Feel

Syd Barrett's 'Feel' is a poignant exploration of loneliness and longing, wrapped in the enigmatic and surreal imagery that characterizes much of his work. The song opens with a direct plea, 'You feel me,' immediately establishing a connection with the listener. This is followed by a stark admission of emptiness and isolation, 'Away far too empty, oh so alone!' Barrett's desire to 'go home' suggests a yearning for comfort and familiarity, a place where he feels understood and safe.

The lyrics are rich with metaphors and vivid imagery, such as 'find me inside of a nocturne - the blonde,' which evokes a sense of being lost in a dreamlike state. The mention of 'the crowd on her side' and 'she straggled the bridge by the water' paints a picture of a woman who is also struggling, perhaps mirroring Barrett's own feelings of disconnection and despair. The repeated references to 'they wail' and 'they flail' suggest a collective suffering, amplifying the sense of shared human experience in the face of loneliness.

Barrett's use of surreal and fragmented imagery, like 'a gasp shringing' and 'a bad bell's ringing,' adds to the haunting atmosphere of the song. These lines evoke a sense of disorientation and unease, reflecting the inner turmoil of the narrator. The mention of 'the angel - the daughter' introduces a glimmer of hope or purity amidst the chaos, but it is fleeting. Ultimately, 'Feel' is a deeply emotional and introspective song that captures the essence of Barrett's unique artistic vision and his struggles with mental health.