping her fingers into puddles – the star seems to use this space to reflect. But when the shift in pace comes in, the landscape undergoes a similar change. As the sun comes out, flowers and vines bloom. And soon enough, Billie is lifted off her feet as a family of tangled vines push her towards the sky. It seems as though all her worries and anxieties over her future are washed away by the light of day. 

While there’s no clarity as to whether ‘my future’ will land on an upcoming album, for now, we can simply witness Billie take her time to grow. 

By: Nina Karun