Bad Guy (Billie Eilish song)
"Bad Guy" is a song by American singer Billie Eilish, released as the fifth single from her debut studio album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? (2019). The song was written by Eilish and her brother, Finneas O'Connell, who also produced it.
Characterized by its minimalist instrumentation, "Bad Guy" features a heavy bassline, a simple drum machine rhythm, and quirky synth elements. Eilish's vocals are delivered in a subdued, almost whispery style, contrasting with the song's dark and slightly menacing lyrical themes. The lyrics explore themes of dominance, role reversal, and the subversion of traditional notions of power. The song's unconventional structure includes a sudden tempo shift and a brief, distorted bridge towards the end.
"Bad Guy" became a global commercial success, topping charts in several countries, including the United States, where it ended Lil Nas X's record-breaking run at number one with "Old Town Road." It was praised for its innovative production, unconventional structure, and Eilish's unique vocal delivery, and is widely considered to be one of her signature songs. The song's music video, directed by Dave Meyers, further enhanced its popularity with its surreal visuals and dark humor. "Bad Guy" won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards in 2020.