You’ve heard it. Probably a hundred times by now while scrolling through your feed. That specific, catchy hook—i can lie and say i like it like that—has basically become the soundtrack to every "fake it 'til you make it" moment on the internet. It’s one of those lines that hits because it’s relatable. Everyone has pretended to enjoy a situation they actually hated just to keep the peace or look cool.
But where did it actually come from?
Most people recognize it from the massive 2024 hit "Birds of a Feather" by Billie Eilish. It’s the standout track from her third studio album, Hit Me Hard and Soft. The song isn't just a catchy pop tune; it’s a deeply emotional exploration of obsessive love and the fear of losing someone. When Billie sings i can lie and say i like it like that, she’s tapping into a very specific kind of vulnerability. She’s talking about the lengths we go to—even lying to ourselves—to stay connected to another person.
The Viral Life of a Lyric
Social media doesn't care about context. It cares about vibes. While the original song is a bit darker and more existential, the internet took that one specific line and ran with it.
It’s used for everything now. You see a video of someone drinking a "healthy" green smoothie that looks like swamp water? The caption is i can lie and say i like it like that. Someone stuck at a loud party when they clearly want to be in bed with a book? Same lyric. It has transitioned from a soulful confession about love into a universal meme for mild suffering.
This is how modern music works. A song becomes a hit, but a single line becomes a cultural shorthand.
Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas are masters at this. They write lyrics that feel like a private conversation. When you hear "Birds of a Feather," it doesn’t feel like a polished radio hit designed by a committee. It feels like a secret. That’s why it resonates. People don't just listen to it; they use it to explain their own lives.
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Why "Birds of a Feather" Broke the Internet
It’s interesting to look at the chart performance. The song didn't even start as the primary single. "Lunch" was the big push. But "Birds of a Feather" had this organic growth that labels dream of. By late 2024, it was dominating the Billboard Global 200.
Why? Because of the contrast.
The production is bright. It’s almost "sunny" for a Billie Eilish song. But the lyrics? They're heavy. She's talking about wanting to stick together "til I'm in the grave." It’s that mix of a bop-worthy beat and devastatingly honest lyrics that makes people obsess over it.
The Psychology of "Liking It Like That"
There’s actually a bit of a psychological phenomenon at play here. When we repeat the phrase i can lie and say i like it like that, we’re acknowledging a concept called cognitive dissonance.
We do it constantly.
- We stay in jobs we hate because the benefits are good.
- We go to events we don't care about to support friends.
- We pretend to understand modern art because we don't want to look uncultured.
The lyric gives us permission to admit we’re faking it. It’s a moment of honesty about our own dishonesty. That’s probably why it feels so satisfying to sing along to.
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Breaking Down the Production
If you strip away the vocals, the track is a masterclass in "less is more." Finneas used a shimmering synth line that feels nostalgic, almost like something out of an 80s coming-of-age movie. It creates a sense of longing.
When the hook hits—i can lie and say i like it like that—the music swells just enough to make it feel anthemic. It’s built for stadiums. It’s built for car rides with the windows down.
Billie’s vocal delivery is also different here. She’s known for that "whisper-pop" style, but in this track, she actually belts. It’s raw. You can hear the strain and the passion, which makes the "lying" part of the lyric feel even more poignant. She’s trying so hard to believe her own lie.
The Cultural Impact of Hit Me Hard and Soft
We can't talk about this one line without looking at the whole album. Hit Me Hard and Soft was a pivot. Billie moved away from the neon-green "bad guy" era and the blonde "Happier Than Ever" era into something much more grounded and blue.
The album explores themes of:
- Body image and public perception.
- The intensity of queer longing.
- The claustrophobia of fame.
"Birds of a Feather" acts as the emotional anchor. It’s the song that reminds everyone that at her core, Billie is a songwriter who understands human connection. The line i can lie and say i like it like that is the bridge between her internal struggle and our everyday reality.
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How to Use the Trend Without Being Cringe
If you’re a creator or just someone who likes posting, you’ve probably thought about using this audio. The key is irony.
The best uses of i can lie and say i like it like that are the ones that are deeply relatable. Don't use it for something you actually like. Use it for the "white lies" of adulthood.
- Using a treadmill at 6 AM.
- Pretending you're not hurt when your cat walks past you to sit with someone else.
- Claiming you "love" the cold weather while shivering in five layers.
The trend works because it’s a shared wink between the creator and the audience. We all know the feeling.
Actionable Takeaways for Music Lovers and Creators
Music moves fast. What’s viral today is old news tomorrow, but "Birds of a Feather" feels like it has staying power because it’s a high-quality song first and a meme second.
- Listen for the nuance: Next time you hear the track, pay attention to the bassline. It’s what keeps the song from feeling too "saccharine" or sweet.
- Analyze the lyrics: Check out the full verse. The "lying" line is part of a larger conversation about devotion. It’s worth reading the lyrics as poetry.
- Engage with the community: Look at how different subcultures—from gamers to fashion influencers—are interpreting the song. It’s a fascinating study in digital anthropology.
- Support the artist: If you love the hook, dive into the rest of the album. Songs like "The Greatest" and "Chihiro" offer even more depth into the themes of Hit Me Hard and Soft.
The phrase i can lie and say i like it like that isn't just a TikTok sound. It’s a snapshot of how we navigate a world where we’re constantly performing for others. Whether you're a hardcore Eilish fan or just someone who likes the melody, there's no denying that this line has captured the zeitgeist in a way few songs do. Give the full album a spin if you haven't already; it's a rare example of a "viral" moment that actually has some soul behind it.