In what seems to be a never-ending summer of chaos, grief, and isolation, 18-year-old Billie Eilish offers us a glimmer of hope, a light at the end of the tunnel, with her new song “my future” along with its accompanying music video. From releasing her debut single “Ocean Eyes” in 2015 to making history with her five wins at the 2020 Grammys (including all of the “Big Four” categories), Eilish never fails to stun her millions of fans around the world. Over the years, she and her brother Finneas O’Connell, who has helped write and produce many of her songs, have proven to be an unparalleled duo, and their single “my future,” recently released on July 30, is truly a testament to their talent.

Eilish’s electropop music usually brings to life her own struggles with mental health, inspired by the dark emotions she had experienced from a young age, which she confessed in an interview with Vogue. Though some may be opposed to her music, calling it “depressing”, what they are not aware of is the consolation she provides to those who are grappling with mental illnesses as well. She uses her platform to bring awareness to these problems that countless teens and adults face but that are often dismissed, as the stigma surrounding depression still plagues our society today. 

However, unlike her previous album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, Eilish’s new song “my future” is a sign of hope, a reflection of herself and how she has grown, and in current times, many others may be able to relate to it, too. As mentioned in the Esquire, Eilish wrote that “it has also taken on a lot of new meaning in the context of what’s happening in the world now.” Roughly five months into a pandemic and stay-at-home orders, uncertainty has become the new normal. Millions of people have lost their jobs. Hundreds of thousands have passed away. Social isolation, grief, and stress have brought on a decline in mental health. Everyone, everywhere, is in turmoil, with no idea as to when quarantine will come to an end and what will happen when it does. But for now, we find comfort in Eilish’s uplifting music.

While “my future” starts out like most of her other tracks, mysterious and melancholy, the beat changes halfway through to one of excitement and optimism, resembling her hope for a more promising future. The sorrowful lyrics mixed with a more upbeat melody mimic the confusion many of us may be experiencing. We want to believe that things will be better, yet we can’t help but feel lost. Eilish reminds us in an email that we have to believe that “the future is ours” and that “it’s up to us to change things now.” The chorus of the song, “I’m in love / With my future / Can’t wait to meet her,” encourages her fans to move forward not with fear, but with excitement.

Many other songs released during the pandemic display a similar message of hope. One Republic’s music video for “Better Days” depicts life during quarantine, including empty streets and news clips. Bon Jovi’s “Do What You Can” inspires others to do their part in making even the smallest contribution in times like these.

However, “my future” not only reflects on what is happening in the world around us, but it also expresses Eilish’s own feelings and how she has begun the journey of loving herself: “I know I’m supposed to be unhappy / Without someone / But aren’t I someone?” Eilish sings about how she is starting to fully accept and embrace herself, emphasizing that each and every one of us is a unique and beautiful person and that we need to find contentment within ourselves first. Fans are delighted to see Eilish’s happiness shine through in her music after she had opened up about her struggles with suicidal thoughts and mental health, which are evident in her previous song lyrics, such as “I wanna end me” and “Thought I could fly / So I stepped off the Golden.” Now, it seems as though Eilish truly wants to see what comes next for her, and she ends the song with a simple “I’ll see you in a couple years.” A stark contrast to her darker music, “my future” shows us a whole new, but still beautiful and honest, side of Eilish, a wildflower blooming through a crack in the concrete.

The animated music video for “my future,” released on the same day as the song itself, truly captures the many meanings behind the lyrics. Whether it’s about a growing hope for the future or someone learning to love themself, the music video paints a beautiful image of nature as it transforms from a rainy night to a magical, sunlit scene of blossoming trees and plants. With over 20 million views, the music video is a symbol of hope and change. Watching the darkness turn into sunlight and the branches extend into glorious trees while listening to Eilish’s soothing voice sparked an enthusiastic feeling within me, and I couldn’t help but smile at the fairytale-like landscape. “My future” gives us a much-needed break from the seemingly endless commotion in the world, reminding us that we just have to keep moving forward through this tunnel of fear and showing us the light ahead.

Schatz, L. (2020, July 30). Billie Eilish Returns with New Single “my future”: Stream [Digital image]. Retrieved August 20, 2020, from https://consequenceofsound.net/2020/07/stream-billie-eilish-my-future-single/