In a world that often feels disconnected, music remains a powerful force that allows us to explore complex emotions and find connections through shared experiences. One such song that encapsulates the quest for genuine emotional connection is “Feel” by Robbie Williams. Released in 2002, the song has resonated with listeners worldwide, becoming an anthem for those searching for real love and existential meaning. This blog post dives into the profound meanings behind this iconic song, breaking down its lyrics and the emotional landscapes it explores.
The Meaning of “Feel” by Robbie Williams
Robbie Williams’ song “Feel” resonates deeply with listeners through its raw and vulnerable lyrics. The track captures the universal human experience of longing for connection and the struggle to find inner peace. With a melody that ebbs and flows like the emotions it portrays, “Feel” speaks to the heart, reminding us of the beauty and pain inherent in the quest for love and understanding. Williams’ powerful vocals and poignant delivery make every word hit home, creating a lasting impact that lingers long after the song ends. It’s a heartfelt exploration of the complex tapestry of human emotions, wrapped in an unforgettable tune.
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Come and hold my hand
I wanna contact the living
Not sure I understand
This role I’ve been given
I sit and talk to God
And he just laughs at my plans
My head speaks a language
I don’t understand
[Chorus]
I just wanna feel real love
Feel the home that I live in
Cause I got too much life
Running through my veins
Going to waste
[Verse 2]
I don’t wanna die
But I ain’t keen on living either
Before I fall in love
I’m preparing to leave her
Scare myself to death
That’s why I keep on running
Before I’ve arrived
I can see myself coming
[Chorus]
I just wanna feel real love
Feel the home that I live in
Cause I got too much life
Running through my veins
Going to waste
And I need to feel real love
And a life ever after
I can not get enough
I just wanna feel real love
Feel the home that I live in
I got too much love
Running through my veins
To go to waste
I just wanna to feel real love
And a life ever after
There’s a hole in my soul
You can see it in my face
It’s a real big place
[Outro]
Come and hold my hand
I wanna contact the living
Not sure I understand
This role I’ve been given
Not sure I understand
Not sure I understand
Not sure I understand
Not sure I understand
The Opening Verse: A Cry for Connection
“Come and hold my hand / I wanna contact the living”
The song opens with a plea for physical and emotional connection. The simple act of holding hands symbolizes a deep need for human touch and the desire to feel alive. In an increasingly digital world, this line resonates with many who yearn for genuine human interaction.
“Not sure I understand / This role I’ve been given”
Here, Williams touches on the theme of existential confusion. Many people struggle with understanding their purpose in life and the roles they are expected to play. This line sets the stage for the song’s introspective journey, inviting listeners to reflect on their own uncertainties.
“I sit and talk to God / And he just laughs at my plans”
In these lines, the song explores the idea of divine indifference. Despite our efforts to seek guidance and reassurance, the universe often seems indifferent to our plans and struggles. This sentiment is both humbling and disheartening, yet it is a common human experience.
The Chorus: The Quest for Authentic Love
“I just wanna feel real love / Feel the home that I live in”
The chorus captures the song’s central theme—the longing for real, authentic love. Williams expresses a desire to feel at home in his own life and to experience a love that feels genuine and fulfilling.
“Cause I got too much life / Running through my veins / Going to waste”
These lines highlight a sense of untapped potential and wasted energy. Despite having a zest for life, Williams feels that his vitality is being squandered due to a lack of meaningful connections. It’s a powerful reminder that life energy is precious and should be channeled into fulfilling pursuits.
The Second Verse: The Struggle Between Life and Death
“I don’t wanna die / But I ain’t keen on living either”
In the second verse, Williams explores the gray area between life and death. This line captures the ambivalence many people feel about existence—neither fully engaging with life nor ready to accept death. It’s a poignant reflection on the struggle to find meaning.
“Before I fall in love / I’m preparing to leave her”
This line speaks to the fear of emotional vulnerability. By preparing to leave before falling deeply in love, Williams shields himself from potential heartbreak. It’s a defense mechanism that many can relate to, highlighting the complexities of human relationships.
“Scare myself to death / That’s why I keep on running”
Williams admits to being his own worst enemy, letting fear dictate his actions. The constant running symbolizes an avoidance of confronting deeper issues. This line is a powerful commentary on how fear can paralyze us and prevent us from living fully.
The Refrain: A Desperate Need for Love
“And I need to feel real love / And a life ever after”
In this refrain, the need for real love is reiterated, but with an added dimension—the desire for a lasting, eternal love. This line elevates the search for love to a spiritual quest, seeking something that transcends the temporal.
“I cannot get enough”
The insatiable desire for love and connection is palpable in this line. It underscores the human condition of never feeling completely fulfilled, always yearning for more.
The Bridge: The Depths of Emotional Turmoil
“There’s a hole in my soul / You can see it in my face / It’s a real big place”
In these lines, Williams lays bare the extent of his emotional pain. The imagery of a hole in the soul is a powerful metaphor for deep-seated emptiness. The visibility of this pain on his face suggests that it is an all-consuming struggle, impossible to hide.
The Outro: A Return to Existential Doubt
“Come and hold my hand / I wanna contact the living”
The outro mirrors the opening lines, bringing the song full circle. The repetition emphasizes the ongoing struggle for connection and understanding.
“Not sure I understand / This role I’ve been given”
Ending with this line leaves the song on a note of unresolved existential doubt. It serves as a reminder that the quest for meaning and love is an ongoing process, filled with uncertainties.
The Impact of “Feel”: Why It Resonates
Robbie Williams’ “Feel” resonates with listeners because it taps into universal emotions and experiences. Its themes of love, existential angst, and the struggle for self-understanding are relatable to many. The song’s raw honesty and vulnerability make it a powerful anthem for those navigating the complexities of human emotion.
Conclusion
“Feel” by Robbie Williams is a masterful exploration of the human condition. Through its poignant lyrics and haunting melody, it captures the essence of the quest for real love and existential meaning. Whether you’re grappling with your own emotional struggles or simply appreciating the song’s artistry, “Feel” offers a profound and moving experience. For those who want to explore more music that touches on deep emotional themes, consider checking out Robbie Williams’ other works. His discography is rich with songs that offer similar insights and reflections on the human experience.