Feel It Still

"Feel It Still" by Portugal. The Man is a vibrant track that blends rock influences with sharp social commentary, wrapped in catchy melodies. The lyrics explore themes of rebellion, nostalgia, and personal responsibility, weaving emotional complexities with historical events and contemporary concerns.

The song opens with, "Can't keep my hands to myself / Think I'll dust 'em off, put 'em back up on the shelf / In case my little baby girl is in need / Am I coming out of left field?", introducing a reflection on fatherhood and the transition from personal life to responsibility. John Gourley reflects on these lines, mentioning his daughter Francis as a significant inspiration during the album's writing: "Her growing up’s been a huge part of this record, and I think this song especially, some of that stuff just kind of seeped into the lyrics as I was writing." This comment reveals how deeply personal and universally relatable experiences intertwine in artistic creation, highlighting the impact of fatherhood on the musician's life perspectives.

The song also addresses the spirit of rebellion and change, evident in the repeated chorus, "Ooh woo, I'm a rebel just for kicks now / I been feeling it since nineteen sixty-six now." John points out that 1966 was chosen because it was the "acid test year," a time of significant social and cultural upheaval, echoing feelings of change and defiance of norms. Zachary Carothers adds that the music inspired by this movement reflects similar social and political climates to the present, connecting the track to a broader context of resistance and struggle for justice.

The line "Let me kick it like it's 1986 now", accompanied by comments from the band members, evokes nostalgia for the youth culture of that era, with direct references to the 80s icon, the Beastie Boys. Eric Howk and Zachary Carothers discuss how this music influenced a generation to challenge the rules, reflecting a continuation of themes of rebellion and the need to fight for the right to joy.

Concerns about the future are addressed in "We could fight a war for peace / Give in to that easy living / Goodbye to my hopes and dreams." Eric compares this contradiction to a famous quote by George Carlin, highlighting the absurdity and futility of such efforts. This thought resonates in "It’s time to give a little to the kids in the middle / But, oh, until it falls, won't bother me", where John reflects on social divisions and the construction of walls, both physical and metaphorical, questioning the need for such barriers in a society that should be united.

The music and its commentary reveal a rich tapestry of personal reflection intertwined with social awareness. As Eric Howk summarizes: "Throughout the whole song, we're talking about these snapshots of time and human history, specifically American history, and the struggles we've gone through. And now, suddenly, we're trying to make America 'great again', and that’s not how we would do it." With "great again" ["make America great again"], Eric directly references the rhetoric of Donald Trump's administration, who held the presidency from 2017, the year this song was released, to 2021.

Through "Feel It Still," Portugal. The Man not only captures a moment of turmoil and change but also challenges listeners to recognize and embrace their role in shaping the future, a message both thrilling and necessary in turbulent times.