The song "Billy" by John Grant revolves around the complicated friendship between the narrator (presumably John Grant) and a person named Billy. It addresses themes of self-destruction, societal expectations, and the weight of masculinity. The lyrics suggest that Billy holds a significant place in the narrator's life. They reminisce about meeting Billy for the first time at a location called Paris On The Platte and being captivated by his infectious smile. Despite their differences, the narrator believes that Billy also recognizes the pressures they face to live up to societal expectations. Both the narrator and Billy struggle with the burdens of expectations placed upon them. They feel like disappointments to many people in society, leading them to turn on themselves and engage in self-destructive behavior. The lyrics use the phrase "members of the cult of masculinity" to underline how societal norms and pressures can weigh heavily on individuals, causing them to lose sight of their true selves. There is a sense of admiration and love in the narrator's feelings toward Billy. They describe how Billy made them feel like royalty and loved. However, they had to walk away from Billy because they knew they would follow him to their own demise. Despite their differences, the narrator hopes that one day they can reconcile and regain the closeness they once shared. Overall, "Billy" explores the complexities of friendship, the struggle against societal expectations, and the self-destructive tendencies that can arise from trying to fit into a rigid mold of masculinity.
