Released: 2024
“What Is This Feeling?” is a playful yet intense song that explores the theme of instant dislike or loathing between two people. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo bring this concept to life through a humorous and exaggerated expression of distaste, highlighting how strong emotions can be both unsettling and exhilarating.
The song kicks off with a letter to “momsie and popsical,” setting a whimsical tone. The narrator, presumably a student at Shiz, is explaining the confusion about her new roommate, who is described as “unusually and exceedingly peculiar.” This sets the stage for the main theme of the song: the intense feeling of loathing.
As the song progresses, the narrator describes the overwhelming physical sensations she experiences upon meeting her roommate, such as a “rushing pulse” and “flushing face.” These are typical signs of strong emotions, often associated with love, but here they are humorously linked to loathing. The use of the word “loathing” repeatedly emphasizes the depth of her dislike.
The chorus reveals that this feeling is “unadulterated loathing” for her roommate’s “face, voice, and clothing.” The exaggerated language, like “every little trait makes my very flesh begin to crawl,” adds a comedic touch, showing how irrational and intense this dislike is. The song captures the strange exhilaration that can come from such strong emotions, even if they are negative.
The song also features a group of voices that support the narrator’s feelings, adding to the humor by showing a collective agreement in the loathing. This communal dislike further amplifies the absurdity of the situation, making it clear that the song is a playful take on the concept of first impressions and instant dislike.
Overall, “What Is This Feeling?” uses exaggerated expressions and humorous language to explore the theme of loathing, making it a fun and entertaining song that plays with the idea of how strong emotions can be both thrilling and ridiculous.
