This Is What It Feels Like

Banks' song "This Is What It Feels Like" delves into the emotional turmoil of unrequited love and the confusion that often accompanies it. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who is deeply invested in a relationship, only to find that their feelings are not reciprocated in the same way. The protagonist hangs on every word and action of their partner, interpreting them as signs of mutual affection. However, when they finally allow themselves to fall in love, they are met with indifference and pretense, leading to a painful realization that their love is not returned.

The recurring line, "This is what it feels like," serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional rollercoaster that unrequited love can be. The protagonist experiences a mix of hope, confusion, and eventual disappointment as they navigate the complexities of their feelings. The repetition of phrases like "Bring it down, bring it on" and "It's gettin' old" underscores the cyclical nature of their emotional struggle, highlighting the weariness that comes with unreciprocated affection.

Banks' haunting vocals and the minimalist production further amplify the song's emotional weight. The rawness of the lyrics, combined with the atmospheric soundscape, creates an intimate and introspective listening experience. The song captures the essence of vulnerability and the heartache of loving someone who cannot or will not love you back. It speaks to the universal experience of longing and the painful reality of realizing that sometimes, love is not enough to make a relationship work.