This song by Billie Eilish has been on repeat in my headphones while working on the research project. Read more to see how it inspired me!
“The Greatest” by Billie Eilish Song Lyrics
“[Verse 1]
I’m trying my best
To keep you satisfied
Let you get your rest
While I stayed up all night
[Pre-Chorus]
And you don’t wanna know
How alone I’ve been
Let you come and go
Whatever state I’m in, ah
[Chorus]
Man, am I the greatest?
My congratulations
All my love and patience
All my admiration
All the times I waited
For you to want me naked
Made it all look painless
Man, am I the greatest?
[Verse 2]
Doing whats right
Without a reward
And we don’t have to fight
When it’s not worth fighting for (fighting for), mm
[Pre-Chorus]
And you don’t wanna know (know)
What I would’ve done (done), hm
Anything at all
Worse than anyone
[Chorus] (see above)
[Outro]
Man, am I the greatest?
God, I hate it
All my love and patience
Unappreciated
You said your heart was jaded
You couldn’t even break it
I shouldn’t have to say it
You could’ve been the greatest” (Billie Eilish – the greatest, n.d.)
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REVIEW
I was listening to this song while reading articles, and I realized the lyrics really inspired me. This is an angry romance song that discusses the singer feeling as though she is giving more to the relationship than their partner. However, what is interesting about this is the deeply internal conflicts the narrator has over this fact. She acknowledges the lack of sleep and the unequal treatment, while also making fun of herself for being in the situation in the first place. The chorus is sarcastic, asking for praise for doing the minimum in participating in the relationship. This might seem like a stretch, but this form of self-congratulation is something that spoke to me when considering the perspective of people who clean up after themselves in public. It’s something that you should do, it isn’t that much effort, but you do not get praise for doing so. Others may not be doing it, so your only real form of praise comes from the self. Is that something I can capitalize on in my project or design something to circumvent that feeling of loneliness and lack of appreciation?
REFERENCES
Billie Eilish. (2024, May 17). Billie Eilish – THE GREATEST (Official Lyric Video). Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkdQhfDRBKs
Billie Eilish – the greatest. Genius. (n.d.). https://genius.com/Billie-eilish-the-greatest-lyrics
