The Meaning Behind The Song: Can’t Fight This Feeling by REO Speedwagon
When it comes to classic love songs, “Can’t Fight This Feeling” by REO Speedwagon is sure to be on many people’s lists. The power ballad was released in 1984 and quickly became a hit, staying on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for three weeks and earning the band a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group. But what is the meaning behind the song that has captured the hearts of so many?
The Inspiration Behind The Song
According to lead vocalist Kevin Cronin, “Can’t Fight This Feeling” was inspired by a personal experience. He had recently broken up with his long-time girlfriend and was struggling with his feelings towards her. He explained, “I wrote the song about that feeling of being in love with somebody but not being able to tell them about it.”
The Emotions Behind The Lyrics
The lyrics in “Can’t Fight This Feeling” are honest and heartfelt, expressing the vulnerability and uncertainty that many people feel when it comes to matters of the heart. The opening line, “I can’t fight this feeling any longer,” captures the desperation and helplessness that one can feel when they are caught up in an emotion they cannot control or resist. The chorus is equally poignant, with lines like “My life has been such a whirlwind since I saw you,” and “I’m getting closer than I ever thought I might.”
Many people can relate to the feelings expressed in the song, and it has been used in various media to convey the emotions of falling in love, including in the iconic 80s film “Vision Quest.”
The Music Behind The Lyrics
While the lyrics of “Can’t Fight This Feeling” are emotionally charged, it is the music that truly drives the song home. The soaring melody and power chords create a sense of urgency and passion that perfectly complement the lyrics. The instrumental break, featuring a guitar solo, builds on the intensity of the song, giving listeners a moment to experience the emotions before the chorus returns for one last passionate declaration.
The song’s success can also be attributed to the band’s accomplished musicianship, particularly the vocal prowess of lead singer Kevin Cronin. According to Rolling Stone, “Can’t Fight This Feeling” was a turning point for the band, catapulting them from mid-level rockers to arena rock stars.
The Legacy of “Can’t Fight This Feeling”
Over thirty years since its release, “Can’t Fight This Feeling” remains a classic love ballad that has stood the test of time. The song has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, making it a cultural touchstone for many generations.
In an interview with Songfacts, Kevin Cronin revealed that the song has taken on a deeper meaning for him over the years. He explained, “Because the song has lasted so long, it has become about all kinds of love, not just romantic love. People use it as a song to inspire themselves or other people or to express friendship love.”
The Impact of “Can’t Fight This Feeling”
The success of “Can’t Fight This Feeling” propelled REO Speedwagon into stardom, but it also had a larger impact on the music industry. The song helped to cement the popularity of power ballads in the 80s, with bands like Journey and Bon Jovi following in REO Speedwagon’s footsteps, creating their own anthemic love songs that still resonate with audiences today.
The song has also been covered by numerous artists, including Glee’s Matthew Morrison, who performed the song in the show’s second season. The cover reached #31 on the Billboard Hot 100, bringing the song back into the public consciousness and introducing it to a new generation of listeners.
The Universal Appeal of “Can’t Fight This Feeling”
Despite the song’s origins in Kevin Cronin’s personal experiences, “Can’t Fight This Feeling” has universal appeal. The emotions expressed in the lyrics are ones that anyone can relate to, whether they are in a romantic relationship or not. The song’s soaring melody and powerful instrumentals only serve to enhance the universal appeal of the song.
As Kevin Cronin said in an interview with Songfacts, “It’s kind of like a cross-cultural, cross-generation thing. I don’t know how it happened, but I’m grateful that it did.”
In Conclusion
“Can’t Fight This Feeling” is a timeless love ballad that has resonated with audiences for over thirty years. The song’s emotional lyrics and powerful instrumentals have cemented it as a classic, while its universal appeal continues to inspire and connect people of all ages and backgrounds. REO Speedwagon’s contribution to the power ballad genre has influenced countless artists since its release, proving that the power of love and music is truly timeless.
