Lost Cause

Album: Happier Than Ever (2021)
Charted: 14 27
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Here, Billie Eilish dismisses a former flame who can't get his life together. During the kiss-off song, Eilish admits to the dude she was once attracted to him, but gradually cottoned that he's immature and unlikely to change. After they started dating, the singer realized he's self-centered:

    I used to think you were shy
    But maybe you just had nothing on your mind
    Maybe you were thinkin' 'bout yourself all the time


    Pretends to be tough and uncompromising when he's really just lazy:

    I know you think you're such an outlaw
    But you got no job


    And doesn't show her any affection:

    Gave me no flowers
    Wish I didn't care


    Now Eilish sees he's a lost cause.
  • The reference to Eilish's ex thinking himself to be "such an outlaw" has similarities to her 2019 hit "Bad Guy." There, the dude believed himself to be:

    A tough guy
    Like it really rough guy
    Just can't get enough guy
    Chest always so puffed guy


    But Eilish pointed out to him it is she who is the "bad guy" that is in control of their relationship.
  • Eilish's older brother and regular collaborator Finneas produced the track, giving it a slow-moving, jazz-inspired instrumentation. Finneas also programmed the drums and played the following instruments:

    Synthesizer
    Synth bass
    Electric guitar
    Bass
  • Billie Eilish directed the video, which finds her partying with friends and hanging out in a Los Angeles mansion. The girls turn the place into their playground as they twerk, enjoy a game of Twister, shoot off silly string and water guns, and snack on potato chips.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Zakk Wylde

Zakk WyldeSongwriter Interviews

When he was playing Ozzfest with Black Label Society, a kid told Zakk he was the best Ozzy guitarist - Zakk had to correct him.

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song Spoofs

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song SpoofsSong Writing

When singers started spoofing their own songs on Sesame Street, the results were both educational and hilarious - here are the best of them.

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.