The song "Feelin' Again" by John Hiatt explores the theme of rediscovering emotions and reconnecting with oneself. The protagonist of the song initially believed that they had to shut themselves off emotionally, thinking they had to cut themselves from head to toe. However, they realized that this approach was wrong and that they needed to feel things again. The lyrics mention being in a cheap motel, feeling like hell and holding their own heart. This can be interpreted as the protagonist feeling trapped in a difficult situation and experiencing intense emotional pain. But despite this, they are determined to embrace their emotions and start feeling again. The chorus of the song emphasizes the physical and emotional sensation of feeling alive again. The pounding bass drum represents a surge of energy, while the "electric onion peeling within" signifies a new layer of emotions being uncovered. The lyrics also touch on the consequences of past actions, stating that countless nights have taken a toll on their brain cells. They describe feeling a mixture of fear, lust, and hate and realizing that it's too late to change things. The mention of "Morning comes like Catholic guilt, wilted lettuce bar" paints a picture of disillusionment and regret. Overall, "Feelin' Again" is a song about the protagonist's journey towards embracing their emotions and finding a renewed sense of self. It highlights the importance of allowing oneself to feel, even if it means facing pain and regret.
