The recently released song “POV” by American singer, songwriter, and actor Jesse Rutherford has ignited a storm of criticism online. Fans of Rutherford, who was in a relationship with singer Billie Eilish until May 2023, have expressed discomfort and concern over the song’s lyrics, which they find disturbing and inappropriate. Many speculate that the lyrics are directed towards Eilish herself.
The lyrics that have drawn the most attention go as follows: “Feel like Alejandro when she Gaga on my goo, I’m at the top, you’re at the bottom, It’s a different POV.”
The song’s release quickly went viral on social media, with fans voicing their disapproval of Jesse Rutherford’s unusual choice of words. Some fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts, with one user even commenting, “It’s really bad.”
While both Jesse Rutherford and Billie Eilish have yet to comment on the controversy, the lyrics have sparked an intense online debate about the appropriateness and intent behind them.
The song begins with lyrics that include: “Cause I ain’t ever been this high/ But I’m not tryna come down/ Not expecting you to realize/ Where I’m coming from now.”
Later in the song, Rutherford employs what some consider sexual innuendo: “Calling out “and one” every time I point and shoot/ On the clock, nonstop I keep winning, I can’t lose.”
However, it’s another part of the lyrics that has caused the most backlash, specifically the lines about polo socks, Docs, and CDG, along with an eye over his shoulder and heart up his sleeve. The following lines read: “And they told me it was over, Imma disagree/ She been listening to me since 2013/ I know she’s got daddy issues, welcome to the family/ She said: ‘Jesse, baby, won’t you write a song about me?’/ ‘I said: ‘I got a whole album, I could drop it next week.’”
Fans of Billie Eilish are convinced that the song is referencing their past relationship, and many expressed disappointment and upset over the lyrics. Some fans questioned how such lyrics were approved by Atlantic Records, while others suggested consequences such as “canceling” or legal action for the song’s content.
jesse rutherford is a man in his 30’s who dated a 21 yr old billie eilish and y’all thought he had good intentions???
— abby (@abbyafterglow) August 19, 2023
Jesse Rutherford and Billie Eilish dated from October 2022 to May 2023. The couple briefly went public with their relationship in November 2022, raising eyebrows due to their 11-year age gap. However, they eventually parted ways. Rumors of cheating circulated, though they were never confirmed. Billie Eilish addressed their current relationship during a recent Q&A session, clarifying that they are “very very good friends only.”
Jesse Rutherford, the lead vocalist of The Neighbourhood, was previously in a relationship with model Devon Lee Carlson. Their partnership was recognized in 2019, and they even collaborated on a successful limited-edition t-shirt.
