Bellyache (Billie Eilish song)
| "Bellyache" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
_by_Billie_Eilish.png) | ||||
| Single by Billie Eilish | ||||
| from the album Don't Smile at Me | ||||
| Released | February 24, 2017 | |||
| Format | Digital download | |||
| Length | 2:59 | |||
| Label |
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| Songwriter(s) | ||||
| Producer(s) | Finneas O'Connell | |||
| Billie Eilish singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "bellyache" on YouTube | ||||
"Bellyache" is a song by American singer and songwriter Billie Eilish. The song was released on February 24, 2017, through Darkroom and Interscope Records.[1] It was written by Eilish and Finneas O'Connell, with the production being handled by O'Connell.[2][3]
Background
In an interview with Eve Barlow of Noisey, Eilish said
"It's obviously fictional. When me and my brother are writing we find it fun to put yourself into character or become someone else, to write about something we've never done before. 'bellyache' is about the concept of guilt, when you do things in the moment because you feel so strongly about them. In the end you're left with the decision you made. That line—'I thought that I'd feel better, but now I gotta bellyache'—is about how you kinda know that you're the worst but you don't care. It's about a psychopath who regrets being a psychopath but doesn't really care."[4]
During an interview with Billboard, Eilish also stated
"It's really fun to put yourself into a character—into shoes you wouldn't normally be in. You don't have to be in love with someone to write a song about being in love with someone. You don't have to hate somebody to write a song about hating somebody. You don't have to kill people to write a song about killing people. I'm not going to kill people, so I'm just going to become another character."[5]
Critical reception
Mike Wass of Idolator called it a "sinister synth-anthem that positively seethes fury and frustration".[6] Billboard's Jason Lipshutz said "she wrapped the macabre lyrics around a delectable pre-chorus hook and a steady acoustic pattern that eventually gives way to a sizzling drum machine. She knows that a song like 'bellyache' is going to get her more sideways glances than Top 40 airplay, and that's fine with her."[5] Estelle Tang of Elle labeled it a "banger about bad decisions".[7] Pigeons and Planes's Jacob Moore stated that the song "shows off an intriguing edge, which is in large part due to the fact that this is a song about murder".[8]
Music video
The music video, directed by Miles and AJ, was released on March 22, 2017.[9] Sydney Gore of Nylon described the music video: "Her latest Miles and AJ-directed visual for 'bellyache' shows her stranded in the middle of a deserted highway. At first, the scene seems innocent as Eilish drags a little red wagon containing what appears to be some personal belongings. Shortly after, we find out that she's loaded with garbage bags full of cash. When the chorus hits, we feel compelled to dance along with her in the majestic mountain tops and almost forget that there's something fishy going on. It's almost like we're experiencing hallucinations as we watch her bust out some sick choreography down the road which leads to the great unknown. We won't spoil the ending for you, but it's got a major plot twist that we did not see coming at all. So what does it all mean? Clearly, Eilish is not one to be underestimated."[10]
Critical reception
Idolator's Mike Wass claimed "she looks suitably pissed off, but there's dark humor at play here in the juxtaposition of bright colors and pitch-black emotions. I particularly like the little dance break."[6] Jacob Moore of Pigeons and Planes said that the video is "bright, mischievous, and captivating."[8]
Certifications
| Region | Certification | Certified units/Sales |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[11] | Gold | 35,000^ |
| United States (RIAA)[12] | Gold | 500,000 |
|
*sales figures based on certification alone | ||
Release history
| Region | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | February 24, 2017 | Digital download |
|
[1] |
References
- 1 2 Worldwide digital release of "Bellyache":
- "Bellyache - Single by Billie Eilish on Apple Music". iTunes Store (US). Retrieved April 8, 2017.
- "Bellyache - Single by Billie Eilish on Apple Music". iTunes Store (UK). Retrieved April 8, 2017.
- "Bellyache - Single av Billie Eilish på Apple Music" (in Swedish). iTunes Store (SE). Retrieved April 8, 2017.
- "Bellyache - Single by Billie Eilish on Apple Music". iTunes Store (ZA). Retrieved April 8, 2017.
- "Bellyache - Single by Billie Eilish on Apple Music". iTunes Store (AU). Retrieved April 8, 2017.
- ↑ "bellyache - Billie Eilish - Songs, Reviews, Credits - AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved April 8, 2017.
- ↑ Shahlin Graves (March 23, 2017). "Billie Eilish - 'bellyache' music video - Coup De Main Magazine". Coup De Main. Retrieved April 8, 2017.
- ↑ Eve Barlow (February 24, 2017). "Billie Eilish's 'Bellyache' Is Totally Psycho and Perfectly Pop - Noisey". Noisey. Retrieved April 8, 2017.
- 1 2 Jason Lipshutz (March 23, 2017). "Billie Eilish Is Pop's Most Impressive 15-Year-Old - Billboard". Billboard. Retrieved April 8, 2017.
- 1 2 Mike Wass (March 22, 2017). "Billie Eilish Seethes In 'bellyache' Video - Idolator". Idolator. Retrieved April 8, 2017.
- ↑ Estelle Tang (March 23, 2017). "Watch Billie Eilish 'bellyache' Video". Elle. Retrieved April 8, 2017.
- 1 2 Jacob Moore (March 22, 2017). "Billie Eilish is a 15-Year-Old Singer on Track For Pop Stardom - Pigeons and Planes". Pigeons and Planes. Retrieved April 8, 2017.
- ↑ "Billie Eilish - bellyache - YouTube". YouTube. March 22, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2017.
- ↑ Sydney Gore (March 23, 2017). "Billie Eilish Will Give You A 'bellyache' With Her New Video - NYLON". Nylon. Retrieved April 8, 2017.
- ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2018 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
- ↑ "American single certifications – Billie Eilish – Bellyache". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved August 14, 2018. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Single, then click SEARCH.