how well do you know your feelings?

Alice Merton's song 'how well do you know your feelings?' delves into the intricate and often overlooked realm of self-awareness and emotional understanding. The lyrics pose a profound question, urging listeners to reflect on their own emotional landscapes. The repeated inquiry, 'How well do you know your feelings? How well do you know yourself at all?' serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of introspection and emotional honesty. Merton's gentle yet probing tone invites a deep personal examination, encouraging individuals to confront their hidden scars and the parts of themselves they may keep in the dark.

The song's narrative structure is built around moments of vulnerability and introspection. The imagery of 'closing time' and 'throwing it all back again' suggests a cyclical nature of revisiting past emotions and experiences. Merton highlights the struggle of balancing external appearances with internal realities, as seen in lines like 'when you hide your scars, you hide your heart away.' This metaphor underscores the idea that concealing emotional wounds can lead to a deeper sense of isolation and misunderstanding, both from oneself and others.

Furthermore, the song touches on the universal experience of feeling lost and disconnected. The lines 'Back on the road, you're missin' home, and you're still missin' them' capture the essence of longing and the difficulty of staying grounded amidst life's chaos. Merton's use of a 'worried smile' and the notion of asking without prying reflects the delicate balance of showing concern for others while respecting their emotional boundaries. Ultimately, 'how well do you know your feelings?' is a call to action for greater emotional transparency and self-discovery, urging listeners to embrace their true selves and foster deeper connections with those around them.