Meaning of This is What It Feels Like by BANKS

The Melancholic Reflections of Unrequited Love: Unpacking the Meaning of "This is What It Feels Like" by BANKS

As the haunting vocals of Jillian Banks, aka BANKS, whisper the lyrics to "This is What It Feels Like," the listener is transported to a world of longing and unrequited love. Released in 2014, the song has become a cathartic anthem for those who have experienced the pangs of loving someone who doesn’t love them back. Through its poignant lyrics and atmospheric instrumentation, "This is What It Feels Like" masterfully captures the emotional turmoil that arises from this complex and often excruciating situation.

The Pain of Uncertainty

The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a narrator who is deeply invested in someone who seems hesitant and unsure about reciprocating their feelings. "I’m waiting for a sign, a sign, a sign, a sign" – the chorus repeats, echoing the desperation and frustration that comes with being stuck in a one-sided relationship. The uncertainty is palpable, leaving the narrator questioning whether the other person truly feels the same way. "Do you feel the same way? Do you feel the same way?", the lyrics plead, revealing the narrator’s deep emotional investment in the relationship.

The Frustration of Emotional Disconnect

One of the most striking aspects of "This is What It Feels Like" is its ability to capture the emotional disconnect that arises when one person’s feelings are stronger than the other’s. "I know you’re hiding what you feel, and it’s killing me" – the lyrics lament, highlighting the sense of hurt and betrayal that comes from feeling like the other person is not being honest about their emotions. This disconnect is further emphasized by the repetition of "Bring it down, bring it on", which underscores the narrator’s urgency to break down the emotional barriers that separate them from their loved one.

A Reflection of Personal Experience

As someone who has been in a similar situation, I can attest to the song’s ability to accurately capture the emotional turmoil of unrequited love. "This is what it feels like", the song’s title phrase, resonates deeply – it’s a phrase that echoes the feelings of disappointment, frustration, and desperation that come with loving someone who doesn’t love you back. The song has become a cathartic experience for me, allowing me to process and release my emotions in a way that feels authentic and validating.

The Longing for Honesty and Vulnerability

Throughout the song, the narrator yearns for honesty and vulnerability from the other person. "Can you tell me if you feel the same? Can you tell me?", the lyrics plead, highlighting the desire for raw emotion and genuine connection. This longing is particularly striking in the second verse, where the narrator reflects on the initial excitement of the relationship and the subsequent withdrawal of the other person. "We were chasing each other, we were killing each other", the lyrics recall, emphasizing the intensity and passion that was once present in the relationship.

A Moment of Reflection

The instrumental break in the song serves as a moment of reflection, allowing the listener to step back and contemplate the emotional landscape of the narrator. "The silence in between, the silence is deafening", the lyrics whisper, highlighting the sense of emptiness and longing that fills the gap between the narrator and the other person. This silence is a powerful reminder of the emotional distance that often separates two people in a relationship.

Conclusion

"This is What It Feels Like" by BANKS is a poignant reflection on the pain, frustration, and longing that arises from unrequited love. Through its haunting vocals and atmospheric instrumentation, the song masterfully captures the emotional turmoil that comes with loving someone who doesn’t love you back. Whether you’ve experienced this phenomenon firsthand or simply empathize with the narrator’s struggles, "This is What It Feels Like" is a song that resonates deeply – a melancholic reflection on the complex and often excruciating nature of unrequited love.

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