The song 'Everything I Wanted' by Billie Eilish and Finneas was inspired by a dream about jumping off a building, showcasing their close creative partnership.
'Everything I Wanted' evolved from a darker reflection to a message of gratitude, depicting Billie's personal growth and mental health journey.
Deep dives
Creation of 'Everything I Wanted'
The song 'Everything I Wanted' by Billie Eilish and Finneas was born from a dream Billie had about jumping off a building and the aftermath. The songwriting process started after discussing this eerie dream, highlighting their close creative partnership. The instrumental pieces were carefully crafted, incorporating unique elements like side chain compression on the piano. The emotional depth and personal significance of the song were evident in their collaborative effort.
Evolution of the Song
Initially written during a darker period, 'Everything I Wanted' evolved into a reflection on companionship and love, emphasizing the bond between Billie and Finneas. The song's progression mirrored Billie's personal growth and mental health journey. Exploring themes of fame, depression, and support, the song's narrative shifted from a darker place to a message of gratitude and resilience. Billie's vulnerability and honesty in the lyrics added a layer of authenticity to the song.
Musical Elements and Finalization
The intricate production of the song involved meticulous attention to detail, such as layering vocals and manipulating sound textures to enhance the emotional impact. The evolution of the songwriting process and the incorporation of personal experiences into the lyrics added depth and relatability to 'Everything I Wanted'. The completion of the song marked a significant emotional and creative journey for Billie and Finneas, culminating in a message of perseverance and self-discovery.
Billie Eilish started releasing music when she was 14 years old. Her debut album came out last year, when she was 17. It debuted at Number 1 on Billboard, went triple platinum, and won five Grammys. Billie made that record with her brother and creative partner, producer Finneas O’Connell, in their parents’ house in Highland Park, Los Angeles.
While working on that album, they also started writing this song, “Everything I Wanted,” which came out as a single in November 2019. It was Billie’s second top ten hit, and it went double platinum, too. In this episode, you’ll hear some of the original voice memos Billie and Finneas made while writing, and the two of them explain why the song was almost never finished.