Meaning of "Feel The Silence" by Goo Goo Dolls

The lyrics of "Feel The Silence" delve into themes of longing, unfulfilled promises, and the struggle to communicate. The narrator describes their sleepless nights as they lay awake, observing someone with blue eyes that never shed a tear. This person holds onto their emotions, refusing to let them show, which prevents a genuine connection from forming. The narrator recalls past conversations, acknowledging that the truth always lingered beneath the surface, waiting to be revealed. They yearn for a moment of vulnerability and honesty, but instead, the person turns away, denying them this opportunity.

The lyrics convey a sense of sadness and brokenness, comparing the other person to a lonely child, which suggests an inherent sense of vulnerability and innocence that has been tarnished by past experiences. The narrator believed they could bring light into this person's life, but in retrospect, they realize their own vanity, understanding that their efforts were misguided and futile. The promise of a deeper connection remains unfulfilled and elusive.

The importance of silence is emphasized throughout the song. The narrator suggests that silence holds more significance than words ever could, underscoring the intensity of the emotions and unspoken thoughts between them. The silence is a barrier that prevents them from truly understanding each other, leading to a sense of frustration and desperation. The narrator questions how they can hold on to this relationship, unsure of where to begin in order to bridge the gap between them.

The water imagery in the lyrics adds another layer of meaning. The idea of drowning in the water under the bridge symbolizes being overwhelmed by unresolved issues and stagnant emotions. The current represents the passage of time and the difficulty of moving forward when one is trapped in the past. The narrator longs to reach out and connect with the other person, but they feel lost and helpless in this pursuit.

In the end, the lyrics convey a sense of uncertainty and a lack of closure. The narrator doesn't know where they are headed or how to regain what they have lost. The person they long for remains distant, and the silence between them becomes an obstacle. The song leaves the listener with an unresolved sense of longing and a question of what will happen once the silence is gone.