The lyrics of "Getting Older" also touch upon the difficulty of healing from past traumas, highlighting the emotional baggage that individuals carry with them as they navigate the complexities of adulthood. The song provides a raw and honest portrayal of the internal battles faced by young people, emphasizing the importance of addressing and overcoming past wounds.
Another aspect explored in the song is the fear of becoming bored with life, a sentiment that resonates with the existential concerns many individuals grapple with during the process of maturation. "Getting Older" captures the essence of the uncertainty and apprehension that can accompany the prospect of facing a future that may not unfold as expected.
Through its introspective lyrics and contemplative tone, "Getting Older" emerges as a poignant reflection on the challenges inherent in the transition to adulthood. Billie Eilish's ability to convey these complex emotions contributes to the song's relatability, making it a resonant piece for listeners navigating their own paths through the complexities of growing up.
Getting Older
Billie Eilish Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I wish someone had told me, I'd be doin' this by myself
There's reasons that I'm thankful, there's a lot I'm grateful for
But it's different when a stranger's always waitin' at your door
Which is ironic 'cause the strangers seem to want me
More than anyone before (anyone before)
Too bad they're usually deranged
Last week, I realized I crave pity
When I retell a story, I make everything sound worse
Can't shake the feeling that I'm just bad at healing
And maybe that's the reason every sentence sounds rehearsed
Which is ironic, because when I wasn't honest
I was still bein' ignored (lyin' for attention just to get neglection)
Now we're estranged
Things I once enjoyed
Just keep me employed now
Things I'm longing for
Someday, I'll be bored of
It's so weird
That we care so much until we don't
I'm gettin' older, I've got more on my shoulders
But I'm gettin' better at admitting when I'm wrong
I'm happier than ever, at least that's my endeavor
To keep myself together and prioritize my pleasure
'Cause to be honest, I just wish that what I promise
Would depend on what I'm given (not on his permission, wasn't my decision)
To be abused, mm
Things I once enjoyed
Just keep me employed now, mm
Things I'm longing for, mm
Someday, I'll be bored of
It's so weird
That we care so much until we don't
But next week, I hope I'm somewhere laughing
For anybody asking, I promise I'll be fine
I've had some trauma, did things I didn't wanna
Was too afraid to tell ya, but now I think it's time
In "Getting Older," Billie Eilish reflects on the complexities of getting older and becoming more independent. She acknowledges the positives in her life, but also expresses the difficulties she faces, such as increased attention from strangers and the pressure to constantly perform. Eilish confesses that she craves pity at times, and admits that she struggles with healing and feeling like she’s bad at it. She also touches on the irony of how when she was being dishonest in the past, she was being ignored, but now that she’s being more honest, she’s feeling estranged. She speaks of how things she once enjoyed, like her music career, now keep her employed, but she’s starting to long for new experiences.
As the song progresses, Eilish becomes more introspective and optimistic; she recognizes that she’s getting better at admitting her mistakes and prioritizing her happiness. She also reveals that she has faced trauma and difficult experiences in her past, but wants to move forward with resilience, hoping to find joy and laughter in the future. Overall, the song is a testament to Eilish’s journey in growing up and finding her own path in the music industry, while also reflecting on the more complex and challenging aspects of adulthood.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gettin' older, I think I'm agin' well
As I grow older, I feel that I am maturing gracefully.
I wish someone had told me, I'd be doin' this by myself
I regret not being warned about facing this journey alone.
There's reasons that I'm thankful, there's a lot I'm grateful for
I can recognize and appreciate the things that bring me joy and fulfillment.
But it's different when a stranger's always waitin' at your door
Dealing with constant attention and unwanted admiration from strangers takes a toll on me.
Which is ironic 'cause the strangers seem to want me
It's paradoxical that strangers desire me more than anyone else in my life.
More than anyone before (anyone before)
Too bad they're usually deranged
Unfortunately, these strangers are often mentally unstable and pose a threat to my safety.
Last week, I realized I crave pity
I recently discovered that I have a desire for sympathy and attention.
When I retell a story, I make everything sound worse
I tend to exaggerate my experiences in order to gain empathy from others.
Can't shake the feeling that I'm just bad at healing
And maybe that's the reason every sentence sounds rehearsed
I feel incapable of recovering from my emotional wounds, leading to my repetitive and artificial expressions.
Which is ironic, because when I wasn't honest
I was still bein' ignored (lyin' for attention just to get neglection)
Interestingly, even when I lied for attention, I was still being overlooked by others.
Now we're estranged
As a result, my relationships with others have become distant and disconnected.
Things I once enjoyed
Just keep me employed now
The activities I used to find pleasure in have now become my source of income.
Things I'm longing for
Someday, I'll be bored of
The things I am currently desiring will eventually lose their appeal as time goes on.
It's so weird
That we care so much until we don't
It's strange how we can be invested in something one moment and then indifferent to it the next.
I'm gettin' older, I've got more on my shoulders
But I'm gettin' better at admitting when I'm wrong
As I age, I am faced with more responsibilities and burdens, but I am improving in taking accountability for my mistakes.
I'm happier than ever, at least that's my endeavor
To keep myself together and prioritize my pleasure
Currently, I am striving to maintain my happiness and wellbeing by keeping myself composed and fulfilling my own desires.
'Cause to be honest, I just wish that what I promise
Would depend on what I'm given (not on his permission, wasn't my decision)
To be abused, mm
Honestly, I want my commitments to be based on what I receive, rather than being controlled by someone else's authority. I did not choose to be mistreated.
Next week, I hope I'm somewhere laughing
For anybody asking, I promise I'll be fine
I hope to be in a better state of mind next week, and I want to assure others that I am okay.
I've had some trauma, did things I didn't wanna
Was too afraid to tell ya, but now I think it's time
I have gone through some traumatic experiences and made choices I didn't want to. I was scared to share this information with you, but now I believe it's necessary.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Billie Eilish O'Connell, Finneas Baird O'Connell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@HDpiano
Damn, Billie. Got it here.
@SyariqulAlif
@blv wowww looks like nobody gives a f
@bummie
@blv ok
@JuditaHoffman.
@blv
No problem whatsoever. 🙄
@ndlfangirl538
Subscribe to the NDL and Niko Omilana or you really are a schmuck
@pompompurinsbutthole
@blv i won’t
@BruhANTXD
This album gonna break the internet
@sk8er930
YUP
@shashwatisultanaenglish3393
Hella yess
@billiesdearestjack988
heck yeah