Amidst melancholic notes and introspective verses, “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish stands as a poignant reflection on self-discovery and one’s place in the world. Featured as the soundtrack for the Barbie movie, the song transcends the boundaries of the film to assume a universal dimension, touching deep chords within the listener’s soul.
From the very title, “What Was I Made For?”, an existential question arises that permeates the entire song. Eilish questions her purpose, her role in life, confessing a sense of bewilderment and confusion. The lines “Think I forgot / How to be happy” reveal a profound inner malaise, a struggle to find joy in life.
The singer describes a contrast between how she feels now and how she felt in the past. Once happy and carefree, she now finds herself trapped in a cage of doubts and uncertainties. The pressure to conform to expectations and the constant search for external approval lead her to question her very identity.
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The music video directed by Eilish herself amplifies the song’s message. We see her in a surreal and dystopian world, trapped in a series of claustrophobic scenes that reflect her tormented state of mind. The use of dark colors and soft lighting creates an oppressive atmosphere, underscoring the singer’s isolation and loneliness.
However, amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerges. Eilish sings “Something I’m not / But something I can be / Something I wait for / Something I’m made for”. These words suggest a desire for redemption, a willingness to find herself and her place in the world.
“What Was I Made For?” does not offer definitive answers, but invites deep introspection. It is an invitation to confront one’s insecurities and fears, to seek one’s purpose in life. Eilish’s song is a powerful reminder that all of us, regardless of who we are or what we do, have something special to offer the world.
With its haunting melody and evocative lyrics, “What Was I Made For?” confirms itself as an introspective masterpiece. A song that not only represents an important milestone in Billie Eilish’s artistic journey but also resonates with anyone who has ever questioned their own existence.
