The bands initial line-up featured Pär Wiksten (vocals, guitars), Christina Bergmark (keyboards, vocals), Stefan Schönfeldt (guitars) and his younger brother Frederick Schönfeldt (bass) with Gunnar Karlsson (drums) and Björn Malmquist (violin). Karlsson was later replaced by Erik Dahlgren.
Early influences included Australian band The Go-Betweens as well as The Sisters Of Mercy.
The band released six studio albums in their 21 year career including the commercially successful Be A Girl (1994) and Bagsy Me (1997).
Part-way through recording their seventh studio album the band officially announced their split in April 2009 with Pär Wiksten going solo.
2020 the band returned together and released the single Can't Kill The Musikk and will tour during 2021.
How Does It Feel
The Wannadies Lyrics
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Somebody to hug and kiss and then still be friends
So you think there's more than singing
Reading magazines about the scream
I know what you mean
Now you know how it feels
Know how it feels
Now you know how it feels
Know how it feels
And how does it feel?
So you think you're someone special
Very glamourous, one of a kind
A brilliant mind
So you find it disappointing
Realising what you won't achieve
I know what you mean
Now you know how it feels
Know how it feels
And how does it feel?
Now you know how it feels
Know how it feels
And how does it feel?
So you think there's something missing
Something everlasting, somehow kind
It's hard to find
So you think you really miss her
The perfect girl to kiss and then, still be friends
Now you know how it feels
Know how it feels
And how does it feel?
Now you know how it feels
Know how it feels
And how does it feel?
The Wannadies' 'How Does It Feel' is a reflective piece that paints a portrait of someone going through a period of self-discovery. The singer addresses an individual who has been looking for something that they can't quite put their finger on, whether that be a significant other or a sense of fulfillment. Initially, the individual believes that they need another person to feel complete. They are looking for someone to hug, kiss, and be friends with. However, as the song progresses, they come to the realization that there is more to life than just those things. They begin to see that there is more to be found in reading magazines about the scream and discovering new ways of expressing themselves.
The next verse takes on a slightly different tone, but still speaks to the same overarching themes. It alludes to the idea that the individual believes they have something unique to offer the world. They are someone special and have a brilliant mind. However, as they come to terms with what they won't achieve, they're forced to reframe their self-beliefs. The chorus, "Now you know how it feels, know how it feels, and how does it feel?" is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing that the individual has reached a place of understanding about themselves and their desires.
The final verse returns to mirroring the first, with the singer addressing the individual's desire for something everlasting and perfect. They long for someone who can be their perfect girl, to kiss and be friends with. The repetition in the chorus provides a sense of closure and resolution, indicating that the individual has come full circle. In understanding what they were searching for, and how it feels to be missing someone or something, they now know how they truly feel about themselves and their life journey.
Line by Line Meaning
So you think there's someone missing
You believe that there is someone who should be here with you, someone to hold, someone to adore, and someone to remain friends with.
Somebody to hug and kiss and then still be friends
You want a partner who you can be physical with but also maintain a platonic relationship afterwards.
So you think there's more than singing
You believe that there must be something beyond just music and singing.
Reading magazines about the scream
You are searching for something deeper than surface-level entertainment and are looking for something that truly moves you.
I know what you mean
I understand your perspective and share your feelings.
Now you know how it feels
You have gained an understanding of what it's like to experience a certain situation or emotion.
Know how it feels
You are familiar with the sensation and sensitivity of that particular experience.
And how does it feel?
I ask you to identify and articulate your own feelings on the matter now that you have firsthand knowledge.
So you think you're someone special
You believe you are an extraordinary, exceptional individual.
Very glamorous, one of a kind
You are someone who is highly fashionable, beautiful, and unique.
A brilliant mind
You possess a fantastic intellect and make clever decisions.
So you find it disappointing
You are disappointed by the realization that you won't be able to achieve certain things.
Realizing what you won't achieve
You have come to terms with aspects of life that you may not accomplish or succeed at.
I know what you mean
I comprehend your perspective and empathize with your emotions.
So you think there's something missing
You feel a sense of emptiness and believe that something essential is absent in your life.
Something everlasting, somehow kind
You are searching for something that is eternal and kind in nature, such as unbreakable love, a lifelong friendship, or a meaningful purpose.
It's hard to find
It's a difficult task to achieve or locate this elusive and crucial element.
So you think you really miss her
You believe that you are genuinely missing the woman who was perfect for you.
The perfect girl to kiss and then, still be friends
You want to find a female partner who you can be romantically involved with but then go back to being just friends afterwards if things don't work out.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: PAER ANDERS WIKSTEN, FREDRIK SCHOENFELDT, STEFAN ROLF SCHOENFELDT, GUNNAR BROR KARLSSON, CHRISTINA ASA WIKSTEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind