feel like shit
by Tate McRae
Summary
Tate McRae's "feel like shit" dives into the raw feelings of heartbreak and the struggle to move on after a breakup. It captures the confusion, pain, and longing that come when you realize the hardest part is just beginning.
Full Analysis
The overall theme of the song focuses on the emotional aftermath of a breakup. Tate expresses feelings of sadness and vulnerability, revealing that moving on is tougher than she expected. She portrays a relatable struggle, where memories linger and nights feel hollow without the person she once loved.
Verse 1
Usually never cry at all
I would say I'm pretty tough
But it's been a couple weeks now
And I still feel stuck in my lungs
In this verse, Tate starts with a strong declaration about her usual toughness. But she quickly contrasts that with her current feelings, showing that even someone tough can feel crushed by heartbreak. The imagery of feeling "stuck in her lungs" suggests how deeply the emotions are embedded within her, making it hard to breathe or move forward.
Chorus
Last night, for the very first time
You didn't even try to call
Oh, I, I won't lie
I thought I might die
The chorus hits hard with the realization that her ex didn’t reach out. This moment feels like a turning point for her, emphasizing that the silence is painful. The line "I thought I might die" expresses just how overwhelming her feelings are, showing that loneliness can feel like a heavy weight on her chest.
Verse 2
So I kissed somebody else
Just to see how it felt
But all that was going through my brain
Was your hands around my waist
Here, Tate tries to distract herself by kissing someone else, but it backfires. Instead of moving on, she's haunted by memories of her ex. This verse illustrates the struggle of finding closure, as she can’t help but compare new experiences to the past. It shows how difficult it is to let go when the heart is still holding on.
Chorus
Really thought I was done with the hardest part
When I pulled myself out of your arms
Wish I knew that was only the start
And now I'm falling apart 'cause
In this chorus, Tate reflects on her initial hope after breaking up. She thought leaving would be the hardest part, but it turns out that the emotional fallout is just beginning. This realization adds another layer of pain to her experience, making the listener feel the weight of her heartache.
Bridge
Now, if I get a little too drunk
I'll start thinking, "What if you were the one?"
I know that the damage is done
And I still have the shirt that you wore
The bridge captures those late-night thoughts when vulnerability creeps in. She questions if her ex was "the one," a haunting thought that many have after a breakup. Keeping the shirt symbolizes how hard it is to move on, as certain items can trigger memories and feelings that are hard to shake off.
Chorus
Last night, for the very first time
You didn't even try to call
Oh, I, I won't lie
I thought I might die
Repeating the chorus reinforces the central pain of her experience. It’s a reminder that the absence of communication from her ex has left her feeling abandoned. The emotional weight is heavy, making it clear that she’s still grappling with the end of their relationship.
Outro
Used to it
Feel like shit
The song ends on a raw note, as she acknowledges that she might eventually get used to the pain. But for now, she's still feeling awful. This final line is a punchy reminder that healing takes time, and it’s perfectly okay to feel like shit while going through it.
Closing Thoughts
"feel like shit" is a powerful anthem for anyone dealing with heartbreak. Tate McRae captures the messy emotions of love lost with honesty and simplicity. It's relatable and raw, reminding us that feeling sad is part of healing and that it's okay to take time to recover.
Full Lyrics
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I would say I'm pretty tough
But it's been a couple weeks now
And I still feel stuck in my lungs
And usually I go out on nights
And not think of you once
But if they start playing that song
I can't help but to think about us, oh, oh
Really thought I'd be done with the hardest part
When I pulled myself out of your arms
Wish I knew that was only the start
And now I'm falling apart 'cause
Last night, for the very first time
You didn't even try to call
Oh, I, I won't lie
I thought I might die
I couldn't even sleep at all
And maybe I'll get used to it (ah, ah-ah)
But right now, I just feel like shit (ah, ah-ah)
So I kissed somebody else
Just to see how it felt
But all that was going through my brain
Was your hands around my waist
You know how to do it so well
Really thought I was done with the hardest part
When I pulled myself out of your arms
Wish I knew that was only the start
And now I'm falling apart 'cause
Last night, for the very first time
You didn't even try to call (didn't even try to call)
Oh, I, I won't lie
I thought I might die
I couldn't even sleep at all
And maybe I'll get used to it (ah, ah-ah)
But right now, I just feel like shit (ah, ah-ah)
Now, if I get a little too drunk
I'll start thinking, "What if you were the one?"
I know that the damage is done
And I still have the shirt that you wore
When we first met
It's there on the floor
I might kick it under the bed
Hoping that I could forget it there
Last night, for the very first time
You didn't even try to call
Oh, I, I won't lie
I thought I might die
I couldn't even sleep at all (at all)
And maybe I'll get used to it (ah, ah-ah)
But right now, I just feel like shit (ah, ah-ah)
Used to it
Feel like shit