‘Feelings’


[  # 88 of My Favourite Short Poems  ]

Nina Simone

Nina Simone

My reason for showcasing the lyrics of this song are really just an excuse to feature once again the power of the musician/singer, Nina Simone, previously featured in my blog:  ‘Strange Fruits’  – originally posted on Dec.31st 2016 .

Originally popularised by the Brazilian singer Morris Albert, in 1975, the lyrics of the song have been described as “incredibly, stunningly crappy”, largely because of the vagueness and lack of a defined context.   Nevertheless, if anyone were to be able to invest the song with meaning, and with ‘feelings’, then Nina Simone is the person to do it and I commend the YouTube video of  her 1976 Montreaux Jazz Festival performance, which can be found by following the link at:   ‘Feelings’.   Her approach displays all her power and intensity, coupled with her magnificent playing of the piano.

In 1988, French songwriter Louis Gaste successfully sued Morris Albert for plagiarizing his song “Pour Toi”, which appeared in an obscure 1957 French movie. The tunes are very similar. He was awarded 88% of the royalties.

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FEELINGS

Feelings, nothing more than feelings,
Trying to forget my feelings of love
Teardrops rolling down on my face,
Trying to forget my feelings of love

Feelings, for all my life I’ll feel it
I wish I’ve never met you, girl; you’ll never come again

Feelings, wo-o-o feelings,
Wo-o-o, feel you again in my arms

Feelings, feelings like I’ve never lost you
And feelings like I’ve never have you again in my heart

Feelings, for all my life I’ll feel it
I wish I’ve never met you, girl; you’ll never come again

Feelings, feelings like I’ve never lost you
And feelings like I’ve never have you again in my life

Feelings, wo-o-o feelings,
Wo-o-o, feelings again in my arms
Feelings

Feelings, wo-o-o feelings,
Wo-o-o, feelings again in my arms
Feelings

6 thoughts on “‘Feelings’

  1. What a treat this morning, the lyric as poetry subject interests me. I’ve long pondered how the music can make lyrics poetic but forgot completely about the potential power of the singer to do the same. I’m grateful also for the link to Ms Simone’s cover of ‘Strange Fruit’, mesmerizing !
    Great post my friend.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. This song / poetic lyric is fantastic to me. I cannot agree with the judgement in 1975.
    Feelings do cover a wide range of yourself but all emits from within. Sung by
    Nina Simone it tears and heals.
    All good songs have lyrics that could equally be poems. In my humble opinion.

    Thank you Roland

    Miriam

    Liked by 1 person

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