When Billie Eilish released her sophomore album Happier Than Ever on July 30, fans were excited to hear new music from the singer. Unlike her first album, the songs on Happier Than Ever were more intense and personal than before.
This was especially true of "Happier Than Ever" which tells the story of a relationship that was not based on love and was largely toxic, according to Eilish.
In the song's first verse, she tells her ex that she is not happy with him because he is a "miserable, rotten, dirty, sick boy" who is "only wasting his breath on you" and is "not giving a care in the world to your happiness." She goes on to explain how he was always drinking and driving, and he was not a good partner for her.
The second half of the track is much more aggressive and cynical. It consists of a distorted rock production with crashing snare drums and electric guitars.
While the first half of the song is very introspective and quiet, the second part of the song reveals that she is still very much unhappy with her ex and feels like she is a "failed lover." She then says that she "disagrees with your decision" to leave her.
The song also reflects her feelings on body shaming and the sexualization of women. Despite how she dresses and expresses herself, she does not believe she has to cater to the desires of a patriarchal society.