Behind the Meaning of Billie Eilish’s “Wildflower”

Not every artist feels comfortable referencing real life things too plainly. In this day and age, an artist can be regarded as a close friend. All of their drama is broadcast to the world in real time. As such, songwriting can be fodder for issuing a statement on those things, which gives fans something to chew on.

Billie Eilish did just that on “Wildflower” (usually in all capitals). Though Eilish hasn’t explained what this song is about, fans have come up with a pervasive theory. Find out what that theory is, below.

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Behind the Meaning of Billie Eilish’s “Wildflower”

Eilish had a public relationship with The Neighborhood’s Jesse Rutherford. She’s also been connected to influencer and Wildflower phone case owner Devon Carlson–also Rutherford’s ex-girlfriend. Naturally, their layered connection caused Eilish some strife. She seems to have penned this song as a pseudo apology to Carlson.

Things fall apart and time breaks your heart

I wasn’t there, but I know

She was your girl, you showed her the world

You fell out of love and you both let go

Eilish opens up the song by detailing the end of a relationship (likely Rutherford and Carlson’s). She recognizes that their relationship ended on its own terms, but in the next verse she assumes some culpability in muddying the situation.

She was cryin’ on my shoulder, all I could do was hold her

Only made us closer until July

Now I know that you love me, you don’t need to remind me

I should put it all behind me, shouldn’t I?

She tells her partner that, though she knows he loves her, it’s impossible to get his ex out of her head. Now I know that you love me, you don’t need to remind me / I should put it all behind me, shouldn’t I…But I see her in the back of my mind / All the time, she sings.

This song proves just how candid and honest Eilish is as a songwriter. She’s not afraid to highlight her rough edges. Check out the song, below.

(Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for ABA)