Meaning of Why Feel Bad by The Weeknd

The Weeknd's song titled "Why Feel Bad" delves into the complex emotions surrounding love, relationships, and self-acceptance. Each lyric within the song adds depth and nuance to these overarching themes, painting a vivid picture of the struggles and desires of the song's protagonist.The opening lines of the song set the stage for the exploration of contrasting emotions. With the repetition of the phrase "Why feel bad when you could feel good?" a dichotomy is presented. It introduces the idea that the narrator is grappling with conflicting emotions, torn between succumbing to the temporary bliss of a night of passion and the underlying pain of unrequited love.In the first verse, the line "Let's have sex tomorrow, let's do it here tomorrow" showcases the narrator's desire for physical intimacy, a way to escape the pain and confusion experienced in his romantic relationship. This lyric speaks to the theme of seeking temporary escape from emotional turmoil. The narrator longs to feel something tangible and immediate to distract from the deeper issues at hand.The following line, "I wanna see how you would feel inside, ain't nobody knows," delves into the theme of curiosity and the desire for emotional connection. There is a longing to understand the emotions of the person the narrator is involved with, to transcend the superficial and truly connect on a deeper level. However, the use of the phrase "ain't nobody knows" suggests that there is a barrier preventing this level of understanding, highlighting the distance between the two individuals.Moving into the second verse, the lyrics "But if I, if I can't come / No, I, no, I can't stand / And I, whoa, and I can't breathe" evoke feelings of vulnerability and dependence. These lines express the narrator's need for reciprocation and emotional fulfillment. The physicality of not being able to come, the inability to stand, and the struggle to breathe serve as metaphors for the emotional weight that the narrator carries. This theme underscores a longing for validation and completeness within the relationship.In the same verse, the lines "I'll be sent to the moon, I'll be there haunting you, girl / I live to sink, but you're only so wrong, me too" explore the complicated dynamics of the relationship. The melancholic imagery of being sent to the moon and haunting the person connects to the theme of longing for emotional connection and the struggle to let go. The mention of living to sink alludes to self-destructive tendencies, highlighting the idea that both parties involved are trapped in a cycle of toxic behavior.The concluding lines "Baby, you can't lose me" bring forward a sense of desperation and a fear of abandonment. There is an underlying feeling that the narrator's identity and worth are dependent on their involvement in this relationship. This theme speaks to the struggle for self-acceptance and the fear of being alone, suggesting that the narrator may be tolerating a toxic relationship out of fear of losing their sense of self.Ultimately, the song "Why Feel Bad" touches upon themes of internal conflict, longing for connection, and the complexities of love. Through vivid and imaginative lyrics, The Weeknd elucidates the emotional turmoil felt by the narrator, as they navigate their way through the highs and lows of a challenging relationship. This song serves as a poignant reminder of the multifaceted nature of love and the internal battles that often accompany it.