The Meaning Behind The Song: I Know How He Feels by Reba McEntire

The Meaning Behind The Song: “I Know How He Feels” by Reba McEntire

I am listening to Reba McEntire’s heartfelt song “I Know How He Feels” as I write this article. This beautiful country ballad, released in 1988, holds a special place in my heart. Although it may not be one of her most well-known hits, the emotion behind the lyrics and Reba’s powerful vocals always hit me right in the feels.

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Lyrics and Emotional Depth

The lyrics of “I Know How He Feels” portray a bittersweet tale of lost love and longing. The song begins with the protagonist hearing a familiar voice that stops her dead in her tracks. Across the room, she sees the man who she once had a deep connection with, but he seems oblivious to her presence. Instead, his attention is captivated by another woman, his new love interest.

The visceral pain experienced by the protagonist is transparent in the lines, “I never dreamed that it would hurt this much, It’s just I know how he feels.” She reflects on the warm touch and soft kisses she once shared with him, and it cuts her to the bone because she let him go. The depth of her understanding of his emotions stems from her own past experiences of passionate love and loss.

As the song progresses, the protagonist acknowledges the strength of his love and how deeply he cares for his new partner. Despite her own heartache, she can’t help but appreciate his happiness, even though it is now with someone else. This realization is heart-wrenching, as she wishes she could be the lucky girl he looks at with such love and adoration.

A Personal Connection

Listening to “I Know How He Feels” always takes me back to a time when I experienced a similar emotional rollercoaster. Like the protagonist, I found myself face-to-face with someone from my past, filled with memories and buried emotions. The lyrics resonated with my own feelings of longing and regret for letting go of what could have been.

Reba McEntire’s heartfelt delivery of the song’s poignant lyrics allows listeners to connect with their own personal experiences of lost love and the haunting knowledge of how it feels to see someone you once loved move on. The emotional depth and vulnerability captured in this song make it timeless, as it speaks to the universal themes of love, loss, and understanding.

The Success of “I Know How He Feels”

“I Know How He Feels” soared to the top of the charts and became Reba McEntire’s eleventh number-one hit on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart in December 1988. This success is a testament to both the talent of Reba as an artist and the ability of the songwriters, Will Robinson and Rick Bowles, to craft a relatable and emotionally-charged ballad.

Conclusion

“I Know How He Feels” by Reba McEntire encapsulates the raw emotions of love, loss, and moving on. The lyrics vividly portray the pain of seeing someone you once loved deeply immersed in a new relationship, while also highlighting the bittersweet beauty of understanding the depth of their happiness. This song serves as a reminder that love leaves an indelible mark on our hearts, and sometimes, we truly do know how another person feels.

As I listen to this song, it brings to the surface my own memories of past loves and the complexities of human emotions. It stands as a testament to Reba McEntire’s ability to connect with her audience on a profound level, making her music undeniably relatable and timeless.

“I Know How He Feels” is featured in Reba McEntire’s 1988 album titled “Reba”.

Credits

Produced By Reba McEntire & Jimmy Bowen

Written By Will Robinson & Rick Bowles

Release Date: April 28, 1988

Tags: Country

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