Meaning of "If You Feel" by Jefferson Airplane

"If You Feel" by Jefferson Airplane is a song that celebrates the liberation and expression of one's inner emotions. It encourages listeners to embrace their desires and act upon them without hesitation or restraint. The repeated lines, "If you feel like [action]," followed by a description of that action, serves to emphasize the importance of indulging in one's feelings. The opening line, "If you feel like china breaking," suggests a sense of rebellion and the breaking of societal norms. The act of breaking china becomes a metaphor for breaking free from societal constraints and expectations, giving oneself permission to be bold and unapologetically embrace one's desires. This idea is further reinforced by the subsequent lines, "If you feel like laughing; Break china laughing." Laughter is associated with joy and freedom, and breaking china while laughing symbolizes the release of inhibitions and the ability to find delight in one's actions.

The song continues with similar poetic imagery, using the metaphor of falling leaves and smiling to represent the expression of inner emotions. "If you feel like leaves are falling; If you feel like smiling; Fall leaves are smiling" suggests the natural beauty and spontaneity of expressing oneself. It urges listeners to let go of caution and fear, allowing themselves to be carried away by the currents of their emotions. The incorporation of the word "yeah" after each action underscores a sense of affirmation and encouragement, encouraging listeners to fully embrace their desires and motivations.

The final verse introduces the concept of love making and flying as expressions of inner emotions. "If you feel like love making; If you feel like flying; Make love flying, baby" suggests that love and passion can be transcendent experiences, allowing one to soar above societal boundaries and fly freely. The repetition of these lines, followed by the word "yeah," adds a sense of urgency and excitement, as if the song is urging listeners to seize the opportunity to fully experience the height of their emotions.

Overall, "If You Feel" conveys a message of liberation, encouraging individuals to embrace and act upon their inner desires and emotions. It emphasizes the importance of breaking free from societal expectations and finding joy and fulfillment in expressing oneself freely.