6. Song analysis: What Was I Made For? - Billie Eilish

1. Identity Crisis and Existential Questions:

   The opening lines set the tone for the song with the speaker expressing a sense of lost identity and purpose. The repetition of "What was I made for?" emphasizes a deep existential questioning about one's reason for existence and place in the world.

2. Illusion vs. Reality:

   The second verse delves into the theme of disillusionment. The speaker describes a moment of feeling idealized or admired ("Takin' a drive, I was an ideal") only to realize that it was a facade ("Turns out I'm not real"). This highlights the contrast between perception and reality, suggesting a struggle with authenticity.

3. Emotional Confusion and Hope:

   The chorus reflects the speaker's emotional turmoil ("I don't know how to feel / But I wanna try"). Despite the uncertainty, there's a glimmer of hope as they express a desire to understand and experience emotions fully, indicating a willingness to confront their inner conflicts and grow emotionally ("Someday, I might").

4. Loss of Joy and Hidden Pain:

   The bridge delves into the speaker's struggle with sadness and the loss of enjoyment ("When did it end? All the enjoyment / I'm sad again"). The mention of concealing their sadness from their partner adds layers to their emotional complexity, hinting at underlying pain and difficulty with vulnerability.

5. Yearning for Happiness and Authenticity:

   The final verse encapsulates the song's central themes of longing for happiness and authenticity. The speaker acknowledges feeling disconnected from happiness but remains hopeful about the possibility of rediscovering it ("Think I forgot how to be happy / Something I'm not, but something I can be"). This suggests a journey towards self-discovery and embracing one's true self.

Overall, "What Was I Made For" by Billie Eilish explores themes of identity, disillusionment, emotional turmoil, and the quest for authenticity and happiness. Through introspective lyrics and emotive vocals, the song captures the complexities of the human experience and offers a message of resilience and hope amidst uncertainty.