What A Feeling (Flashdance) (Progressive Album Mix)

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of someone striving for something more, starting from a place of perceived limitation. The opening lines suggest a world that feels rigid and unyielding – "a world made of steel, made of stone." This stark imagery sets the stage for a powerful internal drive, a "slow glowing dream" that persists against this backdrop. The repeated phrase "What a feeling, bein's believin'" acts as an anthem, a mantra that links the subjective experience of emotion with the power of conviction. The central tension arises from the acknowledgment of limits, encapsulated in the parenthetical "I can't have it all." This isn't a statement of defeat, but rather a reframing of ambition. Instead of grasping for everything, the narrator finds liberation in focused action: "now I'm dancin' for my life." The act of dancing becomes the vehicle through which dreams are pursued and realized, transforming the abstract desire into tangible movement and expression. The most striking craft element is the juxtaposition of the industrial "steel" and "stone" with the fluid, liberating act of "dancin'." The commands "Get down / Take off / Turn on / Tune in" build a sense of urgency and activation, preparing the listener for the transformative power of the "Flashdance." This sequence suggests a deliberate shedding of inhibitions and a full immersion into the present moment and the pursuit of one's passion. Ultimately, these lyrics resonate because they capture the exhilarating moment when belief solidifies into action, even when faced with limitations. The "feeling" isn't just joy; it's the profound realization that through focused effort and passionate engagement, one can "dance right through your life," making the dream a lived reality. The persistent "Don't stop" reinforces this message of unwavering dedication.