Bad Guy (2019)

"Bad Guy" (stylized in all lowercase) is a song by American singer-songwriter Billie Eilish and the fifth single from her debut studio album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? (2019). It was released on March 29, 2019, by Darkroom and Interscope Records. The song was described by media as dance-pop, electropop, and pop-trap, with minimalist instrumentation. In the lyrics, Eilish taunts someone for being tough while suggesting that she is a more resilient bad guy than he is. Eilish wrote "Bad Guy" with its producer and her brother Finneas O'Connell. Different versions of the song include a collaboration with the Canadian singer Justin Bieber and a cover by Dove Cameron.

Upon release, "Bad Guy" received positive reviews and topped the US Billboard Hot 100 and 16 other international charts including Australia, Canada and New Zealand, while peaking at number two on the UK Singles Chart. In the US, it ended the record-breaking 19-week run of "Old Town Road" by Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus. "Bad Guy" has received several certifications, including a tenfold platinum award from the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) and a Diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). "Bad Guy" is the tenth most streamed song in Apple Music history. The song received several awards, including Record and Song of the Year at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards.

Dave Meyers directed the music video, which depicts Eilish involved in several activities such as wild dancing, suffering a nosebleed and sitting on the back of a man doing push-ups. Reviewers noted the video for its camp elements and eccentric imagery.

Background and release

Eilish released her first studio album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, on March 29, 2019. "Bad Guy" was simultaneously issued as the record's fifth single. The song was co-written by Eilish and her brother Finneas O'Connell, with the latter also produced the track and Eilish providing additional production. It was mastered by John Greenham and mixed by Rob Kinelski, both of whom also served as studio personnel. In August 2019, the single was made available for pre-order on cassette and scheduled to ship in October; selected cassettes were signed by Eilish. Additionally, a flexi disc was similarly released for pre-order to ship in the following 4–6 weeks. Each of the two releases came with a digital single delivered via email for US customers.