“What Was I Made For?” is a song by Billie Eilish from the soundtrack to the 2023 film Barbie. The song was released on January 20, 2023, and it has been praised for its haunting melody and Eilish’s raw vocals.
The lyrics of “What Was I Made For?” explore the themes of existentialism and self-doubt. The song’s protagonist is feeling lost and unsure of their purpose in life. They question whether they are “real” or just “something you paid for.” They also express a sense of sadness and emptiness, wondering if they have “forgotten how to be happy.”
The song ends on a hopeful note, with the protagonist vowing to find their purpose in life. They say, “I don’t know how to feel, but someday, I might.”
What Was I Made For? (Lyrics)
[Verse 1]
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?
[Verse 2]
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?
[Chorus]
‘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
[Post-Chorus]
Mm, mm, ah
Mm, mm, mm
[Verse 3]
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?
[Chorus]
‘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
[Outro]
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
Analysis
The lyrics of “What Was I Made For?” are full of symbolism and ambiguity. The song’s protagonist is never explicitly named, and their gender is never revealed. This allows the song to be interpreted in a variety of ways.
Some listeners have interpreted the song as a metaphor for the experience of being a woman in a society that often objectifies and commodifies women. The song’s protagonist could be seen as a symbol of all women who have ever felt like they were “just something you paid for.”
Other listeners have interpreted the song as a more general exploration of existentialism. The song’s protagonist could be seen as a symbol of all people who have ever felt lost and unsure of their purpose in life.
Ultimately, the meaning of “What Was I Made For?” is up to the individual listener to decide. The song’s ambiguity is part of what makes it so powerful. It allows the song to resonate with a wide range of people who are all searching for their own answers to the question of “What was I made for?”
Conclusion
“What Was I Made For?” is a haunting and beautiful song that explores the themes of existentialism and self-doubt. The song’s raw vocals and haunting melody make it a powerful and moving listen. If you’re looking for a song that will make you think, “What was I made for?” then “What Was I Made For?” is definitely worth a listen.
here are some FAQs about the song “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish:
FAQs
Q: What is the meaning of the song “What Was I Made For?”
A: The meaning of the song is up to the individual listener to decide. However, the song’s lyrics have been interpreted in many different ways. Some people believe that the song is about Billie Eilish’s own struggles with depression and anxiety. Others believe that the song is about the existential crisis that many people experience in their twenties. Still others believe that the song is about the search for identity and purpose.
Q: What is the critical reception of the song “What Was I Made For?”
A: The song “What Was I Made For?” has been praised by music critics. Rolling Stone called the song a “haunting ballad” and said that it “captures the feeling of being lost and searching for purpose.” The Independent gave the song a 4 out of 5 star rating and said that it is “a beautiful and moving song about the search for identity.”
Q: What is the commercial success of the song “What Was I Made For?”
A: The song “What Was I Made For?” has been a commercial success. It reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and number 1 in Australia.
Q: What are some of the themes that the song “What Was I Made For?” explores?
A: The song “What Was I Made For?” explores the themes of loss, confusion, hope, purpose, identity, existential crisis, depression, anxiety, and the search for meaning.
Q: What are some of the lyrics that are most meaningful to you?
A: The lyrics that are most meaningful to me are:
- “I used to float, now I just fall down”
- “I used to know, but I’m not sure now”
- “What I was made for”
- “I don’t know how to feel”
- “But I wanna try”
- “Someday, I might”
These lyrics speak to the feeling of being lost and searching for purpose. They also express hope that one day, we will find our way.
Song Credits
Songwriters: Billie Eilish and FINNEAS
Producer: FINNEAS
Label: Atlantic Records
Album: Barbie
Release date: July 13, 2023
