Flashdance... What a Feeling

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of someone emerging from a period of isolation and doubt, finding liberation through a powerful, almost spiritual, connection to music and dance. Initially, the narrator describes a "slow glowing dream" hidden by fear, a solitary existence marked by "silent tears full of pride." This internal struggle unfolds in a world perceived as rigid and unyielding, described starkly as "made of steel / Made of stone." The contrast between this internal world and the external one sets the stage for a profound transformation. The core tension lies in the shift from passive suffering to active self-expression. The narrator moves from feeling alone and crying "silent tears" to actively embracing a "feeling" that allows them to "dance for my life." This isn't just about enjoyment; it's presented as a vital act of survival and self-realization. The repeated phrase "Being's believing" suggests that the act of doing – of dancing – is what validates their existence and their newfound sense of possibility. The most striking craft element is the metamorphosis of the narrator's identity in relation to music. In Verse 1, they "hear the music" and let it "take a hold of my heart." By Verse 2, this relationship deepens: they "am rhythm." This isn't just being influenced by music; it's becoming one with it. The call and response section amplifies this, with the narrator declaring, "I am music now / I am rhythm now," signifying a complete integration of their inner self with the external art form. This lyrical journey is effective because it grounds an abstract feeling of empowerment in concrete actions and sensory experiences. The transformation from a world of "steel" and "stone" to one where "pictures come alive" and one can "dance right through your life" is palpable. It suggests that by embracing one's passion and allowing it to guide them, even the most daunting realities can be overcome, leading to a profound sense of having "it all."