That's Just How I Feel
Resa Saffa Park
The Heart's Desperate Longing in 'That's Just How I Feel'
Resa Saffa Park's song 'That's Just How I Feel' delves into the complexities of unrequited love and emotional vulnerability. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person deeply infatuated with someone who doesn't reciprocate their feelings. The opening lines, 'Can I avoid it? Of course, I can't avoid it,' set the tone for the inevitable heartache that follows. The protagonist is caught in a painful cycle of longing and rejection, symbolized by the imagery of 'vanilla' and 'party hors d'oeuvres,' which suggest superficiality and fleeting moments of connection.
The recurring phrase, 'That's just how I feel,' underscores the helplessness and resignation the protagonist experiences. Despite recognizing the one-sided nature of their affection, they can't help but fall at the feet of their beloved, who remains 'perfect' in their eyes. The metaphor of 'ribbons in silk, wrapping him all desperately in' conveys a sense of suffocating love, where the protagonist's desire to be close is met with indifference and eventual rejection.
The song also touches on themes of self-worth and the struggle for validation. The lines 'I am I, not all things, but I'm good / Oh, I really wish he understood / That I worked for him' highlight the protagonist's internal conflict. They yearn for acknowledgment and appreciation from someone who is 'too proud' to see their value. This emotional turmoil is further emphasized by the hope that 'next time I hope that he'll let me in,' revealing a glimmer of optimism amidst the despair. Ultimately, 'That's Just How I Feel' is a poignant exploration of the pain and persistence of unrequited love, capturing the raw emotions of longing, rejection, and the quest for acceptance.