Translating to “You Will Forget Me” in English, the song “Lo Vas A Olvidar” by Rosalia and Billie Eilish is a poignant yet peaceful harmony of voices, wrapped in emotional tearing.

Ever since middle school, I have been entranced with the beautifully talented singer Billie Eilish. As it is known, Billie’s fame has bloomed exponentially over the years and her music is the anthem for many young people. Her angelic voice even projects familiarly to ears across the globe. When I discovered that Billie was releasing a new song along with the Spanish singer, Rosalia, I was immediately enticed and, quite frankly, thrilled. 

Rosalia and Billie collaborated to make this song for the new season of the show Euphoria. I have never watched Euphoria, but it has garnered loads of attention and love from many fans. Because the show is a hit and the two singers are very common in musical media, the debut of this song was highly anticipated by many, myself included.

Originally, when I realized the song was in Spanish, my mind turned to skepticism. I thought that I would not be as impacted by the lyrics due to the language barrier, and also because I was unfamiliar with Rosalia’s singing. But life is about pushing boundaries and branching out, so I figured it would surely not hurt to listen.

Spoiler alert: it did hurt, but in a heavily fruitful and authentic way.

The tone throughout the song is a quiet melancholy, and really only relies on the soft, ethereal voices of Rosalia and Bille. Every break between lyrics is silent but meaningful. The pauses are never awkward, and, in fact, they make the overall significance greater. Besides, there is no need for any background music, because it would just distract from the divine vocal expressions.

Accompanying the crestfallen lyrics, the music video impeccably portrays the message of the song through intentionally dramatic movements and lighting. The opening of the video shows Billie’s silhouette kneeling on the ground, with the roots of her electric green hair illuminated by the sullen blue lighting cascading down the background. It then cuts to Rosalia laying on the concrete floor, singing out the first lyric.

“Dime si me echas de meno’ aún” translating to “Tell me if you miss me.”

From the very start, it is clear that this is a song of heartbreak and pain. Typical, right? But in this case, not at all. Yes, the heartbreak category in music is quite popular, but with the lyrics of this song primarily in Spanish, it adds an unusual and enriching element for the listeners. In parts of the song, both Billie and Rosalia’s voices start to waver with a synthesizing effect. I found this to be very striking in an emotional sense. To me, it kind of sounded like if someone were to be drowning or a voice quivering in solemnity, which perfectly aligned with the theme.

Regarding the video, the lighting tends to be dimmer and more focused on one singer at a time for the majority of the song. I feel like this embodies the isolation and darker inflections perpetuated by the lyrics. Likewise, the camera encircles both Bille and Rosalia in their respective shots as they perform their heartache with the lighting whirling around their features. The speed and angle of the camera seem to correspond with the lyrical tones and tempos, which add the extra element harmony paired with the singing.

As the video carries on and the song progresses, more havoc is released. The lights start strobing, the wind picks up, and the movements grow more climactic. Collectively, the song and video depict an exquisite culmination of anguish and art. They form a celestial interlude of alluring heartbreak, and every aspect of both the song and video intertwine.

Eventually, the song and video wind down to a simmer, with just Billie and Rosalia’s voices reaching out for their last breaths of the song. The very last scene pictures Billie kneeling down to the floor in the same way as the introductory shot, concluding everything that just transpired. 

As the song exits, Billie’s lyrics are almost fully in English, while Rosalia’s continue in Spanish. I absolutely loved the interchanging of languages, and how they never failed to mend the verses together. The last lyric of the song, which is an occurring theme throughout, perfectly summarizes “Lo Vas A Olvidar.”

“If I was important then why would you waste all your poison.”

On the whole, this song surpassed my anticipated prospects. The aesthetics are clear-cut but unique, and every facet fits into position. The video completes the song, and the song completes the video, and there is absolutely no lack of any musical or artistic necessity. The work of Billie Eilish and Rosalia on this song epitomizes their talent in the ever-so demanding music industry. “Lo Vas A Olvidar” expanded the means for unity in a lingual matter and has the potential to consolidate people of contrasting upbringings. 

Music should be a shared experience of elation and beauty, and this song has done just that. Once again, my Spotify playlist has found a new patron, and my repeat button will not be lonely for as far as I can see.