[ # 88 of My Favourite Short Poems ]
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.
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 loveFeelings, for all my life I’ll feel it
I wish I’ve never met you, girl; you’ll never come againFeelings, wo-o-o feelings,
Wo-o-o, feel you again in my armsFeelings, feelings like I’ve never lost you
And feelings like I’ve never have you again in my heartFeelings, for all my life I’ll feel it
I wish I’ve never met you, girl; you’ll never come againFeelings, feelings like I’ve never lost you
And feelings like I’ve never have you again in my lifeFeelings, wo-o-o feelings,
Wo-o-o, feelings again in my arms
FeelingsFeelings, wo-o-o feelings,
Wo-o-o, feelings again in my arms
Feelings
Roland's Ragbag 