Just A Feeling

Bad Manners' song 'Just A Feeling' delves into the theme of personal freedom and the joy of solitude. The lyrics reflect the narrator's contentment with being alone after a breakup. The opening lines, 'It's Been A Week Now Since You Went Away / I Hope That You Have Gone To Stay,' suggest a sense of relief rather than sorrow. The narrator appreciates the newfound freedom and the ability to live life on their own terms, without the constraints of a relationship. This sentiment is encapsulated in the repeated phrase, 'It's Just A Feeling,' emphasizing that the sense of liberation is a simple, yet profound, emotional state.

The song also touches on the idea of self-acceptance and rejecting societal expectations. The narrator's flat, once tidy, is now messy, but they don't seem to care. This change symbolizes the shedding of external pressures and the embrace of a more authentic self. The line, 'I Feel So Good I Really Feel At Home / To Sit And Whistle On My Own,' highlights the comfort found in solitude and the joy of being oneself without judgment. The repeated refrain, 'Just A Feeling,' serves as a mantra, reinforcing the idea that this state of contentment is both natural and fulfilling.

Furthermore, the song addresses the clash between personal identity and societal norms. The narrator mentions the difficulty of communicating with their ex-partner, who couldn't understand their lifestyle choices. The line, 'You Thought That I Should Get A Steady Job / You Couldn't See I'm Just A Yob / I'm Just A Skinhead,' underscores the tension between conforming to societal expectations and embracing one's true identity. The term 'skinhead' here is used to signify a subculture that often rejects mainstream values, further emphasizing the narrator's desire to live authentically. 'Just A Feeling' by Bad Manners is a celebration of individuality, self-acceptance, and the simple pleasures of solitude.