The song continued Billie Eilish’s award-winning streak, earning her both the Grammy for Song of the Year and Best Song Written for Visual Media, as well as her second Oscar for Best Original Song. These prestigious honors highlight the song’s emotional depth and resonance, cementing Eilish’s place as one of the most influential artists of her generation.
What Was I Made For?
Billie Eilish Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I used to know but I'm not sure now
What I was made for
What was I made for?
Takin' a drive, I was an ideal
Looked so alive, turns out I'm not real
Just something you paid forWhat was I made for?
'Cause I, I
I don't know how to feel
But I wanna try
I don't know how to feel
But someday, I might
Someday, I might
When did it end? All the enjoyment
I'm sad again, don't tell my boyfriend
It's not what he's made for
What was I made for?
'Cause I, 'cause I
I don't know how to feel
But I wanna try
I don't know how to feel
But someday I might
Someday I might
Think I forgot how to be happy
Something I'm not, but something I can be
Something I wait for
Something I'm made for
Something I'm made for
In the song "What Was I Made For?" by Billie Eilish, the lyrics explore a sense of confusion and uncertainty about one's purpose and identity. The opening lines, "I used to float, now I just fall down, I used to know but I'm not sure now," suggest a loss of direction and a feeling of being adrift. The phrase "What I was made for, what was I made for?" reflects a longing to understand one's true purpose in life.
The lyrics further express a sense of disconnection and questioning the authenticity of one's existence. The lines "Looked so alive, turns out, I'm not real, just something you paid for" suggest a realization that the singer's previous perception of themselves was not genuine or authentic. This realization may stem from feeling like a product or something that others expect them to be, rather than being true to themselves.
The chorus, with the repeated line "I don't know how to feel, but I wanna try, someday I might," expresses a desire for emotional clarity and growth. The singer acknowledges their uncertainty and lack of understanding about their emotions but holds onto the hope that one day they will figure it out.
As the song continues, there is an admission of sadness and a reluctance to share these feelings with the singer's boyfriend, as they feel it is not what he was made for. This suggests a fear of burdening others with their emotions and a desire to maintain a facade of happiness.
The final lines, "Think I forgot how to be happy, something I'm not, but something I can be, something I wait for, something I'm made for," convey a longing to rediscover happiness and an understanding that, although the singer may not currently feel happy, they believe it is something they have the potential to be. It highlights the idea that happiness is something they are meant to experience.
Overall, the song delves into the complex emotions of uncertainty, identity, and the search for purpose. It explores the idea that we may not always know our true purpose or how to navigate our emotions, but there is a hope for growth and the possibility of finding happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
I used to float, now I just fall down
I used to have a carefree, enjoyable life, but now I feel overwhelmed and helpless.
I used to know but I'm not sure now
I used to have a clear sense of purpose, but now I feel confused and uncertain.
What I was made for
What is my true purpose or reason for existence?
What was I made for?
What is the purpose of my existence? Why am I here?
Takin' a drive, I was an ideal
Going for a drive, I pretended to be perfect or ideal.
Looked so alive, turns out, I'm not real
I appeared lively and vibrant, but in reality, I am lacking authenticity.
Just something you paid for
I am merely someone you invested in or bought into.
What was I made for?
Why was I created? What is my purpose?
'Cause I, I
I don't know how to feel
But I wanna try
I don't know how to feel
But someday I might
Someday I might
I am unsure of my emotions and how to experience them, but I am willing to make an effort. Although I am currently uncertain, I might eventually learn.
When did it end? All the enjoyment
At what point did the happiness and pleasure I once experienced come to an end?
I'm sad again, don't tell my boyfriend
I am feeling sad once more, but I don't want my boyfriend to know about it.
It's not what he's made for
My boyfriend is not meant to deal with my emotional struggles or provide constant happiness for me.
What was I made for?
What is my true purpose? Why do I exist?
'Cause I, 'cause I
I don't know how to feel
But I wanna try
I don't know how to feel
But someday I might
Someday I might
I am still uncertain about my emotions, but I am willing to make an effort to understand and experience them. Although I currently lack this knowledge, there is a possibility that I will learn in the future.
Think I forgot how to be happy
I believe I have lost the ability to experience happiness.
Something I'm not, but something I can be
I am not currently in a state of happiness, but I have the potential to achieve it.
Something I wait for
Happiness is something I anticipate and hope for.
Something I'm made for
I am meant to experience happiness. It is part of my purpose or destiny.
Something I'm made for
Happiness is an essential part of my existence. It is what I am meant to experience.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Billie Eilish O'Connell, Finneas Baird O'Connell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@PeetMontzingo
can we talk about her perfect vocals on this🥺
@swavnasahoo711
Yes!
@Scandalous_behavior
@PeetMontzingo do you like Black men? If so, I’m single…👀
@cupcaketwinsplaytimevlogs8645
Omg hi Pete lol didn’t know u liked Billie eilish
@ella_marie8
Pete?!?!
@treyes5448
❤😭So beautiful and meaningful in many different ways. Thank you Billie🙏🏼❤
@jasalorduno2803
I think it was such a beatiful touch that all the outfits were hers from all the stages in her career when she was struggling. It felt ten times more personal. She wasn't just singing she was talking to us.
@juliomendesn
yeah, i can felt this too
@carter43758
What a great fucking catch
@A.B_equestrian
PERSONALLY TOO❤😭😭😭