That Leaving Feeling

Stuart A. Staples' song 'That Leaving Feeling' delves into the complex emotions surrounding the desire to leave behind one's current life and start anew. The lyrics capture the internal struggle between the pull of the past and the push of an uncertain future. Staples' deep, melancholic voice adds a layer of gravity to the song, making the listener feel the weight of his words. The opening lines, 'I get that leaving feeling / This time it's here to stay,' set the tone for a narrative of inevitable departure, where the protagonist is caught in a cycle of weighing the pros and cons of leaving.

The song uses vivid metaphors to describe the emotional turmoil of leaving. The 'rope that is pulling' being 'whittled down to a thread' symbolizes the fragile connection to the current life, which is on the verge of breaking. This imagery is powerful, as it conveys the sense of urgency and the precariousness of the situation. The lyrics also touch on the idea that leaving can change the people you love, highlighting the emotional cost of such a decision. 'The people that you love / They change when you leave them behind' suggests that departure is not just a physical act but an emotional upheaval that affects everyone involved.

Staples also explores the universal human desire for a fresh start. 'We all have dreams of leaving / We all wanna make a new start' speaks to a common longing for escape and renewal. The act of packing a suitcase with 'pieces of our hearts' and stepping onto a train symbolizes the hope and fear intertwined in the act of leaving. The song concludes with a sense of resignation and acceptance, as the protagonist prepares to leave everything in order, not wanting anything to hold him back. This final act of preparation underscores the seriousness of the decision and the emotional readiness required to make such a significant change.