Infatuation
Rod Stewart
The Sweet Agony of Infatuation: Rod Stewart's Emotional Rollercoaster
Rod Stewart's song 'Infatuation' delves into the intense and often overwhelming feelings that come with being infatuated with someone. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who is completely consumed by his feelings, to the point where he can't sleep, work, or eat. This level of obsession is likened to being drunk all day, unable to concentrate, and feeling as though he's making a big mistake. The metaphor of being caught by a killer shark or feeling like a railroad is running through his heart emphasizes the physical and emotional toll of his infatuation.
The song also explores the duality of emotions that come with infatuation. The reference to Jekyll and Hyde suggests a split personality, where the protagonist behaves erratically and feels like he's running on empty. Despite the pain and confusion, there's a sense of pleasure in the suffering, as indicated by the repeated line, 'It hurts so good.' This paradox captures the essence of infatuation—an exhilarating yet painful experience that is hard to understand or control.
As the song progresses, the protagonist's feelings intensify. His heart beats wildly, and he loses his equilibrium, especially in the middle of the week when he feels the woman's presence most acutely. The lyrics suggest that being by her side lifts his spirits and fills his heart with love, making him question whether he's lucky or freed by this intense emotion. The repeated chorus of 'Infatuation' underscores the cyclical nature of these feelings, as he finds himself caught in a loop of emotional highs and lows, unable to break free from the spell of his infatuation.