Billie Eilish, “wish you were gay” | Controversial Tunes

On the 1^st edition of Controversial Tunes (2022), we explore the controversy behind the song, “wish you were gay” by Billie Eilish. 

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ring on the controversy! Controversial Tunes is a column that provides background information and insight into songs that raised eyebrows and totally stirred the pot.  The records that grace Controversial Tunes are old and new alike, with all genres of music welcome.  On the 1^st  edition of Controversial Tunes (2022), we explore the controversy behind the song, “Wish You Were Gay” by Billie Eilish.

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Theme & Lyrics

“Don’t say I’m not your type / Just say that I’m not your preferred sexual orientation / I’m so selfish.” Uh-oh Billie Eilish – I smell surefire controversy! Despite the Grammy winner’s tried-and-true low-key approach, she still manages to pack a sizable punch, in numerous ways! It should come as no surprise that her When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? single, “Wish You Were Gay”, rubbed some folks the wrong way.  Is it queer baiting? Worse yet, is it a case of the horrid h-word, homophobia? DUN, DUN, DUN!

“I just wanna make you feel oaky

But all you do is look the other way

I can’t tell you how much I wish

I just kinda wish you were gay.”

In the case of “wish you were gay,” Billie Eilish does lots of things well.  In many respects, she checks off boxes with the record.  Of course, the big issue, is the perceived homophobia – never a winning formula. When tackling sensitive subject matter, one must be careful, approaching it appropriately.  While Eilish made it clear she intended no harm – she wanted a good, legit reason why this boy didn’t like her back, with him being gay being a perfect reason – it still caused a stir, forcing her to defend it. Perhaps it’s a bit sus , but do we REALLY believe Eilish is homophobic?

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 Final Thoughts

Despite what I’d call ‘minor controversy’ with “wish you were gay,” ultimately, it’s successful.  Why? She portrays the relatable topic of heartbreak. Opting for balladry works in her favor.  Still, I understand the controversy generated by this alt-pop tune.

Also Appears On :
WISH: 5ive Songs No. 76 (2020)
Gay: 3BOPS No. 22 (2021)
15 Utterly Thrilling, GAY Songs

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Billie Eilish • When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? • Darkroom / Interscope • 2019
Billie Eilish, “wish you were gay”: Controversial Tunes No. 1 (2022) [: Brent Faulkner, cottonbro, Darkroom, Darkmoon_Art,  TheDigitalArtist, inna mikitas, Interscope, Isabela Catão, Jonathan Nenemann, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay, Tazz Vaughn, Victoria Borodinova, zzzvector]

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