First off, let it be known that the title of this track (“Lovely”) is in fact sarcastic. By all accounts neither one of the vocalists is actually feeling “lovely”, as any normal human being would define the word. But in terms of how the term is being applied throughout, it can be said that, once again mockingly, they are trying to make the best out of a depressing situation.
It could be understood that Billie Eilish, based on her narrative, is dealing with the aftermath of having her heart broken. And she thought that by this juncture in time she would have already been able to put her ex behind her. However, to the contrary, it seems as if he is ‘never going away’. So now she has basically accepted the permanency of the situation.
It has also been put forth that the “you” she is addressing isn’t a person but rather a personification of depression itself. But either way the conclusion is the same – the singer is stuck with less-than-favorable thought processes, or perhaps we can say emotions, in her head and heart.
Meanwhile Khalid is seeking a remedy from his own mental demons, so to speak. But unfortunately, as with Eilish doing so appears to be borderline impossible. Or stated differently he is always thinking about something, with that something most likely being melancholic. Or stated alternatively yet again, he is afflicted by a malady which some people would refer to as overthinking.
The lyrics of “Lovely” find both singers attempting to surmount the sadness and depression drowning them. Throughout the song, they sarcastically put forth that they have become accustomed to being depressed.
“We called it (“lovely”) because the song was sort of really freaking depressing so then it’s like oh, how lovely. Just taking everything horrible like you know what this is great. I’m so happy being miserable.”
In October 2018, FINNEAS celebrated “lovely” being marked Platinum by RIAA for gaining over 1,000,000 equivalent units in sales.
Full Lyrics to “lovely” by Billie Eilish and Khalid.
[Verse 1: Billie Eilish & Khalid] Thought I found a way
Thought I found a way out (Found)
But you never go away (Never go away)
So I guess I gotta stay now
[Pre-Chorus: Billie Eilish & Khalid]
Oh, I hope some day I'll make it out of here
Even if it takes all night or a hundred years
Need a place to hide, but I can't find one near
Wanna feel alive, outside I can't fight my fear
[Chorus: Billie Eilish with Khalid]
Isn't it lovely, all alone?
Heart made of glass, my mind of stone
Tear me to pieces, skin to bone
Hello, welcome home
[Verse 2: Khalid with Billie Eilish]
Walking out of time
Looking for a better place (Looking for a better place)
Something's on my mind
Always in my head space
[Pre-Chorus: Billie Eilish & Khalid]
But I know someday I'll make it out of here
Even if it takes all night or a hundred years
Need a place to hide, but I can't find one near
Wanna feel alive, outside I can't fight my fear
[Chorus: Billie Eilish with Khalid]
Isn't it lovely, all alone?
Heart made of glass, my mind of stone
Tear me to pieces, skin to bone
Hello, welcome home
[Outro: Khalid, Billie Eilish, Khalid & Billie Eilish]
Woah, yeah
Yeah, ah
Woah, woah
Hello, welcome home.
