In a revealing interview with Rolling Stone for her May 2024 cover story, Billie Eilish shares how her new song “Lunch” became a pivotal moment in her journey toward understanding her sexuality.
The song will feature on her upcoming third studio album, Hit Me Hard and Soft.
Unpacking “Lunch”: A Song of Self-Discovery
Billie Eilish, the Grammy-winning artist, described the creative process behind “Lunch” as eye-opening. “That song was actually part of what helped me become who I am, to be real,” Eilish revealed to Rolling Stone.
She started writing the song before exploring her feelings fully, finishing it as her understanding of her attractions became clearer. “I wrote some of it before even doing anything with a girl, and then wrote the rest after,” she explained.
The song’s lyrics metaphorically compare her crush to an all-consuming meal, encapsulating the intensity of her feelings. “Lunch” reflects a turning point for Eilish, as she embraced her attraction to women, a revelation that came to full realization last year. “I’ve been in love with girls for my whole life, but I just didn’t understand—until, last year, I realized I wanted my face in a vagina,” Eilish candidly shared.
Related | Reneé Rapp Calls Out Haters: “If I Say I’m a Lesbian I Am a Lesbian”
Navigating Public Relationships and Personal Revelations
Eilish’s personal life, particularly her relationships, has often been under media scrutiny. Her last known relationship was with singer-songwriter Jesse Rutherford, which ended in early 2023. Despite the public nature of their breakup, confirmed exclusively by Page Six, they remained good friends.
The discussion of Eilish’s sexuality has been a sensitive topic. She expressed frustration over the focus on her personal life rather than her music or other aspects of her career. “It’s really frustrating,” Eilish noted, referring to the unwelcome attention her personal revelations have received.
Dealing with Unwanted Labels and Expectations
Eilish’s experience with her sexuality becoming a public talking point was further complicated by a red-carpet incident where she felt outed.
In a 2023 Variety interview, Eilish expressed her attraction to women but admitted feeling intimidated. Later, on the red carpet, she responded to Variety’s inquiries about whether her earlier statements were meant as a coming out.
“I didn’t [know I was coming out], but I kinda thought, wasn’t it obvious?” she told the reporter. “I didn’t realize people didn’t know.”
After reflecting on her response, Eilish said she felt exploited by the whole interaction.
“I went into Billie Eilish interview mode, [like], ‘Oh, I don’t care. Yeah, I’ll say whatever. Wasn’t it obvious?’ And then afterwards I was like, ‘Wait. It wasn’t obvious to me.’”
She acknowledged the mixed feelings it provoked. “I’m lucky enough to be in a time when I’m able to say something like that and things go OK for me,” she said, acknowledging that not everyone’s experience with such revelations is as forgiving.
The singer emphasized the importance of self-identity and the pressure to conform to labels. “Nobody should be pressured into being one thing or the other, and I think that there’s a lot of wanting labels all over the place,” Eilish argued. She advocated for personal growth and finding oneself at one’s own pace, criticizing the internet culture for bullying individuals about their personal identities.
Behind Billie’s New Album
As Billie Eilish prepares to release Hit Me Hard and Soft on May 17, she continues to navigate her path as an artist and individual. Her openness in discussing her journey offers fans a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of her life, making her music all the more resonant with those who follow her. With “Lunch” and the new album, Eilish shares her music and her narrative of coming into her own.
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