Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” touches a raw nerve within the psyche of many, surprisingly resonating with men who find themselves at a crossroads of societal expectations and personal vulnerability. The song, emerging from the soundtrack of “Barbie,” transcends its origin to delve into themes that speak directly to the heart of contemporary masculinity.
A Reflection on Modern Masculinity
The lines, “When did it end? All the enjoyment / I’m sad again, don’t tell my boyfriend / It’s not what he’s made for / What was I made for?” encapsulate a profound moment of introspection and emotional complexity. They touch upon the traditional roles men are often expected to fulfill—providers and protectors—and the internal struggle that ensues when they confront their own vulnerabilities or perceive themselves as falling short of these roles.
This stanza speaks volumes about the silent burden many men carry: the expectation to be unwaveringly strong, coupled with the fear of its rejection. It mirrors a broader societal issue where men’s emotional needs are often sidelined, leading to a sense of isolation, inadequacy and growing alienation.
Societal Shifts and Emotional Reckoning
In message threads and comments beneath videos of the song, there’s a recurring theme of middle-aged men confessing to weeping uncontrollably upon hearing it. This response is emblematic of something deeper unfolding within society—a reevaluation of what it means to be a man in today’s world. The escalating unemployment rates and alarming suicide statistics among men hint at an undercurrent of despair and disconnection, challenging the traditional paradigms of masculinity.
This song acts as a catalyst for emotional release, allowing men to confront feelings that societal norms have taught them to suppress. It underscores a shifting landscape where the stoic, unyielding version of masculinity is giving way to a more nuanced understanding that embraces vulnerability as strength.
The Unspoken Crisis
The overwhelming emotional response from men to “What Was I Made For?” signals an unspoken crisis, one where the evolving role of men in society is fraught with confusion and introspection. It’s not merely a yearning for bygone times but a critical reflection on the pressures of modern manhood and the dire need for spaces where men can express vulnerability without fear of judgment or rejection.
Conclusion
It’s a beautiful song. Eilish has explained that she wrote the lyric from the perspective of the Barbie character in the movie the song was written for; but afterwards realized the lyric expressed her own feelings. She sees it as a very personal song.
Yet “What Was I Made For?” serves as a mirror reflecting the internal struggles many men face in a society where expectations of masculinity are rapidly changing. The song’s exploration of identity, purpose, and emotional vulnerability resonates deeply, offering a poignant commentary on the challenges of contemporary manhood. It highlights an urgent need for societal change—one that acknowledges and supports the emotional well-being of men, recognizing that strength and vulnerability are not mutually exclusive but inherently connected facets of the human experience.
