Yentl The Way He Makes Me Feel Lyrics

Ever heard a song and thought, "Wow, that's exactly how I feel?" Well, get ready to meet a song that's been making people think that for decades: "The Way He Makes Me Feel" from the movie Yentl.

But here's the kicker: it's not just a simple love song. It's sung by Yentl, a woman disguised as a man named Anshel, who is falling for her study partner, Avigdor. Complicated? You bet!

A Gender-Bending Ballad

The story of Yentl is already pretty wild. Imagine a woman in early 20th-century Poland pretending to be a man so she can study the Talmud. Talk about dedication!

This deception sets the stage for some seriously tangled emotions. Because as "Anshel," Yentl becomes incredibly close to Avigdor, a fellow student.

And wouldn't you know it, sparks start to fly, at least on Yentl's side. Thus, we get "The Way He Makes Me Feel."

The Lyrics: A Masterclass in Subtlety (and Irony!)

Okay, let's dive into the lyrics. On the surface, it’s a sweet, slightly yearning song about a crush. "Like no one ever has, like no one ever will," Yentl sings, her voice soaring.

But underneath that beautiful melody, there's a whole ocean of hidden meaning. Because Yentl can't exactly come out and say, "Hey, I'm a woman, and I'm totally crushing on you."

She has to navigate this crush while maintaining her male disguise. That's where the genius of the lyrics, penned by Barbra Streisand and Alan and Marilyn Bergman, really shines through.

Think about the line, "He tells me things that no one else knows." It could simply refer to intellectual conversations.

But given the circumstances, it also hints at the unique bond Yentl feels with Avigdor, a bond built on a shared secret (her true identity).

The Power of Unspoken Feelings

The song isn't just about romantic love, though. It's about the deep connection between two people.

Yentl admires Avigdor's intellect, his passion, and his kindness. These qualities transcend gender, making their connection all the more powerful.

The lyrics reflect this multifaceted admiration. She sings of his "gentle hand" and the way he "makes me believe."

These are feelings that anyone, regardless of gender, can relate to when they admire and respect someone.

Humor in the Heartache

Let's be honest, there's also a healthy dose of dark humor in the whole situation. Imagine being Yentl, pouring your heart out in song, knowing that your feelings are based on a giant, complicated lie!

The irony is almost unbearable, yet the song never descends into melodrama. It maintains a delicate balance between longing and self-awareness.

Consider this: she's singing about how wonderful it is to be treated as an equal, to have her mind valued, but it's all happening under false pretenses. It is a tricky situation.

The song acknowledges that while she's falling in love with Avigdor, a huge part of it is the intellectual freedom he represents.

Singing Your Truth (Even When It's a Lie)

Yentl isn't just singing about Avigdor; she's singing about her desire for knowledge and acceptance. The fact that this desire is wrapped up in a romantic crush makes it all the more poignant.

It's a song about yearning for something just out of reach, about the conflict between societal expectations and personal desires. That's a universal theme, right there.

And, in a way, Yentl is being honest in the song. She may not be revealing her true gender, but she is expressing her genuine feelings, even if those feelings are rooted in a complex situation.

Beyond the Movie: A Song for Everyone

What makes "The Way He Makes Me Feel" so enduring is that it speaks to something deeper than just the specific circumstances of Yentl's story. It's a song about vulnerability, about admiration, and about the power of connection.

You don't have to be a woman disguised as a man to understand the feeling of having a crush on someone. You don't need to be stuck in a love triangle. The emotions are what matter.

The song's melody is undeniably beautiful. The arrangement is lush and emotional. But it's the lyrics' quiet honesty that truly resonates. It is a great song.

It's a song that can make you laugh, make you cry, and make you think. And sometimes, that's all you can ask for from a good tune.

A Lasting Legacy

So, next time you hear "The Way He Makes Me Feel," remember the layers of meaning hidden within those lyrics. Think about Yentl's predicament. Think about the power of unspoken feelings.

Think about how a song, born from a story about a woman pretending to be a man in pursuit of knowledge, can still touch our hearts today.

The themes that Yentl explores remain relevant, and Barbra Streisand's portrayal makes us sympathize with Yentl's struggles, which makes "The Way He Makes Me Feel" such a timeless classic.

And maybe, just maybe, you'll find yourself thinking, "Wow, that's exactly how I feel." Because that's the magic of Yentl, and that's the magic of a truly great song.

So go ahead, give it a listen. You might just be surprised at what you discover. It might just make you believe.