you don't get me high anymore (feat. FINNEAS)
Billie Eilish
The Void of Escapism: Billie Eilish's 'you don't get me high anymore'
Billie Eilish's song 'you don't get me high anymore (feat. FINNEAS)' delves into the themes of disillusionment and the search for meaning in a world that feels increasingly empty. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who has become numb to the thrills and highs that once brought excitement and joy. The opening lines, 'I don't like stayin' at home / When the moon is bleeding red,' set a haunting tone, suggesting a sense of restlessness and unease. The imagery of waking up stoned in the backseat from a dream where teeth fall out—a common anxiety dream—further emphasizes a feeling of loss and instability.
The chorus, 'Nothing is fun / Not like before / You don't get me high anymore,' captures the essence of the song's message. It speaks to the diminishing returns of seeking pleasure and excitement, whether through substances, experiences, or relationships. The repetition of needing more to achieve the same effect ('Used to take one / Now it takes four') highlights the escalating nature of this pursuit and the eventual realization that these external sources of 'highs' are no longer fulfilling.
Throughout the song, there are references to a chaotic and surreal world, such as 'Runnin' through emergency rooms / Spinning wheels and ceiling fans' and 'Cadillac, Cadillac red / No hands on the steering wheel.' These lines evoke a sense of being out of control and disconnected from reality. The invitation to 'Walk with me to the end / Stare with me into the abyss' suggests a desire for companionship in facing the void, a shared experience of confronting the emptiness that has taken over. Ultimately, the song is a poignant reflection on the search for meaning and the realization that external sources of happiness may no longer suffice.