Meaning of "listen before i go" by Billie Eilish

"listen before i go" delves into the dark and heavy topic of suicide. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who is overwhelmed by their emotions, feeling as though they are on the brink of breaking or reaching their breaking point. The imagery of being on a rooftop and looking out at the world while "turning blue" suggests a desire to escape and possibly end their life. The repetition of the line "if you need me, you wanna see me, you better hurry cause I'm leaving soon" reveals the urgency and finality of their decision.

The chorus of the song centers around the concept of apologies or lack thereof. The speaker acknowledges that their actions may have consequences for those around them, as they say, "sorry can't save me now, sorry, I don't know how, sorry there's no way out but down." This shows a sense of resignation to their fate and a belief that no apology can change their circumstances. The phrase "but down" not only represents their impending demise but also serves as a metaphor for their emotional state. They feel as though they have hit rock bottom and there is no way out of their despair.

The verse that follows highlights the speaker's emotional pain with the mention of "salty tears on my cheeks" and a year-long headache. These physical manifestations of their inner turmoil further demonstrate the intensity of their emotions and the toll it has taken on their mental well-being. The line "I'm not okay, I feel so scattered" expresses their sense of disarray and feeling lost.

The final section of the song reveals the speaker's conflicted emotions regarding their loved ones. On one hand, they express a desire to have their friends told that they love them and will miss them. However, they also state that they are not sorry. This suggests a mix of guilt for leaving their loved ones behind and a belief that this decision is ultimately for the best. The repetition of the word "sorry" throughout the song adds to the theme of emotional turmoil and the struggle to articulate their feelings.

Overall, "listen before i go" delves into the dark and complex emotions surrounding suicide. It delves into the speaker's overwhelming sense of sadness and isolation, their conflicting emotions, and their final decision to end their life. The lyrics capture the raw and difficult topic with honesty and vulnerability, shedding light on the pain that can often be hidden beneath the surface.