Feelings
Hayley Kiyoko
Navigating the Emotional Labyrinth: Hayley Kiyoko's 'Feelings'
Hayley Kiyoko's song 'Feelings' delves into the complexities of emotional vulnerability and the struggle to balance genuine care with societal expectations. The lyrics reveal a poignant narrative of someone who is naturally empathetic and caring, yet feels pressured to adopt a colder demeanor to avoid getting hurt. This internal conflict is evident in lines like 'They say I'll get hurt if I'm not like ice,' highlighting the tension between being true to oneself and conforming to protective facades.
The chorus, 'I'm sorry that I care, care,' underscores the artist's frustration with her own sensitivity. Kiyoko's repeated apologies for caring too much reflect a broader societal issue where emotional expression is often seen as a weakness. The song captures the essence of feeling too deeply and the complications that arise from over-communicating emotions. This is further emphasized in the lines, 'I over communicate and feel too much, I just complicate it when I say too much,' illustrating the artist's awareness of how her emotional transparency can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and complications.
Kiyoko also touches on the intoxicating yet isolating nature of love and desire. Phrases like 'This love asylum, like an island, just me and you' and 'Spent the night, you got me high, what did you do?' convey the intense, almost addictive quality of romantic connections. The metaphor of a 'love asylum' suggests a place of both refuge and madness, encapsulating the duality of feeling both 'happy and lonely.' The song's exploration of these themes resonates with anyone who has grappled with the highs and lows of emotional intimacy, making 'Feelings' a deeply relatable and introspective piece.