"L'Amour de Ma Vie" (transl. The Love of My Life) is a song by American singer-songwriter Billie Eilish from her third studio album Hit Me Hard and Soft, released through Darkroom and Interscope Records on May 17, 2024. Written by Eilish and her brother Finneas O'Connell, who also produced the track, it is a breakup song composed of two distinct parts.[a] It begins as a jazz and soft rock tune supported by guitar and singing style compared to Icelandic singer-songwriter Laufey, before transitioning to an electronic section based on club beats, 1980s synths and Auto Tuned vocals. An extended version of the song's second part subtitled "Over Now" was released on May 22, 2024, as a promotional single.
"L'Amour de Ma Vie" | |
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![]() "Over Now" extended edit cover | |
Promotional single by Billie Eilish | |
from the album Hit Me Hard and Soft | |
Language | English |
English title | "The Love of My Life" |
Written | October 2022 – 2023 |
Released | May 17, 2024 |
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Length |
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Songwriter(s) | |
Producer(s) |
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Lyric video | |
"L'Amour de Ma Vie" on YouTube |
Background and release
editFollowing her second studio album Happier Than Ever (2021), Eilish kept collaborating with her brother Finneas O'Connell, and the next year she surprise-released Guitar Songs (2022) consisting of two tracks. In October 2022, she unveiled that she also made another track in a Vanity Fair interview, before experiencing a writer's block, broken by involvement in the soundtrack of the 2023 movie Barbie, where Eilish contributed "What Was I Made For?"—which became her second number one in the United Kingdom and earned her second Academy Award for Best Original Song, after "No Time to Die" (2020).[1]
In an interview with Apple Music's Zane Lowe, the siblings recalled that they made a song called "Over Now" in October 2022 with purpose of being a track to exercise to. For over the year, they did not decide what to do with the song, with Finneas suggesting to release it as it was as the "bravest" move. However, they chose to re-write and shorten it and add it at the end of an unrelated song as a "little surprise". It featured on "L'Amour de Ma Vie", a song with a "mean" and "dismissive" chorus and bridge. The producer said that they wrote verses to justify the negativeness present on the rest of the song, which he compared to the previous album track, "The Greatest", that it contrasts its lyrics.[2]
Eilish announced the release of her third studio album titled Hit Me Hard and Soft on April 8, 2024, with a promotional video.[1] Five days later, she previewed "L'Amour de Ma Vie" during her surprise DJ set at Coachella, alongside "Lunch" and "Chihiro".[3] On April 18, she unveiled the track listing of the album.[4] Hit Me Hard and Soft was released on May 17 as scheduled, with "L'Amour de Ma Vie" being the seventh song on the record.[5] The following Tuesday, Eilish pushed the "club-ready" extended edit of the song's second part, subtitled "Over Now".[6] "L'Amour de Ma Vie" debuted at number 22 on the US Billboard Hot 100, landing in the top 40 along with all of the album tracks, doubling her top 40 entries from ten to 20.[7]
Music and lyrics
edit"L'Amour de Ma Vie" is a two-part song, consisting of "L'Amour de Ma Vie" and "Over Now" collectively running for a length of over five minutes.[2][8] It starts as a retro and bossa nova-influenced side, where she restrospects the past relationship, before segueing into an electronic part with an ad-libbed lyrics focusing on a positive effect of the breakup.[8][9][10] Media outlets noted that the track begins as a piece reminiscent of works by late French singer Édith Piaf and Icelandic singer-songwriter Laufey,[11][12] while the ending has been compared to Charli XCX hyperpop material, as well as to the Weeknd's "Blinding Lights" (2019).[13][14] Eilish's attitude on the song was compared to her previous songs such as "Bitches Broken Hearts" and "Party Favor" (both 2018),[15] while the sonicscape called back reviewers to "Happier Than Ever" (2021).[16][17][18]
"L'Amour de Ma Vie" has been described as a "melancholic", "lounge", "swingy", and "torchy" ballad,[8][19][20][21] combining easy listening, jazz, retro-pop and soft rock genres.[10][17][22][20] Eilish sings in "smokey" and "unrepentant" tone,[21] reminiscent of Laufey.[14] as well as Eilish's records such as her debut album and Happier Than Ever's "Billie Bossa Nova".[12][9] In the first verse, she unveils that she told her ex-partner that she told them a lie–that they were the titular love of her life.[23] Later, she admits that the situation became ironic, hence they found a new lover, even though they stated they would not be able to "fall in love again because of [Eilish]".[24] Through this part, she is supported by a "wobbl[y]" and "warp[y]" guitar.[25] The lyric "And you moved on" starts to be repeated, while the sonicscape changes to an electronic part, introducing club beats.[10]
The second part,[a] titled "Over Now", is a high-tempo and "hectic"[17] disco,[11] electropop,[22] hyperpop,[13][18] and synth-pop[14] song with synths reminiscent of 1980s[14] and Auto Tuned vocals.[21][27] During this side, Eilish sings about the outcome of the breakup, as she lays with a woman telling her about her past lover–calling them "mediocre" and addressing that both of them are "glad" that the relationship ended.[18][28] A "dark", "pinwheeling[ing]", and "pulsating" outro of the album track ends on lyrics: "Miss me / Say you miss me / It's such a pity / We're both so pretty".[8][22][29] In an extended edit, Eilish swoops more biting words towards her previous lover, finishing the song singing: "I wasn't satiated / You're looking older lately / Dating another baby".[18]
Charts
editChart (2024) | Peak position |
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Australia (ARIA)[30] | 15 |
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[31] | 47 |
Brazil (Brasil Hot 100)[32] | 65 |
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[33] | 22 |
Czech Republic (Singles Digitál Top 100)[34] | 16 |
Denmark (Tracklisten)[35] | 38 |
France (SNEP)[36] | 38 |
Global 200 (Billboard)[37] | 17 |
Greece International (IFPI)[38] | 24 |
Ireland (Billboard)[39] | 22 |
Iceland (Tónlistinn)[40] | 28 |
Lithuania (AGATA)[41] | 26 |
Luxembourg (Billboard)[42] | 23 |
Malaysia (Billboard)[43] | 14 |
Malaysia International (RIM)[44] | 11 |
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[45] | 15 |
Norway (VG-lista)[46] | 40 |
Poland (Polish Streaming Top 100)[47] | 32 |
Portugal (AFP)[48] | 8 |
Slovakia (Singles Digitál Top 100)[49] | 30 |
South Africa (TOSAC)[50] | 47 |
South Korea BGM (Circle)[51] | 151 |
South Korea Download (Circle)[52] | 125 |
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[53] | 69 |
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[54] | 72 |
UK (Billboard)[55] | 21 |
UK Audio Streaming (OCC)[56] | 20 |
UK Singles Downloads (OCC)[57] | 57 |
US Billboard Hot 100[58] | 22 |
US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)[59] | 8 |
Certifications
editRegion | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Canada (Music Canada)[60] | Gold | 40,000‡ |
Portugal (AFP)[61] | Gold | 5,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
Release history
editRegion | Date | Format(s) | Version | Label | Ref. |
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Various | May 22, 2024 | "Over Now" extended edit |
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[62] |
Notes
edit- ^ a b "Over Now" is mostly referred to as the second part in "L'Amour de Ma Vie",[26] although The Guardian and SputnikMusic called it a coda.[10][16]
References
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- ^ a b "Billie Eilish & Finneas: Hit Me Hard and Soft Interview". Apple Music. May 21, 2024. Archived from the original on May 23, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ Tate, Sarah (April 19, 2024). "Billie Eilish Is 'All Done' With New Album As She Reveals Tracklist". iHeart. Archived from the original on May 18, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
- ^ Zucker, Noah (April 18, 2024). "Billie Eilish Releases 10-Song Tracklist for Upcoming Album 'Hit Me Hard and Soft'". Q. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
- ^ Dailey, Hannah (May 16, 2024). "Billie Eilish's 'Hit Me Hard and Soft' Leaves a Mark: Stream It Now". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 21, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
- ^ Dailey, Hannah (May 22, 2024). "Billie Eilish Unveils Club-Ready Extended Cut of 'L'Amour de Ma Vie': Stream It Now". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 23, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
- ^ Zellner, Xander (May 28, 2024). "All 10 Songs From Billie Eilish's 'Hit Me Hard and Soft' Debut in Hot 100's Top 40". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 29, 2024. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Whiting, Zetta (May 18, 2024). "Billie Eilish's 'L'Amour De Ma Vie' Lyrics, Explained". Her Campus. Archived from the original on May 30, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
- ^ a b Ragusa, Paolo (May 17, 2024). "On Hit Me Hard and Soft, Billie Eilish Is Wounded, Soaring, and Rejuvenated: Review". Consequence. Archived from the original on May 24, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Kitty Empire (May 19, 2024). "Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft review – could have hit even harder". The Guardian. Archived from the original on May 30, 2024. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ^ a b Sheffield, Rob (May 17, 2024). "Billie Eilish Is More Playful, More Pissed, and as Brilliant as Ever on 'Hit Me Hard and Soft'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
- ^ a b Denis, Kyle (May 21, 2024). "Billie Eilish's Audacious 'Hit Me Hard and Soft' Completes Sublime Coming-of-Age Trilogy: Critic's Take". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 24, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
- ^ a b Willman, Chris (May 16, 2024). "Billie Eilish Keeps Up Her Winning Streak With the Surprising and Intimate 'Hit Me Hard and Soft': Album Review". Variety. Archived from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Smith, Thomas (May 16, 2024). "Billie Eilish – 'Hit Me Hard and Soft' review: bold, brilliant and somewhat brighter". NME. Archived from the original on May 16, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
- ^ Dailey, Hannah (May 17, 2024). "Billie Eilish's 'Hit Me Hard and Soft': All 10 Songs Ranked". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
- ^ a b Well, Johnny (May 17, 2024). "Review: Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft". SputnikMusic. Archived from the original on May 30, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
- ^ a b c Lancaster, Brodie (May 17, 2024). "How Billie Eilish reckoned with fame to create her astonishing new album". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Billie Eilish Reveals 'Brutal' Meaning Behind Her 'L'Amour De Ma Vie' Lyrics And The Extended Edit". Capital FM. May 22, 2024. Archived from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
- ^ Sherman, Maria (May 17, 2024). "Music Review: Billie Eilish's 'Hit Me Hard and Soft' is zealous outsider pop in a league of her own". Associated Press. Archived from the original on May 21, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
- ^ a b Callie Ahlgrim (May 17, 2024). "Billie Eilish's 'Hit Me Hard and Soft' is a thrilling return to form for pop's leading weirdo". Business Insider. Archived from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ^ a b c Pareles, Jon (May 17, 2024). "Billie Eilish Dares to Write (Twisted) Love Songs". The New York Times. Archived from the original on May 23, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
- ^ a b c Seip, Nick (May 17, 2024). "Billie Eilish Hit Me Hard and Soft Review: Pop's Anti-Princess Gets Playful and Profound". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on May 18, 2024. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
- ^ "'L'Amour De Ma Vie' Lyrics from Billie Eilish's New Album 'Hit Me Hard and Soft'". Parade. May 16, 2024. Archived from the original on May 21, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
- ^ McCormick, Neil (May 16, 2024). "Billie Eilish, Hit Me Hard and Soft: explicit, sapphic and her best work yet". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on May 16, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
- ^ Brown, Helen (May 16, 2024). "Billie Eilish review, Hit Me Hard and Soft: Pop star whispers her way to big emotional wallops". The Independent. Archived from the original on May 16, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
- ^ Bailey, Alyssa (May 17, 2024). "Billie Eilish's 'L'Amour de Ma Vie' Lyrics Seem to be a Breakup Letter to Jesse Rutherford, With a Plot Twist". Elle. Archived from the original on May 27, 2024. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
- ^ Khuttapan, Tanatat (May 17, 2024). "Billie Eilish's Hit Me Hard and Soft is a luminous treasure". The Line of Best Fit. Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
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- ^ Torres, Eric (May 17, 2024). "5 Takeaways From Billie Eilish's New Album Hit Me Hard and Soft". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
- ^ "Billie Eilish – L'Amour de Ma Vie". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
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