What Was I Made For? – Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish has become one of the most influential voices in modern pop music, known for her haunting vocals, introspective lyrics, and the ability to tap into the emotional undercurrents of a generation. Her song “What Was I Made For?” is no exception. Released alongside its official music video, this track serves as a profound exploration of self-discovery, purpose, and the existential questions that often plague the human experience. The song is part of the soundtrack for the highly anticipated movie “Barbie” (2023), directed by Greta Gerwig, which adds another layer of meaning to the already introspective track.

The Song: A Journey Through Vulnerability and Reflection
At its core, “What Was I Made For?” is a delicate, piano-driven ballad that delves into themes of purpose, identity, and the search for meaning. The song’s minimalistic production, which primarily features Eilish’s voice accompanied by a soft piano, allows the emotional weight of the lyrics to take center stage. This stripped-down approach is a departure from some of her previous work, which often includes more complex production elements. Here, Eilish chooses to focus on the raw emotions, making the song feel intimate and deeply personal.

The lyrics of “What Was I Made For?” are a poignant reflection of the internal struggles that many people face, particularly during periods of transition or self-doubt. Eilish’s delivery is tender and vulnerable, almost as if she’s whispering her thoughts directly into the listener’s ear. Lines like “I used to float, now I just fall down / I used to know but I’m not sure now” capture the uncertainty and confusion that often accompany the search for purpose. This resonates with listeners who have experienced similar feelings, making the song a mirror for their own emotions.

The Music Video: Visual Poetry
The official music video for “What Was I Made For?” is a masterful piece of visual storytelling that complements the song’s themes of introspection and existential questioning. Directed by Billie Eilish herself, the video is both simple and profound, utilizing minimalistic settings to convey complex emotions.

The video features Eilish dressed in a vintage-inspired outfit reminiscent of the Barbie doll aesthetic, sitting at a small table in an empty, brightly lit room. On the table are miniature versions of iconic outfits from her career, each representing different stages of her artistic journey. As the video progresses, Eilish carefully examines each piece, only to find that they gradually lose their structure and fall apart. This symbolic act of dismantling these objects reflects the disillusionment and questioning of one’s purpose—a central theme in both the song and the “Barbie” movie.

The visual metaphor of the disintegrating outfits can be interpreted in multiple ways. It could represent the pressure Eilish feels as an artist to maintain a certain image, or it might symbolize the fleeting nature of success and identity in the music industry. The video ends with Eilish closing the suitcase that holds these fragments of her past, leaving the room with a contemplative expression. This final act can be seen as a gesture of acceptance, acknowledging that the search for purpose is ongoing and that it’s okay to not have all the answers.

Connection to “Barbie”: A Deeper Layer of Meaning
“What Was I Made For?” was specifically written for the “Barbie” movie, directed by Greta Gerwig, which adds another layer of meaning to the song. The film, which explores themes of self-identity, societal expectations, and the concept of perfection, is a fitting backdrop for Eilish’s introspective track. The idea of a Barbie doll, an object designed to embody perfection and idealized beauty, juxtaposed with Eilish’s existential questioning, creates a powerful commentary on the pressures faced by individuals—especially women—to conform to certain standards.

In the context of the “Barbie” movie, “What Was I Made For?” can be seen as a reflection on the protagonist’s journey toward self-realization and breaking free from the mold that society has created for her. The song echoes the movie’s exploration of what it means to be perfect and whether that perfection is something worth striving for, or if it’s merely a facade that hides deeper, more authentic desires and truths.

Reception and Impact: A Song for the Soul
Upon its release, “What Was I Made For?” was met with widespread acclaim from both critics and fans. Many praised the song’s emotional depth and Eilish’s ability to convey complex feelings with simplicity and grace. The track’s introspective nature struck a chord with listeners, particularly those who have grappled with similar questions about purpose and identity.

The music video also garnered significant attention for its artistic direction and symbolic storytelling. Fans and commentators alike have dissected the visual elements, offering various interpretations of the video’s meaning. Some have even connected the video’s themes to Eilish’s personal journey as an artist, noting how the song and video reflect her growth and the challenges she has faced in the public eye.

“What Was I Made For?” has also sparked conversations about the pressures of fame and the impact it can have on one’s sense of self. Eilish, who has been open about her struggles with mental health and the challenges of growing up in the spotlight, uses this song to express the vulnerability that comes with questioning one’s purpose. This has resonated with a wide audience, making the song not just a soundtrack to a movie, but an anthem for anyone navigating their own journey of self-discovery.

Conclusion: A Timeless Reflection
Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” is more than just a song; it’s a powerful exploration of the human condition. Through its haunting melody, introspective lyrics, and evocative music video, the track delves into the complexities of identity, purpose, and the search for meaning in an increasingly chaotic world. Whether experienced as part of the “Barbie” movie or as a standalone piece of art, “What Was I Made For?” offers listeners a moment of reflection, encouraging them to ask themselves the same question that Eilish so poignantly poses. In doing so, the song solidifies its place as a timeless piece in Eilish’s already impressive catalog, resonating with anyone who has ever wondered about their place in the world.

Lyrics:
I used to float, now I just fall down
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 somethin’ you paid for
What 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

Mm, mm, ah
Mm, mm, mm

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
Somethin’ I’m not, but somethin’ I can be
Somethin’ I wait for
Somethin’ I’m made for
Somethin’ I’m made for