The Way He Makes Me Feel

Barbra Streisand's song "The Way He Makes Me Feel" delves into the complex and often bewildering emotions that accompany the onset of new love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person experiencing a whirlwind of feelings that are both exhilarating and confusing. Streisand uses metaphors like shivering without a chill and burning without a flame to convey the intensity and paradoxical nature of these emotions. The protagonist is caught in a state of trembling anticipation, unsure of what lies ahead but undeniably drawn to the sensations that this new love brings.

The song further explores the physical and emotional reactions that come with falling in love. The imagery of hearing thunder without a storm and feeling breathless captures the overwhelming and almost surreal experience of being enamored. The protagonist feels as if they are falling every time they close their eyes, symbolizing the loss of control and the surrender to these powerful emotions. The river of surprise flowing through their body signifies the unexpected and transformative nature of love, awakening feelings that are unfamiliar yet deeply compelling.

Streisand's lyrics also touch on the internal conflict and confusion that often accompany new love. The protagonist is a "bundle of confusion," torn between the joy of these new sensations and the uncertainty they bring. The recurring imagery of the person they love, with water shining on their skin and sunlight in their hair, highlights the idealized and almost dreamlike perception of the beloved. Despite the confusion, there is a clear appreciation for the way this person makes them feel, suggesting that the beauty of love lies in its ability to evoke such profound and multifaceted emotions.