Feel — Robbie Williams Lyrics

Song Details and Overview

• Featuring Artist(s): None


• Producer(s): Guy Chambers & Steve Power


• Composer: Guy Chambers


• Writer: Robbie Williams & Guy Chambers


• Release Date: November 18, 2002


• Musical Instruments: Strings, Piano, Bass Guitar, Slide Guitar, Synthesizer, Drums


• Label: Chrysalis


• Musical Genre: Pop-Rock, Soft Rock, Orchestral


• Album: Escapology


• Track #: 18 (on *In and Out of Consciousness: Greatest Hits 1990–2010*)


• Language(s): English


• Mood: Reflective, Melancholic

Exploring the Meaning of "Feel"

Robbie Williams' "Feel" captures a deeply introspective journey, blending themes of longing, spiritual exploration, and emotional vulnerability. The track conveys a quest for authenticity and connection, as Williams navigates feelings of existential uncertainty and emotional turbulence.

The verses open with Robbie addressing a higher power, only to be met with ambiguity. The line, *"I sit and talk to God, and he just laughs at my plans,"* suggests a sense of cosmic irony and a struggle to reconcile human desire with divine unpredictability. This tension sets the tone for the song's central theme: the search for meaning and love amidst inner chaos.

Verse 1

The opening lines invite the listener into Robbie’s introspective mindset. *"Come and hold my hand, I wanna contact the living"* speaks to a yearning for tangible connection, contrasting with the intangible confusion of his inner world. The phrase *"Not sure I understand this role I've been given"* reflects the existential questions many face about purpose and identity.

Chorus

The chorus amplifies the emotional core of the song. Robbie’s plea, *"I just wanna feel real love, fill the home that I live in,"* reveals a longing for love as both a grounding force and a spiritual fulfillment. The word "fill" emphasizes his desire to overcome the emptiness he perceives, underlined by the striking image of *"too much life running through my veins going to waste."*

Verse 2

The second verse introduces a darker dimension. Lines like *"I don't wanna die, but I ain't keen on living either"* encapsulate a tension between existential weariness and an instinctual will to survive. Robbie’s introspection veers toward self-awareness, with *"Scare myself to death, that's why I keep on running"* illustrating a cycle of avoidance and fear.

Bridge and Outro

The song’s instrumental break allows the emotional weight to simmer, carried by lush orchestration. The outro repeats the refrain, *"Not sure I understand,"* leaving the song open-ended and reflective, mirroring the unresolved journey toward self-discovery and peace.

Songs Similar to "Feel"

1. 
   "Angels" by Robbie Williams
   Another hit by Williams, "Angels" delves into themes of faith and guidance. Both tracks share a spiritual undercurrent and an emotional plea for connection, though "Angels" leans more on the promise of support than existential uncertainty.
   


2. 
   "Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M.
   This iconic ballad echoes the melancholic tone of "Feel," offering solace in collective vulnerability. Like "Feel," it confronts pain directly, urging listeners to find comfort in shared human experiences.
   


3. 
   "Fix You" by Coldplay
   "Fix You" parallels "Feel" in its emotional depth and uplifting orchestration. Both songs grapple with themes of healing and emotional release, employing soaring melodies to evoke hope amidst despair.
   


4. 
   "Hurt" by Johnny Cash
   Cash’s haunting rendition of "Hurt" mirrors the raw vulnerability of "Feel." Both songs lay bare a deep internal struggle, using poignant lyrics to explore themes of regret and self-awareness.
   


5. 
   "Someone Like You" by Adele
   A ballad steeped in longing and heartbreak, Adele’s hit shares a reflective, soul-baring quality with "Feel." Both tracks hinge on emotional catharsis and self-exploration.
   


6. 
   "Mad World" by Gary Jules
   This somber anthem resonates with the existential overtones of "Feel," exploring themes of disconnection and existential angst through minimalist instrumentation and melancholic tones.
   


7. 
   "Unwell" by Matchbox Twenty
   "Unwell" captures the feeling of inner turmoil and isolation, much like "Feel." Both tracks strike a balance between introspection and the universal desire for understanding.
   


8. 
   "The Scientist" by Coldplay
   With its introspective lyrics and poignant melody, "The Scientist" aligns with the themes of longing and self-doubt in "Feel." The emotional vulnerability in both songs is palpable, making them kindred spirits in the realm of reflective pop-rock.
   

Chart Performance and Awards

"Feel" achieved widespread success, topping charts in Austria, Poland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, and the Netherlands. It was certified Gold in seven countries and remains one of Robbie Williams' most beloved tracks. Its music video, featuring Daryl Hannah, adds a cinematic layer to its artistic allure.

Quotes

“I pour my heart out. It’s someone who’s not really sure of his place in the world and what’s going on.”

Robbie Williams

“There’s a hole in my soul, you can see it in my face, it’s a real big place.”

"Feel," Robbie Williams