THE DINER Lyrics
Don't be afraid of me
I'm what you need
[Verse 1]
I saw you on the screens
I know we're meant to be
You're starrin' in my dreams
In magazines
You're lookin' right at me (You're lookin' right at me)
I'm here around the clock
I'm waitin' on your block (I'm waitin' on your block)
But please don't call the cops
They'll make me stop
And I just wanna talk (I just wanna talk)
[Pre-Chorus]
Bet I could change your life
You could be my wife
Could get into a fight
I'll say, "You're right"
And you'll kiss me goodnight
[Chorus]
I waited on the corner 'til I saw the sitter leave
Was easy getting over and I landed on my feet
I came in through the kitchen lookin' for something to eat
I left a calling card so they would know that it was me
(Ah, ah, ah)
[Verse 2]
I tried to save you, but I failed
Two fifty thousand dollar bail (Two hundred fifty thousand dollar)
While I'm away, don't read my mail (Don't read my mail)
Just bring a veil (Just bring a veil)
And come visit me in jail (Visit me in jail)
[Pre-Chorus]
I'll go back to the diner
I'll write another letter (I'll write another letter)
I hope you'll read it this time
You better
[Chorus]
The cops around the corner stopped me when I tried to leave
They told me I was crazy and they knocked me off my feet (They told me I was crazy)
They came in through the kitchen lookin' for something discreet
I left a calling card so they would know that it was me
[Post-Chorus]
(Ah, ah, know that it was me)
[Bridge]
I memorized your number, now I call you when I please
I tried to end it all, but now I'm back up on my feet
I saw you in the car with someone else and couldn't sleep
If somethin' happens to him, you can bet that it was me
About
“THE DINER” puts the frightening side of fame into perspective, finding Eilish telling a story from the perspective of a stalker, dragging a plot from her past experiences with her many stalkers.
The song, eighth on HIT ME HARD AND SOFT, delves into themes of obsession and desperation. The lyrics show a troubled individual who crosses boundaries just to be with their “lover”, and how they struggle with rejection as well as legal trouble. While she is taking the perspective of a crazed fan of hers, it is possible “THE DINER” could also be read as Billie herself being obsessive over a lover – given the context of the rest of the album.
Eilish has talked about stalkers before, specifically on her 2021 sophomore album Happier Than Ever in tracks like “Getting Older” and “NDA.”
Q&A
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning
During the tracking week ending June 1, 2024, the song debuted at #31 on the Hot 100 chart.
- 1.SKINNY
- 2.LUNCH
- 3.CHIHIRO
- 5.WILDFLOWER
- 6.THE GREATEST
- 8.THE DINER
- 9.BITTERSUITE
- 10.BLUE