What did Billie mean with Halley's Comet? Happier Than Ever lyrics examined

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Billie Eilish’s sophomore album, Happier Than Ever, has finally arrived this July 2021.

As anticipated, each of the sixteen tracks on this project are being non-stop talked-about online. However, there is one specific track from the introspective album that has caught the attention of the masses: Halley’s Comet.

Billie Eilish, 19, is known for writing heart-wrenching music. When Happier Than Ever dropped its first few singles – My Future, Therefore I Am, Lost Cause – it signalled a new, more confident direction for the young artist. But with Halley’s Comet, Billie shows that she has not strayed from penning a tearjerking ballad.

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What is Halley’s Comet?

Halley’s Comet is a comet visible from Earth every 75 to 76 years. It is the only known short-period comet that is regularly visible to the naked human eye. It is also the only comet that could potentially appear twice in a human lifetime.

Its periodicity was first recognised by astronomer Edmond Halley, after whom it is named. Halley was alive from 1656 to 1742.

The last time Halley appeared in the inner Solar System was in 1986. It is not set to appear until mid-2061, around 39 years in the future. You can follow NASA’s countdown to the next appearance on their website.

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Billie Eilish’s Halley’s Comet lyrics

Check out the lyrics in full below:

I don’t want it
And I don’t want to want you
But in my dreams, I seem to be more honest
And I must admit you’ve been in quite a few

Halley’s Comet
Comes around more than I do
But you’re all it takes for me to break a promise
Silly me to fall in love with you

I haven’t slept since Sunday
Midnight for me is 3AM for you
But my sleepless nights are better
With you the nights could never be alone
I was good at feeling nothin’, now I’m hopeless
What a drag to love you like I do

I’ve been loved before, but right now in this moment
I feel more and more likе I was made for you
For you

I’m sitting in my brother’s room
Haven’t slеpt in a week, or two, or two
I think I might have fallen in love
What am I to do?

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So, what is the meaning behind Billie’s song?

The song explores a story of falling in love and dreaming about a future with someone.

Halley’s Comet is only made reference to in one section, although the idea of rarity is carried throughout the whole song. Billie sings: “Halley’s Comet comes around more than I do.”

Given that the comet is only seen every 75 to 76 years, Billie uses it as an analogy to suggest that her own love is as rare. It also suggests that Billie’s love is not experienced by many.

Eve Edwards

Eve spends her days writing about everything culture-related. From celebrity news to music, film and television, Eve covers all bases. When she’s not writing you can find her making music or mastering the art of homemade pasta.