I Didn't Change My Number

Album: Happier Than Ever (2021)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Here, Billie Eilish is addressing an ex, who though easy on the eyes doesn't have an attractive personality. The songstress is taking control of the situation and separating herself from the toxic dude. Eilish tells him she "didn't change her number" but is just ignoring his calls.
  • Eilish references two real-life people, implying that the guy she's singing of is an actual person she dumped:

    Laura said I should be nicer
    But not to you


    Laura Ramsay is Billie Eilish's personal assistant. The pop star's managing team hired her in April 2019 to go on tour with Eilish and be the point of contact between them. Billie admits Laura has told her to be "nicer" to people, but being nice to her former boyfriend is going a step too far.

    I should have left when Drew
    Said you were bad news


    Drew is one of Billie's best friends from childhood. She feels a tinge of guilt for not listening to his warning about the love interest.
  • When Eilish first wrote the song she titled it "Laura" after the line referencing her PA.
  • Eilish told Spotify she loves this song, as it's about having gone past the point of no return in the relationship and he can't get her anymore. She said: "Where it's like, 'I don't have sympathy for you anymore. You got me at first but I don't care now,' it's really that and that only. Like your last straw and I am confident in this being the last straw. Don't get me mad because I will scream."
  • Eilish's brother and usual collaborator, Finneas O'Connell, produced this soulful slow jam. He incorporates some growls from his sister's beloved pit bull, Shark, to add some texture to Billie's snarling about her ex. Finneas has form for sourcing household noises to add to the song's feel; on "You Should See Me in a Crown," for instance, he incorporates a recording of their father sharpening knives.

Comments: 1

  • Charlie from UhhhhI love Billie Eilish so muchhhh!!!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

TV Theme Songs

TV Theme SongsFact or Fiction

Was a Beatles song a TV theme? And who came up with those Fresh Prince and Sopranos songs?

"Stairway To Heaven" Lawsuit: A Timeline

"Stairway To Heaven" Lawsuit: A TimelineSong Writing

Untangling the events that led to the "Stairway To Heaven" lawsuit.

Jackie DeShannon - "Put a Little Love in Your Heart"

Jackie DeShannon - "Put a Little Love in Your Heart"They're Playing My Song

It wasn't her biggest hit as a songwriter (that would be "Bette Davis Eyes"), but "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" had a family connection for Jackie.

Alan Merrill of The Arrows

Alan Merrill of The ArrowsSongwriter Interviews

In her days with The Runaways, Joan Jett saw The Arrows perform "I Love Rock And Roll," which Alan Merrill co-wrote - that story and much more from this glam rock pioneer.

The Truth Is Out There: A History of Alien Songs

The Truth Is Out There: A History of Alien SongsSong Writing

The trail runs from flying saucer songs in the '50s, through Bowie, blink-182 and Katy Perry.

Ramones

RamonesFact or Fiction

A band so baffling, even their names were contrived. Check your score in the Ramones version of Fact or Fiction.