This Is What It Feels Like (feat. Trevor Guthrie)

Armin Van Buuren's 'This Is What It Feels Like' featuring Trevor Guthrie is a poignant exploration of the void left by a loved one's absence. The lyrics convey a deep sense of loneliness and the struggle to cope with life without the person who was once a beacon of light and joy. The opening lines paint a picture of a person who is grappling with the deafening silence that has replaced the familiar and comforting sounds associated with their loved one. The absence of simple things like a knock on the door or a ring of the telephone underscores the profound impact of loss.

The chorus reveals the extent of the protagonist's dependency on their absent partner, suggesting that their presence was akin to a guiding light without which survival seems uncertain. The metaphor of not making it to the shore without their light implies a feeling of being lost at sea, struggling to find direction or purpose. The repeated questioning of their own aliveness without the other person emphasizes the existential crisis that the loss has triggered.

The song's bridge, with its imagery of holding onto memories and frames, suggests a desperate attempt to cling to the past, while acknowledging the ongoing battle faced in the present. The metaphor of drowning without the loved one's love illustrates the overwhelming nature of their sorrow. The song's electronic dance music (EDM) style, produced by Van Buuren, contrasts with the melancholic lyrics, creating a bittersweet atmosphere that resonates with listeners who have experienced similar feelings of loss and longing.