Moving forward, Eilish warns the audience against longing for isolation, suggesting that aiming for unattainable ideals may further strain oneself. As she transitions from providing discomfort, she informs that the listener should “not get too close to stars / They’re never gonna give you love like ours.” “Stars” is used metaphorically here to represent seemingly idealistic yet superficial relationships; by contrasting the distance of “stars” with the intimacy of “love like ours,” she implies that perfect bonds, too, can break. After challenging the nature of humans anxiously searching for distant connections, she provides the audience with after-effects: “Where did you go? I should know, but it’s cold. And I don’t wanna be lonely. So show me the way home.” Elucidating the nature of true love in a technological era, she continues to lament about the absence of her loved one and pleads for them to come back. She reflects on her intense fear, anxiety, and persistence common among a younger generation. Eilish further posits that regret and consequence often overwhelm lonely and anxious people, as these emotions result from each other. Introducing these emotions subsequently she sings, “I tried not to upset you. Let you…rescue…me the day I met you. I just wanted to protect you.” The consequences of failing to protect love in a modern isolationist society feels clearly illustrated within these final lines. Overcome with guilt and anxiety, she’s consumed in regret and a recurring sense of missed opportunities that continue to affect her life. Another effect of loneliness, she moves into denial: “So tell me you’ll come home. Even if it’s just a lie.” Eilish shows a willingness to accept false assurances, implying that a result of modern connection has led to the acceptance of falsehood over chagrin. That desperate need during the loneliest times, a desire for connection regardless of authenticity, further clarifies the song’s commentary on loneliness. Ultimately, it becomes apparent that Billie Eilish’s sophisticated and evocatively insightful writing about the lives of today’s youth seeks to demonstrate a poignant critique of human connection, overwhelming her audience with anxiety as they join her in the traumatic journey of “ilomilo.” Eilish beautifully weaves lyrical imagery with an airy minimalism, effectively bringing a pervasive anxiety to life and asking the listener to consider whether a modern relationship provides true intimacy.
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