Even before reaching public attention by appearing on Norah Jones' breakthr… Read Full Bio ↴Even before reaching public attention by appearing on Norah Jones' breakthrough debut album, Jesse Harris was a well regarded singer-songwriter in his own right, particularly with well received regular appearances at New York's The Living Room (the acoustic night of choice for the uber-hip alt.country folk set). The release of The Secret Sun album cemented his reputation as an artist of note.

FEEL
Jesse Harris Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Why pretend that I can choose
When I know I have to lose?
I can lose, I can lose, I can lose

'Cause I know you won't give in
And you always have to win
You can win, you can win, you can win

See you searchin' here and there
Lookin' for it everywhere
You don't care, you don't care, you don't care

When I look into your eyes
I only realize
You're not there, you're not there, you're not there

If you know it isn't real
Why pretend that you can feel?
You can feel, you can feel, you can feel

See you searchin' here and there
Lookin' for it everywhere
You don't care, you don't care, you don't care

See you searchin' here and there

Lookin' for it everywhere
You don't care, you don't care, you don't care

Overall Meaning

Jesse Harris’s song Feel is about a relationship that is falling apart. The singer talks about how he knows he will lose in the relationship because his partner always has to win. He acknowledges that his partner is constantly searching for something that they can't seem to find, but they don't care about the impact that has on the relationship.

The lyrics suggest a feeling of disconnection and numbness in the relationship. When the singer looks into his partner's eyes, he realizes she's not really there. In a way, this disconnect is mutual as the singer knows the relationship isn't real so the questions why pretend to feel. Throughout the song, Harris uses repetition to emphasize the singer's feelings of helplessness and inevitability.

While the lyrics have a melancholic feel, the music is light-hearted and uplifting. The song employs a 70's-inspired soft rock style, crafting easy-going melodies that sit well with Harris's high-pitched tenor. The disconnect between the lyrics and the melody seems to highlight the surrealness of the relationship.

Line by Line Meaning

Why pretend that I can choose
I am pretending to have a choice when I accept that I am destined to lose.

When I know I have to lose?
I am aware that I will lose despite my efforts and choices.

I can lose, I can lose, I can lose
This repetition highlights the inevitability of my failure.

'Cause I know you won't give in
I expect you to continue resisting and not giving in to me.

And you always have to win
You will always prevail and win in our interactions and relationship.

You can win, you can win, you can win
This repetition reinforces the idea that you have the power to control the outcome.

See you searchin' here and there
I observe you seeking something, possibly validation or satisfaction.

Lookin' for it everywhere
You are willing to search and try anything to find what you are looking for.

You don't care, you don't care, you don't care
This repetition suggests that you are indifferent to other people's feelings or opinions in your search.

When I look into your eyes
By looking at your eyes, I try to discern what you are thinking or feeling.

I only realize
However, I come to the conclusion that something is missing or absent.

You're not there, you're not there, you're not there
This repetition emphasizes your emotional unavailability or lack of presence in the moment.

If you know it isn't real
You already know that what you are searching for is not genuine or authentic.

Why pretend that you can feel?
So why continue pretending or faking emotions when you are aware of their falsity?

You can feel, you can feel, you can feel
This repetition reinforces the idea that you have the ability to simulate emotions or deceive others.

See you searchin' here and there
This line repeats the earlier observation that you are seeking something without regard for others.

Lookin' for it everywhere
You persist in trying to find satisfaction or validation despite its elusiveness thus far.

You don't care, you don't care, you don't care
The repetition emphasizes your indifference or apathy towards the feelings and opinions of others.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SHANE HARBIN FABER, DAVID JOHN HARRIS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS