“Six Feet Under” by Billie Eilish

“Six feet under” is a term used in reference to someone or something that has died. And in this case Billie is referencing a past romance. And despite the demise of the romance, she is still unable to get over her ex. In fact even when she loses touch with herself, she still remembers him. As such, she wonders if the love, with the right kind of nourishment, can be rekindled. However, she acknowledges that if such an attempt were made, it probably wouldn’t “end well”.  Indeed she even describes her ex-flame as now being “cold as a knife”. However, at the end of the day, she can’t help but to question if somehow, someway this romance would “bloom again”.

Many have speculated that the lyrics are inspired by a real heartbreak Billie suffered. However, there’s currently not enough evidence to support these speculations.

Symbolism used in “Six Feet Under”

Billie Eilish uses the symbolism of a graveyard to expound on certain characteristics of the aforementioned romance she was in. First and foremost is that, as symbolized in the title, this relationship is indeed dead, as in she and the addressee of this tune, her former romantic partner, have already broken up. However, again operating on the metaphorical level, she wonders if the “grave” in which their relationship is buried was “watered by the rain”, would the result be ‘roses blooming’.  That is to say that she believes, with the right kind of input, that perhaps their relationship can be revived. 

Or let’s say that part of her hopes that it would, even though she knows they have their fair share of issues. However, as illustrated in the bridge, there seems little possibility of such actually transpiring. And this is despite how much she may want it to, as her ex is depicted as being “cold as a night”. 

So all symbolism aside, this is simply a song based on the heartbreak of the singer. She was in a relationship that was tumultuous enough for her to anticipate that if she and her ex were to get back together, once again it would “not end well”. But despite such, she still has feelings for him and is wishing, as in hoping for a miracle that the two of them would end up back together.

Summary

This song is centered on a dead romance the narrator (Billie) was involved in. And deep in her heart she is hoping it will be revived.

Quick Facts about “Six Feet Under”

The music video to this tune, which was a home-video based affair, was directed by Billie Eilish.

The song itself was written and produced by her brother, Finneas.

Being released by Interscope Records on 23 June 2016, “Six Feet Under” is the second official single Billie Eilish ever dropped. And at the time she was only 14 years old. Her first was “Ocean Eyes“.

“Six Feet Under” has been certified Platinum in Canada. It has also reached Gold status in the US, Mexico and Australia.