Meaning of "party favor" by Billie Eilish

"Party Favor" by Billie Eilish explores the narrator's frustrations with someone who constantly desires what they do not or cannot have. The opening voicemail suggests that the narrator wants to have a serious conversation with this person, indicating a possible romantic connection. However, she quickly changes her mind, stating that they should forget it due to the possibility of their number being blocked. This implies that the relationship has reached a point of tension and miscommunication, where the narrator doesn't believe the person will be receptive to her attempt at resolving their issues.

The repetition of the phrase "Stay" and "bla bla bla" emphasizes the person's persistent desire for the unattainable. It suggests that they are fixated on the idea of the narrator being with them, despite her clear boundaries. The narrator's threat to call the cops and the person's dad demonstrates her frustration and a desire for the person to cease their unwanted advances. These actions represent a final resort and imply that attempts at communication and setting boundaries have failed.

The mention of the person's birthday adds another layer to the song. It symbolizes a significant date, possibly highlighting the emotional weight of the situation. By mentioning the phrase "It's not you it's me" and dismissing it as bullshit, the narrator rejects the common breakup cliche. This reinforces her frustration with the person's inability to respect her boundaries and their repetitive excuses.

The second verse delves deeper into the miscommunication between the narrator and the person. The metaphor of reading books backward signifies the person's misunderstanding of the narrator's intentions. It suggests that no matter what the narrator says or does, the person will always interpret it in a way that suits their desires rather than what is actually being communicated. The mention of mishearing the narrator's songs further emphasizes this misinterpretation, demonstrating the person's inability to understand her true feelings and intentions.

Ultimately, the song's title, "Party Favor," serves as a metaphor for the narrator's unwillingness to be an object to be used and discarded for the person's enjoyment. It showcases her assertiveness and establishes her boundaries, asserting that she will not play the role of their entertainment anymore. The song highlights the importance of communication, boundaries, and the frustration that comes with being disrespected by someone who only wants what they can't have.