This Is How It Feels

Inspiral Carpets' song 'This Is How It Feels' delves into the depths of emotional isolation and the silent struggles that many people face. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a family in turmoil, where the mother is grappling with an unspoken pain that neither her husband nor her children can understand. The repetition of the line 'putting it down to another bad day' suggests a recurring issue that is being overlooked or misunderstood by those around her. This highlights the theme of loneliness, not just in the physical sense, but in the emotional and psychological realms as well.

The chorus, 'So this is how it feels to be lonely, this is how it feels to be small, this is how it feels when your word means nothing at all,' encapsulates the essence of the song. It speaks to the feeling of insignificance and the frustration of not being heard or understood. The use of the word 'small' emphasizes a sense of powerlessness and vulnerability, while 'your word means nothing at all' underscores the futility of trying to communicate one's pain when it falls on deaf ears.

The mention of a funeral for 'some guy from the top estate' who 'had it all on a plate' adds another layer to the song's narrative. It serves as a stark reminder that external appearances can be deceiving, and that even those who seem to have everything can be struggling internally. This juxtaposition of outward success and inner despair reinforces the song's message about the hidden nature of emotional suffering. Overall, 'This Is How It Feels' is a poignant exploration of the silent battles that many people face, and the profound impact of feeling unseen and unheard.