Meaning and Lyrics of Mr. Feel by John Michael Howell

John Michael Howell’s “Mr. Feel” is a masterful blend of emotional candor and melodic ingenuity, laying bare the raw dynamics of a lopsided relationship. The lyrics navigate through the complexities of vulnerability and detachment, using vivid imagery and juxtaposed emotions to craft a narrative that’s both poignant and relatable.

Let’s dissect this lyrical labyrinth:

Chorus:
“I must be Mr. Feel, baby, what’s the deal?
I lose half my head when the love gets real
Fall twice as far when they break my heart
And I just can’t make it stop
Howell introduces us to ‘Mr. Feel,’ a character who is overwhelmed by emotions. This persona is a one-man embodiment of love’s emotional rollercoaster—”I lose half my head when the love gets real” speaks to the debilitating effect of deep affection and its consequences. The phrase “fall twice as far” illuminates the profound impact of heartbreak on him, intensified by the vivid metaphor.

And you’re all Mrs. Cool, nothin’ bothers you
Guess some hearts don’t bruise, wish I was like that too
But you’re right as rain while I’m sad and blue
And I don’t know what to do, ooh-ooh-ooh”
In stark contrast, ‘Mrs. Cool’ is the epitome of composure. Here, Howell contrasts his own emotional turbulence with his partner’s unyielding calm, using “hearts don’t bruise” to underline her emotional resilience. This disparity creates a sense of alienation and longing, as he desires her emotional stability.

Interlude:
The interlude with its playful, almost whimsical “La, da-da-da” la-la-las, adds a melodic breath, offering listeners a moment to digest the intensity before diving back into the narrative.

Verse 1:
“Roses are red, and the violets are blue
And I’m a bit of both, I guess I owe that to you
I’ll change my color with a swing of a mood
But you’re so black and white, I never know what to do”
Howell employs traditional poetic forms to juxtapose his emotional spectrum against his partner’s rigidity. The metaphoric “change my color with a swing of a mood” underscores his emotional fluidity, contrasting sharply with her predictable “black and white” nature. This duality speaks volumes about the misalignment in their relationship’s dynamics.

Pre-Chorus:
“If opposites attract, it’s a wonder we divided
But I’m happy we collided at all
But I guess if we were the same, we’d be sharing us a name
And I’m the one to blame, it’s my fault”
This section offers introspection and acknowledgment. While Howell recognizes the initial attraction, he also grapples with the inevitable fallout. The line “we’d be sharing us a name” hints at a deeper level of commitment that remains unfulfilled, placing the blame squarely on his own shoulders.

In the final Chorus and Outro, Howell reiterates the emotional theme, emphasizing the dichotomy between ‘Mr. Feel’ and ‘Mrs. Cool.’ The repetition of “la-la-la” in the outro transitions the narrative from its intense introspection to a more resigned acceptance of his plight, almost as if humming away the pain.

From a composition standpoint, Howell’s arrangement supports the lyrical content seamlessly. The song’s structure—chorus, interlude, verse, pre-chorus, repeated chorus, and outro—enhances the storytelling, each part serving as an emotional checkpoint. The melody and harmonics are crafted to evoke empathy, drawing the listener into Howell’s dichotomous experience of love and heartbreak.

“Mr. Feel” isn’t just an exploration of personal emotion; it’s a mirror held up to anyone who has ever felt more in a relationship, questioning their place and role within it. Howell’s ability to distill this universal experience into a nuanced, relatable, and musically compelling piece is what sets this song apart. It’s a lament for the emotionally vulnerable, a nod to their turbulent journey, and a haunting reminder of the pain that often accompanies deep love.