Billie Eilish’s song “Blue” has captured the attention of fans and critics alike, both for its emotional depth and the intriguing backstory that links it to her earlier, unreleased works. Released as part of her third studio album Hit Me Hard and Soft in May 2024, “Blue” quickly became a fan-favourite, but its origins stretch back much further, tying into a history of unreleased material and a significant online leak.

A Connection to “True Blue”

Before “Blue” became a fully realized track on Hit Me Hard and Soft, fans were already familiar with a different version of it through a song known as “True Blue.” This unreleased track made waves online when it was leaked in early 2022, creating a buzz among Eilish’s fanbase. The leak occurred on platforms like TikTok, where snippets of the song were widely shared, sparking speculation and discussion about its meaning and whether it would ever see an official release​​

“True Blue” was originally written years before and featured a more stripped-down sound, reflecting the early days of Billie Eilish’s career when she and her brother Finneas were experimenting with new musical ideas. Although it remained unofficial for a long time, the song’s melancholy tone and introspective lyrics resonated deeply with fans, setting the stage for its eventual transformation into “Blue.”

The leaked song below:

The Evolution into “Blue”

When Billie Eilish and Finneas revisited “True Blue” during the production of Hit Me Hard and Soft, they decided to rework it into something new. They combined elements of “True Blue” with another previously unreleased track titled “Born Blue,” blending the lyrical themes and melodies into a more polished and refined version, ultimately resulting in “Blue”​

The new iteration, “Blue,” retains the introspective and melancholic feel of its predecessors but incorporates a more atmospheric and layered production style that fits the moodier sound of her 2024 album. Eilish’s exploration of themes like heartbreak, longing, and emotional vulnerability remains at the core of the track, giving it a sense of continuity with the earlier leaked material. The lyrics of “Blue” reflect an attempt to reconcile with a sense of loss and the struggle to move on—feelings that have been central to much of Eilish’s music.

How the Leak Influenced the Final Song

The leak of “True Blue” significantly influenced the creation of “Blue.” The reception and popularity of the leaked song demonstrated to Eilish how much it had resonated with listeners. This inspired her to bring it into her official discography, allowing her to share its emotional weight more formally and with the production quality that fans have come to expect from her recent work. Billie herself discussed in interviews how the process of revisiting the song allowed her to tap into the same raw emotions she had felt when writing the original versions​

The decision to incorporate the ideas from the leak into the final release of “Blue” was a way for Eilish to connect with her audience’s desires while staying true to her artistic vision. The result is a track that feels both familiar and fresh, offering long-time fans a new perspective on a song they had cherished in its earlier, unofficial form.

A Deeply Personal Narrative

“Blue” represents a blend of Billie Eilish’s past and present, both in its production and its narrative. The song delves into themes of regret, the lingering feelings after a relationship ends, and the complexities of moving on from someone who once meant everything. Eilish’s signature vocal style—intimate and haunting—adds to the emotional gravity of the track, while the layered production by Finneas complements its moody atmosphere.

While “True Blue” remains an important piece of Eilish’s unreleased collection, “Blue” allows fans to experience these themes in a refined and evolved way. The song not only showcases her growth as an artist but also highlights her ability to transform raw, initial ideas into polished works that connect deeply with her listeners.

The Impact of “Blue” on Fans and Critics

Since its release, “Blue” has been embraced by both fans and critics as a standout track on Hit Me Hard and Soft. It has become a symbol of Eilish’s willingness to revisit and reinterpret her past work while embracing the vulnerability that has always been at the heart of her music. The song’s backstory, which blends a history of leaks and fan-favourite status with an official release, only adds to its allure, making it a unique piece of her discography.

For those who have followed Billie Eilish’s journey from her early days to global stardom, “Blue” offers a special glimpse into her creative process and the evolution of a song that started as an unreleased gem and became a highlight of her 2024 album.