BLUE Lyrics - Billie Eilish

Blue by Billie Eilish is a complex and emotional song with two distinct parts, "True Blue" and "Born Blue."

[Part I: TRUE BLUE]

[Intro]
Mm, mm, mm

Explanation of Intro
The intro sets a melancholic tone with a humming melody.

[Chorus]
I try to live in black and white, but I'm so blue
I'd like to mean it when I say I'm over you
But that's still not true (Blue)
And I'm still so blue, oh

Explanation of Chorus
The chorus establishes the central theme of the song: the narrator's lingering sadness over a lost relationship. Despite trying to move on ("I try to live in black and white"), she admits she's still "blue" and not over her ex. The repetition of "blue" emphasizes the depth of her emotions.

[Verse]
I thought we were the same
Birds of a feather, now I'm ashamed
I told you a lie, désolée, mon amour
I'm tryin' my best, don't know what's in store
Open up the door (Blue)
In the back of my mind, I'm still overseas
A bird in a cage, thought you were made for me

Explanation of Verse
The verse offers glimpses into the reasons for the breakup. The narrator mentions they thought they were similar ("Birds of a feather") but now feels ashamed. She confesses to lying ("I told you a lie") and expresses uncertainty about the future ("don't know what's in store"). The line "Open up the door" could be a metaphor for emotional vulnerability or a plea to rekindle the relationship. The overall feeling is one of regret and longing.

[Chorus]
I try (I'm not what) to live in black and white, but I'm so blue (But I'm not what you need)
I'd like (Not what you need) to mean it when I say I'm over you
But that's still not true, true
And I'm still so bluе (And it's not true)
I'm true blue, truе blue
I'm true blue
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Explanation of Chorus
The chorus establishes the central theme of the song: the narrator's lingering sadness over a lost relationship. Despite trying to move on ("I try to live in black and white"), she admits she's still "blue" and not over her ex. The repetition of "blue" emphasizes the depth of her emotions.

[Outro]
(Blue) Mm, mm, mm

Explanation of Outro
The outro mirrors the intro, reinforcing the melancholy mood.

[Part II: BORN BLUE]

[Intro]
Ah-ah
Ah-ah
Ah-ah
Ah-ah

Explanation of Intro
The intro to part two features a breathy, haunting melody, shifting the tone of the song.

[Verse 1]
You were born bluer than a butterfly
Beautiful and so deprived of oxygen
Colder than your father's eyes
He never learned to sympathize with anyone

Explanation of  Verse 1
This verse introduces a new character described as being "born bluer than a butterfly." The imagery of a butterfly suggests beauty but also fragility. The lack of oxygen implies a stifling or unhealthy environment. The reference to "colder than your father's eyes" hints at a possibly abusive or distant parental figure.

[Chorus]
I don't blame you
But I can't change you
Don't hate you (Don't hate you)
But we can't save you (But we can't save you)

Explanation of Chorus
The chorus expresses empathy for this person. The narrator acknowledges they can't change or save them ("I don't blame you/But I can't change you"). There's a sense of resignation ("Don't hate you/But we can't save you").

[Verse 2]
You were born reachin' for your mother's hands
Victim of your father's plans to rule the world
Too afraid to step outside
Paranoid and petrified of what you've heard

Explanation of Verse 2
This verse delves deeper into the character's background. They were isolated and fearful ("Victim of your father's plans...Too afraid to step outside"). The line "Paranoid and petrified of what you've heard" suggests a life shaped by negativity.

{Bridge}
But they could say the same 'bout me
I sleep 'bout three hours each night
Means only twenty-one a week now, now
And I could say the same 'bout you
Born blameless, grew up famous too
Just a baby born blue now, now

Explanation of Bridge
The bridge offers a surprising twist. The narrator reveals they can identify with the character's struggles ("But they could say the same 'bout me"). They share similar experiences of sleep deprivation ("I sleep 'bout three hours each night"). The line "Born blameless, grew up famous too" could be a reference to the pressures of fame. This creates a sense of shared vulnerability and challenges the initial distinction between the narrator and the other person.

[Chorus]
I don't blame you
But I can't change you
Don't hate you
But we can't save you

Explanation of Chorus
The chorus expresses empathy for this person. The narrator acknowledges they can't change or save them ("I don't blame you/But I can't change you"). There's a sense of resignation ("Don't hate you/But we can't save you").

{Bridge}
(Same 'bout me)
(I sleep 'bout three hours each night)
(Means only twenty-one a week now)
(Same 'bout me)
(I sleep 'bout three hours each night)
(Means only twenty-one a week now)
(Same 'bout me)
(I sleep 'bout three hours each night)
(Means only twenty-one a week now)
(Same 'bout me)
(I sleep 'bout three hours each night)
(Means only twenty-one a week now)
Ooh-ooh
It's over now
It's over now
It's over now
(Ah-ah-ah, ah)

Explanation of Bridge
The bridge offers a surprising twist. The narrator reveals they can identify with the character's struggles ("But they could say the same 'bout me"). They share similar experiences of sleep deprivation ("I sleep 'bout three hours each night"). The line "Born blameless, grew up famous too" could be a reference to the pressures of fame. This creates a sense of shared vulnerability and challenges the initial distinction between the narrator and the other person.

[Outro]
But when can I hear the next one?

Explanation of  Outro
The outro features a repetition of "It's over now" but it's unclear if it refers to the relationship or something else entirely. The song concludes with a question "But when can I hear the next one?" This creates a sense of mystery and leaves the listener wanting more.

OVERALL
Blue is a complex song that explores themes of heartbreak, empathy, and shared experiences. The two parts offer contrasting perspectives but ultimately connect through the narrator's vulnerability. The song's open ending leaves room for interpretation and invites the listener to consider the characters' emotional journeys.