I Remember the Feeling

Song Meaning

Barbara Lewis's "I Remember the Feeling" isn't just a nostalgic trip; it's an exploration of how deeply ingrained certain emotional imprints become within us. The track operates on a deceptively simple premise: the enduring power of a past love. But within that framework, Lewis dissects the psychology of memory and longing. The very repetition of "Still remember" acts as a mantra, suggesting an almost obsessive revisiting of the past. It's not just remembering, but *still* remembering, implying an ongoing, active process rather than a passive recollection. This persistent recall highlights how certain experiences can become inextricably linked to our sense of self. The lyrics hint at an attempt to move on ("I tried to forget you, but I've found it's no use"), which further emphasizes the grip this past relationship holds. It's a common human experience to try and suppress unwanted memories or emotions, but Lewis acknowledges the futility of such efforts when dealing with a love that profoundly shaped her. The line "What good would it do me to find somebody new when I..." speaks to a core fear: that any subsequent relationship would pale in comparison, forever overshadowed by the intensity of the original connection. This isn't necessarily about the objective qualities of the past love, but rather the subjective *feeling* it evoked, which becomes an impossible standard to replicate. The latter part of the song introduces a sense of resolution ("You've been a long time comin'; now that you're here I'm fine"), suggesting a reunion or perhaps an acceptance of the enduring impact of this love. However, even with this apparent closure, the continued repetition of the chorus subtly undermines the idea of complete healing. The feeling, the thrill, the sweet loving—they remain, suggesting that even in the presence of the loved one, the memory itself retains a powerful and independent existence. Lewis, through her delivery and the song's structure, paints a portrait of love not as a fleeting emotion, but as a permanent fixture within the emotional landscape.