Prey

Billie Eilish's song 'Prey' delves into the complexities of vulnerability, self-awareness, and the fear of external judgment. The opening lines, 'As long as you notice / I'm hoping that you'll keep your heart open,' set the tone for a plea for mutual openness and understanding. Eilish expresses a desire for emotional transparency, yet she also acknowledges the pain that comes with it, as indicated by the line, 'It all hurts, it all hurts just the same.' This duality of wanting to be open but fearing the hurt that may come from it is a central theme in the song.

The lyrics take a darker turn with the lines, 'Something is wrong, I can't explain / Everything changed when the birds came.' Here, Eilish introduces a metaphorical element, using 'birds' to symbolize an external force or event that disrupts her sense of normalcy. The birds could represent societal pressures, unexpected life changes, or even internal struggles that make her feel vulnerable and exposed. The line, 'You'll never know what they might do if they catch you too early,' suggests a fear of being judged or harmed before one is ready to face such scrutiny.

The song culminates in a powerful statement of self-awareness and the need for self-discovery: 'We need to find ourselves before someone else tells us how.' This line underscores the importance of understanding one's own identity and values before being influenced or defined by others. The closing sentiment, 'Something is off, I feel like prey, I feel like praying,' encapsulates the feeling of being hunted or targeted, coupled with a desperate need for solace and protection. Through 'Prey,' Billie Eilish masterfully captures the tension between vulnerability and the quest for self-identity, making it a poignant reflection on the human experience.