Welcome back to this week’s edition of the Wichitan’s Song of the Week. In celebration of Women’s History Month, this week’s pick is “Your Power” by California-born singer-songwriter Billie Eilish. Released April 29, 2021, as a studio single and then as the 12th track on her sophomore studio album “Happier Than Ever,” “Your Power” is a recollection of an abusive relationship that Billie Eilish went through and how it affected and changed her. It is also a plea she makes to men to stop abusing their power and authority, especially towards vulnerable women. Billie Eilish narrates a horrible time in her life through the sixteen tracks of “Happier Than Ever” and “Your Power” is a song that explains why she needs to do that.

Born in Los Angeles, Billie Eilish is an award-winning and nominated singer-songwriter best known for her debut single, “Ocean Eyes.” With the help of her award-winning songwriting producing brother, FINNEAS, Billie Eilish’s musical career has been filled with praise and recognition. Growing up as a member of the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus and taking her mother’s songwriting class alongside her brother, Billie Eilish was no stranger to the world of music when her career took off. In an interview with Vogue, she credits the children’s chorus and her mother’s class as the reason for her current success. Her experiences have shaped her music, including “Happier Than Ever.” One goal of the album was to talk about a shared experience amongst women, which is toxic relationships and its effects.

“Your Power” is one of my favorite songs from Billie Eilish’s entire discography. In “Your Power,” Eilish sings about the effects of toxic relationships on women. She talks about emotionally abusive relationships and how much women don’t realize they are in one until it’s too late. She also calls out the men that perpetuate abuse in their relationships. Eilish also narrates a time in her life when she was in an abusive relationship. She talks about sensitive topics she has reflected upon about her previous relationship like grooming and underage relationships. Finally, Eilish makes a request to people with authority and/or power not to abuse it. 

As stated in previous editions of the Song of the Week, lyricism is an important aspect of any song and FINNEAS and Eilish understood that when writing “Your Power.” With their background and growing up in their mother’s songwriting classes and their many awards, nominations and recognition in songwriting, FINNEAS and Eilish are no strangers to expressing emotions through lyricism. In “Your Power,” the songwriters utilize storytelling and pathos to tell Eilish’s experience and to give a call to action. My favorite lyric in the entire song is:

“I thought that I was special, you made me feel.

Like it was my fault, you were the devil, lost your appeal.

Does it keep you in control? (In control, in control)

For you to keep her in a cage?

And you swear you didn’t know (didn’t know, didn’t know)

You said you thought she was your age.”

During Women’s History Month it is important to celebrate the achievements made by trailblazing women over the years but, it is also equally important to discuss some of the current problems women face in a patriarchal society. In “Your Power,” Billie Eilish highlights a key issue that most women face while offering a solution to follow. The song is a great listen with a powerful message. Have a great and safe spring break Mustangs.