“8” utilizes unique vocal mixing and production elements, and is Eilish’s first released track to feature a number in the title. In the iTunes and Apple Music description under the album, Eilish admits “8” is written from the perspective of somebody she hurt.
When people hear that song, they’re like, ‘Oh, poor baby Billie, she’s so hurt.’ But really I was just a dickhead for a minute and the only way I could deal with it was to stop and put myself in that person’s place.
“8” is also the studio version of “see-through,” a previously unreleased track, under an alternate title. The theory was born after fans noticed the tracks had the same length, and was later confirmed by Eilish liking this fan-post on Instagram. It was reinforced further after Eilish liked a fan’s DM asking the same question.
The track’s Spotify artwork was done by @ervanic on Instagram.