Meaning of "hostage" by Billie Eilish

The lyrics of "hostage" depict a complex and intense desire for intimacy and connection. The narrator expresses a longing to be alone with the person they deeply care about, although their obsession with possessing the other person's soul and hiding them away suggests an unhealthy and possessive desire. This desire is further emphasized by the description of wanting to build a wall and give the person a ball and chain, implying the desire for control and dominance in the relationship.

The lyrics reveal a conflicted emotional state as the narrator acknowledges their uncertainty about what is true and right, but still wants the other person to stay. This ambivalence suggests a fear of being vulnerable and hurt, as the person acknowledges that love can be both fake and painful. The repeated use of the metaphor of gold in various forms (fingertips, lips, chain) symbolizes the value and preciousness the person holds for the narrator. The juxtaposition of gold being both beautiful and fake represents the contradictory nature of love and the potential for it to be deceptive and hurtful.

Overall, "hostage" explores the themes of possessiveness, desire for control, and fear of vulnerability in a relationship. The lyrics portray a heightened intensity and passion, grounded in the conflicting emotions of love and fear. The song captures the complexity of human relationships and the vulnerabilities that can arise when we open ourselves up to someone, reflecting the yearning for connection and the fear of being hurt that many individuals experience.