A few years ago, my daughter discovered an artist by the name of Billie Eilish. She didn't bother me. But I realized she bothered other parents.
"She sings that all good girls go to hell," one mother stage whispered to me, and I had to stifle my laughter.
"I think she's a positive influence," I answered. "It probably helps that I'm not religious though."
The mother did a small shudder, as if this were contagious. "She has a bit of a filthy mouth though. My daughter played me one of her videos on Instagram, and you wouldn't believe the words that she used." If she had been wearing pearls, I imagine she would have clutched them.
I chewed on my lower lip. I nearly said, "You wouldn't believe the words that fly out of my mouth when I drive." But I swallowed it down.
I can understand why some parents are wary about Billie. She does have a filthy mouth. But so do a lot of people. She did sing that all good girls go to hell. But.
She also encouraged people to vote.
She encourages people to stay in but if you need to go out, wear masks.
She uses her platform for good. Maybe her advice is laced with the s-word, but you know, I consider them sentence enhancers.
She isn't stick thin as so many other artists out there are. Not that being skinny is a BAD thing, but it can sometimes send confusing messages to other kids. Billie is unapologetically herself and sadly, when she does go out and show skin, the media jumps on it and people call her fat.
Hence why she normally looks like this with layers of clothes:
Or when she does videos on social media, you only see her face.
My daughter has learned to stick up for others because of what happens to Billie. A friend of hers was mocked for wearing a shirt that appeared to be too small. But her friend felt confident in it--until she was called fat. Natalie was there for that friend and defended her both in person and online.
Billie is also talented. I mean, duh. Did you SEE all the awards she has won? You know the newest James Bond ballad? That was from Billie and her brother Finneas, who is also a singer. (Yup, Natalie loves him too!) They write all their songs together, so Billie comes from a tight family. Another plus in my eyes. (Also, she's vegan. We are not. We like meat. However, Natalie is a big fan of veggies and healthier foods. She did not get that from me.)
So yes. My daughter is allowed to listen to Billie Eilish. Honestly, I like her. I watch her videos on Instagram, and they make me chuckle. Also, her mother seems like a nice woman. She homeschooled her children which means she probably has more patience than I do, because when my kids were distance learning, it wasn't pleasant. I would ask her all sorts of questions about having patience.
Also, that lopsided stick figure on most of Natalie's clothes? Yup, Billie designed that. It's her logo. Natalie has many, many, MANY items with this logo on it. (I feel like Billie should offer a rewards program for her website Blohsh, where you can buy her merch, and let me tell you, I've bought a lot of her merch for birthdays, holidays, etc..)
Anyway, do you know who Billie Eilish is?
Yes, my daughter talks about her from time to time. Her newest love though is Shawn Mendes.
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ReplyDeleteI know her and I like some of her songs. I can't say she's an idol for me, she's quite indifferent to me, but I respect her.
I really like Billie Ellish. And I kind of consider certain words sentence enhancers too. ;)
ReplyDeleteBillie Ellish is such an icon, especially for young teens! She looks cool!
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of Billie. I love how this person has inspired your daughter
ReplyDeleteLove Billie and love that music is a family affair for the Eilish family. Her brother pens many of her songs.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard any of her songs that I know of but I am glad she inspired your daughter to stick up for herself!
ReplyDeleteMy 15 year old LOVES Billie too. She actually got a Billie Eilish hoodie for Hanukkah tonight and I don't think she'll ever take it off.
ReplyDeleteI really like Billie. Her music is a good listen and delivers many messages. She definitely does have a positive influence on the younger crowd with how she carries and presents herself. Good job being a good and reasonable parent for weighing the pros and cons of what is allowed for your teen to be involved in.
ReplyDeleteI learned who Billie Eilish was through this blog post.
ReplyDeletePeople are so quick to judge. Most don't take the time to discover the PERSON behind the lyric, role, screenname, etc...
ReplyDeleteI really like Billie Eilish. I think my kids might like her, but as far as I know they don't have any of her merchandise. Swearing doesn't bother me, unless someone is swearing AT me in anger. (I'm also not okay if they are yelling anything at me in anger.)
ReplyDeleteOne of my friends love her songs so much. Not just like how Natalie loves her.
ReplyDeleteI don't know who she is but I like how you support your daughter.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit I've heard of her but I know little about her - I'm getting so old lol.
ReplyDeleteInteresting, I never heard of Billie Eilish but I have a feeling my daughter knows who she is. It is good to know who is who in the music scene.
ReplyDeleteI heard the name Billie Ellish but I completely forgot who told me to listen to her songs. I am intrigued about the lyrics now.
ReplyDeleteBillie Ellish seems to be the rage and a major talkin point too. Whether you like her or not, one thing is clear, you cannot ignore her.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter also loves Billie Eilish and I am also ok with it! Kids go through phases and this is the current one.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard any of her songs but I already see her in soc med like Instagram.
ReplyDeleteI am not a fan but I respect her as an artists and as a humans.
Even as an adult I really like Billie Eilish's body positive message. Her music is great too!
ReplyDeleteI've definitely heard some of her more popular songs, but I don't actually know much else about her.
ReplyDeleteMy daughters love Billie as well. I think she's an amazing artist. I personally love her music.
ReplyDeleteI've seen Billie performed on TV before. I'm not familiar with her songs but she has such an amazing voice. -LYNNDEE
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love Billie!! Her music is great and I agree that she is a positive influencer! I agree with the language being sentence enhancers.....but I'm also a potty mouth as well :)
ReplyDeleteOh! We LOVE Billie in our house, too. I think she is such a breath of fresh air when it comes to singers! She is who she is and doesn't change to try and please someone else!
ReplyDeleteI don't know much about Billie Eilish but I do like what I have seen of her advocating on her platform!
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I am not aware of Billie Eilish but I will definitely check her out and try to listen to her music. Your daughter is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI know who she is and I don't care for her music. If she is a positive influence for teens then good on her!
ReplyDeleteI really like Billie Eilish too. I really like her songs and for me it is really fine to love her.
ReplyDeleteNo, I don't know Billie Eilish. But you made me curious and I will check it out!
ReplyDeleteBillie Eilish is a great role model to look upto! Your daughter is on her way to greatness I'm sure
ReplyDeleteYes, I know Billie Eilish and I like some of her songs.
ReplyDeleteHeck yeah! I love Billie Eilish and as a woman 40+ I think she's a great role model for teens.
ReplyDeleteI'm a Billie Eilish fan and I really love her songs! She's really great artist indeed!
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