Billie Eilish's ilomilo: A Track That Tackles Death and Loneliness
Billie Eilish ilomilo: The Meaning Behind the Song
Billie Eilish is one of the most popular and influential singers of her generation. She has won multiple awards, including seven Grammys, for her unique and innovative music. One of her songs that has captivated fans and critics alike is ilomilo, from her debut album WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?. But what is the meaning behind this song? What inspired its title, lyrics, and sound? In this article, we will explore the story and significance of Billie Eilish ilomilo.
What is ilomilo?
Ilomilo is a word that combines the names of two characters, Ilo and Milo, from a 2010 puzzle video game of the same name. The game involves guiding the two characters through various levels, avoiding obstacles and enemies, and reuniting them at the end. The game is based on the concept of separation anxiety, which is also the main theme of Billie Eilish's song.
billie eilish ilomilo
The origin of the song title
According to Billie Eilish, she came up with the title of ilomilo after playing the game with her brother and collaborator, Finneas O'Connell. She said in an interview with DWDD:
"We played this game called ilomilo a lot when we were younger. It's this really cute game where there's these two little creatures that are in love or something. And they get lost in this world and they're trying to find each other. And it's really sad because they keep losing each other."
She also revealed that she pronounced the title as "ee-low-mee-low", instead of "eye-low-my-low", which is how most people say it.
The connection to the video game
The song ilomilo not only shares its name with the video game, but also some of its elements. For example, the song begins with a sound effect that resembles the start of a video game level. The song also features some electronic sounds and beats that evoke a retro gaming vibe. Moreover, the lyrics of the song reflect the gameplay and story of ilomilo, as Billie sings about losing and finding her lover, and fearing separation.
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What is the song about?
As mentioned earlier, ilomilo is about separation anxiety, which is a psychological condition that causes excessive fear or distress when being apart from someone or something that provides emotional security. In Billie's case, she expresses her anxiety about losing her lover, who may be either a romantic partner or a close friend.
The theme of separation anxiety
The chorus of ilomilo repeats the question "Where did you go?" several times, showing Billie's desperation and confusion about her lover's whereabouts. She also sings "I don't wanna be lonely" and "So tell me you'll come home", indicating her need for reassurance and comfort. She also pleads "Hurry, I'm worried" in the refrain, implying that she is anxious about something bad happening to her lover or their relationship.
The references to death and loss
One of the reasons why Billie is so afraid of separation is because she has experienced death and loss in her life. She sings "The friends I've had to bury / They keep me up at night" in the second verse, suggesting that she has lost some of her friends to suicide or other causes. She also mentions "The world's a little blurry / Or maybe it's my eyes" in the pre-chorus, implying that she is depressed or suicidal herself. She also uses metaphors like "The bittersweet between my teeth" and "The way I'll die unknown" to describe her pain and fear of being forgotten.
The personal experience of Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish has been open about her struggles with mental health, especially anxiety and depression. She has said in an interview with Rolling Stone that she has had panic attacks and nightmares since she was a child, and that she used to self-harm and have suicidal thoughts. She also revealed that she suffers from separation anxiety when she is away from her family or friends, and that she feels lonely and insecure in her relationships. She said:
"I have these dreams where I lose somebody, or where somebody leaves me, or where I'm left alone. And I wake up and I can't breathe, I can't talk, I can't move. And it's terrifying."
Therefore, ilomilo is a song that reflects Billie's personal experience and emotions, as well as her artistic expression.
How was the song made?
Ilomilo was written and produced by Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas O'Connell, who is also her main collaborator and co-writer. The song was recorded in Finneas' home studio in Los Angeles, California. The song was released on March 29, 2019, as part of Billie's debut album WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?.
The collaboration with Finneas O'Connell
Finneas O'Connell is not only Billie's brother, but also her best friend and musical partner. He has co-written and produced all of Billie's songs, as well as his own solo music. He has also won several awards for his work, including five Grammys. Finneas and Billie have a close and supportive relationship, and they often inspire each other with their ideas and creativity. Finneas said in an interview with Billboard:
"We have a really good time writing together. We're very honest with each other. We don't take anything personally. We just try to make the best song possible."
Finneas also said that he tries to capture Billie's vision and voice in his production, and that he adds his own touch to make the songs more interesting and dynamic.
The transition from bury a friend
Ilomilo is the 11th track on Billie's album, and it comes right after the 10th track, bury a friend. The two songs are connected by a seamless transition, where the last note of bury a friend becomes the first note of ilomilo. The transition also creates a contrast between the dark and haunting sound of bury a friend, which is about Billie's inner demons and nightmares, and the bright and upbeat sound of ilomilo, which is about Billie's love and anxiety. The transition also represents the shift from night to day, from sleep to wakefulness, from death to life.
The live performance and film version
Billie Eilish has performed ilomilo live several times, including at her world tour in 2020, before it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She usually performs the song with Finneas on guitar and backing vocals, and sometimes with a drummer and a keyboardist. She also interacts with the audience and encourages them to sing along with her.
In addition to the live performance, Billie Eilish also released a film version of ilomilo on YouTube on February 3, 2020. The film version is part of a short film called Not My Responsibility, which is an interlude that plays during Billie's concerts. The film features Billie wearing a black hoodie and slowly sinking into a dark pool of water, while reciting a monologue about body shaming and self-acceptance. The film then transitions into ilomilo, where Billie emerges from the water and sings the song underwater.
Why is the song popular?
Ilomilo is one of the most popular songs by Billie Eilish, with over 400 million streams on Spotify as of June 2021. The song has also received positive reviews from critics and fans alike, who praised its catchy melody, production, lyrics, and emotion. Some of the reasons why the song is popular are:
The catchy melody and production
Ilomilo has a catchy melody that sticks in the listener's mind. The song has a simple and repetitive structure, with four verses, four pre-choruses, four choruses, and one refrain. The song also has a catchy hook, which is the phrase "Where did you go?" that is repeated throughout the song. The song also has a catchy rhythm, which is created by the syncopated beats and the clapping sounds. The song also has a catchy sound, which is produced by the electronic instruments and effects, such as the synthesizers, the bass, the drums, and the distortion.
The relatable lyrics and emotions
Ilomilo also has relatable lyrics that express the universal emotions of love and anxiety. The song captures the feeling of missing someone and worrying about them, which is something that many people can relate to. The song also explores the themes of loneliness, insecurity, depression, an