Album: When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? (2019)
Charted: 79
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This lullaby-like track was originally a slow, bare-boned song titled "See Through," featuring just Billie Eilish's raw vocal and the ukulele. Eilish's producer Finneas felt it needed to be quicker. He told Vulture the whole song is sped up 20 BPM, including the ukulele, "which is why it has that strange, kind of kooky feeling."
  • The song finds Billie Eilish singing about a boyfriend who looks at her "like I'm see-through." She realizes he doesn't love her so decides not to pursue the relationship any longer.
  • This is the eighth track on When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? Billie and Finneas decided to change the title to "8" as they felt it was a song that people would be more likely to click on and listen to with that name rather than calling it "See Through."

Comments: 7

  • Billie Fan from Princeton, Nj, UsaBillie Eilish and Finneas peed in their pants! Everyone, save them.
  • Lwnsky from SwedenTbh i only searched up why its calles 8 becuz my as my nearest relization is in wish u were gay she said (12)step just for you (11) heys (10) fingrr tearin oit my hair (9) timrs you never made it there then she skipped 8 its so cool and so nice
  • Munaa from LondonHow did she come up with some good song. I literally felt it. Literally.
  • Smk from Atlanta, Ga@Amy - She uses a play on words for “8” - “I ATE (8) alone at 7; you were six minutes away.”
  • Amy from GermanyI have a question that has been bugging me for months. In "wish you were gay" the lyrics have every number from twelve to one and the only number that's missing is eight...which just happens to be the title of another song of hers which has no connection to its lyrics and meaning at all. I'm just confused.
  • Jazzyb from EnglandI love Billie Eilish a lot but I always have questions.
    8. Turn it on its side: infinity. Is this a sign or clue to something?
  • Anonymous from UsaIn an interview she actually says that she wrote the song from the perspective of a past boyfriend. It’s not about how someone hurt her, it’s about how she hurt someone.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Early Days of MTV

Early Days of MTVFact or Fiction

If you can recall the days when MTV played videos, you know that there are lots of stories to tell. See if you can spot the real ones.

Macabre Mother Goose: The Dark Side of Children's Songs

Macabre Mother Goose: The Dark Side of Children's SongsSong Writing

"London Bridge," "Ring Around the Rosie" and "It's Raining, It's Pouring" are just a few examples of shockingly morbid children's songs.

Creedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater RevivalFact or Fiction

Is "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" about Vietnam? Was John Fogerty really born on a Bayou? It's the CCR edition of Fact or Fiction.

Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty

Rob Thomas of Matchbox TwentySongwriter Interviews

Rob Thomas on his Social Distance Sessions, co-starring with a camel, and his friendship with Carlos Santana.

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Jon Anderson

Jon AndersonSongwriter Interviews

Jon Anderson breaks down the Yes classic "Seen All Good People" and talks about his 1000 Hands album, which features Chick Corea, Rick Derringer, Ian Anderson, and many other luminaries.