Meaning of “xanny” by Billie Eilish

The word “Xanny” is actually a colloquial term – apparently created by Billie – that refers to Xanax.  Xanax is a prescription drug that has become increasingly-popular in recent times due to its recreational use.  The illicit usage of this drug is also heavily advocated by many of the musical contemporaries of Eilish. In other words, Billie’s generation has a “Xanax problem”, which she is generally being addressed through this song.

As such Eilish, begins “Xanny” by questioning the overall appeal of drug intoxication by observing the aloofness of those who partake of them. Simply put, she is not only condemning Xanax but cigarettes, alcohol and taking drugs for their intoxicating effects in general, as in she apparently does not see a need to engage in such activities to feel fulfilled.

In the second verse, Billie continues her tirade against druggies by outlining some unfavorable characteristics she has noticed in them. For instance, they have unusual sleep patterns and tend to arrive late at parties. And once they do show up, they’re too boozed to even dance. Then when the morning comes around, they experience headaches on top of having a difficult time “learning”, with Eilish alluding to them being in an educational setting. Yet despite all of these negative outcomes, they continue to repeat the “same mistakes”.

Billie goes further by telling cigarette smokers that they should not try to kiss her. This isn’t to dis them per se but rather is leads in to the next line in which she expresses her aversion to loving someone who is likely to die from a drug addiction.

Overall the sentiment expressed in this song is that Billie is not a drug user, does not particularly understand why people do partake of drugs and is not too keen on getting close to someone who does.