It’s Been 8 Years Since Billie Eilish Released ‘Bellyache’—Feel Old Yet?

On February 24, 2017, Billie Eilish released Bellyache, the second single from her debut EP, Don’t Smile at Me. At the time, she was just 15 years old, yet the song showcased a unique artistic vision that would soon propel her to global superstardom. Bellyache remains one of the defining songs of her early career, blending haunting storytelling with an infectious beat, and its impact continues to be felt today.

The Birth of a Hit: The Story Behind ‘Bellyache’

Eilish co-wrote Bellyache with her older brother and longtime collaborator, Finneas O’Connell. The song is known for its dark yet playful narrative, in which the protagonist confesses to committing a crime and struggles with the emotional aftermath. The lyrics, including the memorable chorus line “Thought that I’d feel better, but now I got a bellyache”, convey a twisted sense of guilt and regret, wrapped in a catchy melody.

In interviews, Billie has explained that Bellyache was inspired by her love for storytelling and her ability to step into different personas. She took influence from Tyler, the Creator’s 2013 song “Garbage”, which tells a similarly sinister tale. However, while Tyler’s track leans into explicit violence, Billie’s version takes a more poetic and imaginative approach, allowing listeners to interpret the song in various ways.

A Music Video Full of Symbolism

On March 22, 2017, Billie Eilish released the official music video for Bellyache, directed by Miles & AJ. The visual is as striking as the song itself, featuring Billie dressed in an all-yellow outfit, walking down an empty desert road while dragging a bag of money.

The color choices and cinematography in the video play a key role in its storytelling. Billie’s bright yellow outfit symbolizes instability, caution, and even madness—fitting for a song that explores the psyche of a troubled character. The contrasting blue and purple tones in the background heighten the surreal, almost dreamlike atmosphere.

The video’s minimalistic yet gripping narrative—Billie seemingly abandoning stolen money and wandering aimlessly—complements the song’s theme of regret. It leaves viewers questioning the backstory: Who did she steal from? Why is she alone? The open-ended storytelling adds to Bellyache’s allure.

Chart Success and Commercial Impact

While Bellyache wasn’t an immediate chart-topper, it gradually gained momentum and became one of Billie Eilish’s breakthrough hits. It reached No. 3 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart, staying on the list for an impressive 32 weeks. The song also charted internationally in Australia, Canada, Ireland, Portugal, and Scotland.

Its enduring popularity is evident in its multi-platinum certifications:

• 4× Platinum in Australia
• 3× Platinum in the U.S.
• 2× Platinum in Mexico
• Platinum in Canada, Denmark, Italy, and New Zealand

Streaming also played a massive role in Bellyache’s success. As of 2025, the song has amassed over 1 billion streams on Spotify, proving that it remains a fan favorite even eight years after its release.

A Staple in Billie’s Live Performances

Bellyache quickly became a fan favorite and a staple in Billie’s live performances. She included it in setlists for her 2019 ‘When We All Fall Asleep’ Tour and her 2020 ‘Where Do We Go?’ World Tour. The song’s energy and catchy melody made it one of the standout moments in her concerts.

One of the most memorable live performances of Bellyache was during Coachella 2019, where Billie mesmerized the crowd with her effortless stage presence and infectious energy.

The Lasting Legacy of ‘Bellyache’

Eight years after its release, Bellyache remains an essential part of Billie Eilish’s discography. It represents the beginning of her rise to fame and showcases the unique storytelling and musical innovation that would later define her career.

Looking back, it’s clear that Bellyache wasn’t just another song—it was a statement. It proved that Billie Eilish was an artist who wasn’t afraid to push boundaries, explore unconventional narratives, and challenge expectations.

With her career now reaching new heights—multiple Grammy wins, an Academy Award, and record-breaking albums—it’s exciting to see how songs like Bellyache helped shape Billie Eilish into the global phenomenon she is today.

Revisit ‘Bellyache’ Today

If you haven’t listened to Bellyache in a while, today is the perfect day to revisit it! Watch the official music video below and experience the magic all over again: