Musically, “CHIHIRO” is track that stands out for its atmospheric production and Eilish's haunting vocals. The song builds tension through slow, moody instrumentation, creating an immersive experience that mirrors the dreamlike and sometimes eerie nature of the film. The music video for the song also takes heavy visual cues from “Spirited Away”, emphasizing themes of transition and growth.
It’s a perfect example of how Eilish blends personal storytelling with broader cultural references, making it both relatable and visually compelling.
CHIHIRO
Billie Eilish Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When I come back around, will I know what to say?
Said you won't forget my name
Not today, not tomorrow
Kinda strange, feelin' sorrow
I got change (yup), you could borrow (borrow)
When I come back around, will I know what to say?
Not today, maybe tomorrow
Open up the door, can you open up the door?
I know you said before you can't cope with any more
You told me it was war, said you'd show me what's in store
I hope it's not for sure, can you open up the door?
Did you take
My love away
From me? Me
Me
Saw your seat at the counter when I looked away
Saw you turn around, but it wasn't your face
Said, "I need to be alone now, I'm takin' a break"
How come when I returned, you were gone away?
I don't, I don't know why I called
I don't know you at all
I don't know you
Not at all
I don't, I don't know why I called
I don't know you at all
I don't know you
Did you take
My love awayFrom me? Me
And that's when you found me
I was waitin' in the garden
Contemplatin', beg your pardon
But there's a part of me that recognizes you
Do you feel it too?
When you told me it was serious
Were you serious? Mm
They told me they were only curious
Now it's serious, mm
Open up the door, can you open up the door?
I know you said before you can't cope with any more
You told me it was war, said you'd show me what's in store
I hope it's not for sure, can you open up the door?
Wringing my hands in my lap
And they tell me it's all been a trap
And you don't know if you'll make it back
I said, "No, don't say that"
(Wringing my hands in my lap)
(And you tell me it's all been a trap)
(And you don't know if you'll make it back)
(But I said, "No, don't say that")
(Wringing my hands in my lap)
(Tell me it's all been a trap)
(Don't know if you'll make it back)
(Don't say that)
Hm, hm-hm
The lyrics of Billie Eilish's song "CHIHIRO" delve into themes of love, loss, confusion, and the struggle with communication and understanding in a relationship. The song starts with the singer questioning whether they will be able to express themselves effectively when they return, pondering if they will know what to say. There's a sense of uncertainty and apprehension in not being sure about their own emotions and how to navigate the complexities of the relationship. The repetition of "Not today, maybe tomorrow" hints at a constant state of indecision and hesitation.
The narrative then shifts to a scene where the singer is pleading for emotional connection, symbolized by the metaphor of opening the door. The other person seems distant and overwhelmed, unable to handle more emotional intensity. The mention of war and what's in store suggests a battle within the relationship, perhaps reflecting the conflicts and challenges they are facing. The uncertainty and fear of losing love are palpable in the question "Did you take my love away from me?", echoing the fear of abandonment and heartbreak.
As the song progresses, there is a realization of the distance that has grown between the singer and their partner. The imagery of seeing someone's seat but not their face and feeling abandoned when returning highlights the sense of disconnection and loneliness. The repetition of "I don't know you at all" conveys a profound sense of estrangement and the inability to truly understand the other person, despite the intimacy they once shared.
The final part of the song introduces a moment of recognition and reflection. The singer is in a state of contemplation, recognizing a familiar part of themselves in the other. There's a plea for understanding and seriousness in the relationship, questioning the intentions and sincerity of the other person. The repeated plea to open the door symbolizes a desire for emotional openness and transparency, a yearning to bridge the gap that has formed between them. The conflicting emotions of hope, despair, and uncertainty culminate in the poignant plea to hold on and not give up, despite the perceived traps and uncertainties in the relationship. The song leaves the listener with a sense of longing, unresolved feelings, and a search for connection amidst the chaos of love and loss.
Line by Line Meaning
To take my love away
Attempting to remove the love I once had for you
When I come back around, will I know what to say?
Questioning if I will have the right words when I return
Said you won't forget my name
Claiming that you will remember who I am
Not today, not tomorrow
Not forgetting my name either today or tomorrow
Kinda strange, feelin' sorrow
Feeling a mix of emotions, including sadness
I got change (yup), you could borrow (borrow)
I have some change that you can borrow
Open up the door, can you open up the door?
Asking for you to open the door
I know you said before you can't cope with any more
Acknowledging that you mentioned you have reached your limit
You told me it was war, said you'd show me what's in store
Declaring that you viewed our relationship as a battle and promised to reveal the outcome
Did you take
My love away
From me? Me
Me
Questioning if you removed my love from me
Saw your seat at the counter when I looked away
Noticing your absence when I glanced away
Saw you turn around, but it wasn't your face
Observing you from a different perspective
How come when I returned, you were gone away?
Wondering why you had disappeared when I came back
I don't, I don't know why I called
Admitting confusion about why I reached out to you
I don't know you at all
Not at all
Realizing that I don't truly know you
And that's when you found me
Describing the moment you discovered me
I was waitin' in the garden
Contemplatin', beg your pardon
Waiting in a garden area and lost in thought
Do you feel it too?
Asking if you share the same feeling
When you told me it was serious
Were you serious? Mm
Questioning the seriousness of your statement
They told me they were only curious
Now it's serious, mm
Initially dismissing it as mere curiosity before it became serious
Wringing my hands in my lap
Nervously twisting my hands in my lap
And they tell me it's all been a trap
Discovering that it was all a deceitful plan
And you don't know if you'll make it back
Facing uncertainty about returning
I said, "No, don't say that"
Expressing a refusal to accept negative thoughts
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Billie EIlish O'Connell, Finneas O'Connell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@arihantjain5186
It hurts to see an album this good lose all the grammy, it won every single nominations in my eyes
@YooYoo-ez9fh
Should’ve pushed this song more
@fernjxj1196
Fr last night was an absolute robbery at its finest
@uwemuhlig5549
Doesnt matter. Its the best album i know (i am 59 years old) - and she is the most streamed artist on the planet.
@dabaddiegabbi
i honestly dont care about the grammys at this point SHES SO TALENTED SHE DONT EVEN NEED ANY GRAMMYS!
@YooYoo-ez9fh
@fernjxj1196 I don’t think she got robbed the competition was stiff
@_timi_02
billie playing with her hair while singing and smiling into the camera looking absolutely gorgeous LIKE WHAT ABOUT OUR MENTAL HEALTH BILLIE 😩
@_Sumeyo_
Cause she has to serve face honey 😂
@sirius_Billiefan
yes.
@kirishimaswife-t3e
i love that playing with her hair helps her feel herself 😮💨😳