“The Feeling” by Maddie Wilson is a deeply emotional song that explores the blurred lines between love and infatuation. The overarching theme of the song speaks about uncertainty in a romantic relationship and the internal struggle that arises when one is unsure if they are in love with the person or merely the intoxicating euphoria that love brings.
The song starts by painting an image of an intense and magnetic attraction, likening the connection to intrinsic anatomical bonds and the irresistible pull of gravity. This represents how enthralling and consuming these feelings can be. However, this powerful attraction breeds confusion, making the singer question the authenticity of her feelings.
Notably, the song expresses the intriguing dichotomy of perception and reality. The person of interest is visually ‘full of beautiful’ suggesting a flawless, enthralling facade that appeals to the singer. Yet, this beauty might be ‘hollow,’ indicating that the person may lack substantial depth or character beneath the attractive exterior. The ‘sugar on the lips,’ then, stands as a symbol of sweetness and pleasure which, although attractive and addictive initially, eventually ‘starts to kill,’ signifying the damage an inauthentic or hollow love can cause.
The song emphasizes the deceptive nature of feelings and how they can manipulate the truth. The heart is described as potentially misleading, reinforcing the central theme of confusion and contradiction between love and infatuation. The struggle between the desire for the feeling of love and the reality of the situation is depicted as mentally consuming, with the speaker needing salvation from their thoughts. This further reinforces the emotional turmoil and intensity that defines their experience.
The bridge intensifies this feeling of uncertainty by picturing the emotional state as teetering on the ‘borderline’ and ‘sinking faster and faster.’ The metaphoric use of ‘heaven and disaster’ encapsulates the paradox of the situation, where love can feel divine but also has the potential to end catastrophically, essentially highlighting the risk involved in love.
In summary, “The Feeling” by Maddie Wilson offers a profound exploration into the complexities of love, infatuation, and self-perception. It addresses the struggle between truth and illusion, the impact of perception, and the vulnerability that accompanies these feelings. This deep contemplation and expressive emotional honesty make the song resonate with its listeners, allowing them to connect with their own experiences of love and self-questioning.