You Make Me Feel This Way Lyrics

Okay, let's talk lyrics. Specifically, the kind that make you cringe a little bit. You know the ones. They're in every love song, ever. The "You Make Me Feel This Way" trope. It's time we dissect this, shall we?

The Obvious Culprit: Lack of Originality

I'm not saying all lyrics are bad! But some are just…well, uninspired. Saying "You Make Me Feel This Way" is like ordering plain toast at a bakery. There are so many other delicious options!

It screams, "I couldn't think of anything else." It's the lyrical equivalent of a shrug. Lazy? Maybe. Effective? Sometimes. But still…toast.

And the worst part? You KNOW the singer could do better. They have talent, a great voice! But the words? Generic.

Responsibility Alert! Taking Ownership of Your Feels

Here's my hot take: you are responsible for your own feelings. Gasp! Shocking, I know. It's not anyone else's fault if you're happy, sad, or suddenly craving pizza.

The "You Make Me Feel This Way" lyric implies someone controls your emotions. As if they have a remote control for your heart. Creepy, right?

Shouldn't we be saying, "I feel this way because of you?" It acknowledges the influence, but keeps the ownership. Subtle, but important!

But Wait, There's Nuance!

Okay, okay. I'm not completely heartless. I get it. Love is powerful. It can feel like someone flipped a switch inside you.

There's a vulnerability in admitting someone affects you deeply. It’s scary to be that open! I acknowledge that.

It's just... maybe find a more creative way to say it? Please?

Examples in the Wild (and Why They Tick Me Off)

Think about it. How many songs have you heard with that exact phrase? Too many to count, probably. It's a lyrical pandemic.

I'm picturing a whiteboard in a songwriter's room. It reads: "Must-Have Lyrics: Love, Heart, Forever, You Make Me Feel This Way." Groundbreaking!

I'm not naming names (okay, maybe I am). But think of your favorite sappy ballad. Chances are, it's guilty of this.

"You make me feel so brand new!"

Ugh. Come on!

Alternative Lyrics: A Helpful Guide

So, what should songwriters say instead? Here are some suggestions. (Free of charge! You're welcome!)

"Being around you ignites a spark in me." "Your presence amplifies my joy." "My soul recognizes yours." See? More descriptive!

Instead of stating the obvious, show the feeling. Use metaphors. Use imagery. Get weird with it! (But not too weird.)

The Ultimate Test: Can You Replace It With Cheese?

Here's my final test for questionable lyrics. Can you replace the feeling with "cheese?" If so, it's too generic. Example:

"You make me feel…cheese!" Doesn't work, right? Because cheese is delicious, but not a feeling! Now try: "You make me feel…loved!" Boom. Still works. Problematic.

If you can plug in "cheese," ditch the lyric. Find something more specific. More…cheddar-y.

The Verdict: Guilty (With Mitigating Circumstances)

So, am I banning the phrase "You Make Me Feel This Way" from all music? Not quite. But I'm putting it on probation.

Use it sparingly. Use it with intent. And for the love of all that is musical, try to be a little more creative.

Because let's be honest, we all deserve better than plain toast. We deserve artisanal sourdough. With avocado. And maybe a little cheese.