"Feelin' Alright" is a song originally written by Dave Mason and popularized by various artists including Joe Cocker and Traffic. Isaac Hayes also covered this song, adding his unique touch to it. The lyrics depict a person who is feeling trapped and discontent, wanting to break free from their current situation. The protagonist expresses a need for a change of scenery, as they are constantly plagued by strange dreams at night. They feel imprisoned by their past, left alone and isolated. They want to escape before they reach their breaking point, but unfortunately, someone has taken away their means to do so by locking the door and taking the key. The chorus, "Feelin' all right, not feelin' too good myself," highlights the juxtaposition of the protagonist's outward appearance of being okay while internally struggling. They are dealing with emotional turmoil and aren't feeling well psychologically. The protagonist reflects upon a past relationship where they were taken advantage of, possibly by someone who deceived them. They are left questioning why they allowed themselves to be mistreated and experiencing lingering emotional pain, depicted by their tendency to cry when thinking about it. They acknowledge the need to let go of the lies and deception, as they have a lot to accomplish before their time is up. The final lines indicate a fear of being replaced and forgotten by someone new, someone with a different name and face. The protagonist seeks help in explaining their feelings and the importance of their own story before they are pushed aside. Overall, "Feelin' Alright" portrays a sense of discontent, introspection, and a longing for personal growth and liberation from emotional struggles. Isaac Hayes' rendition adds his soulful and emotive style, making the song even more impactful.
