Meaning of "Feels Like Lightning" by Josh Ritter

The lyrics of "Feels Like Lightning" by Josh Ritter delve into the complex and sometimes tumultuous nature of love. The little rooster on the fence post crowing represents the initial excitement and anticipation that comes with falling in love. However, the impending storm likened to a big rig rolling symbolizes the overwhelming nature of love and its ability to disrupt one's life.

The line "Heavy, loaded down, fit to spit the sky in" exemplifies the intensity and weight of emotions experienced when falling in love. The speaker's "little heart" is in trouble, as it feels like it just might explode under the pressure of love's power. The choice of comparing love to lightning further emphasizes the sudden and electrifying nature of these emotions.

The uncertainty and confusion associated with love is expressed in the line "I don't know any which way I'm going." The speaker's previous sense of direction and stability is thrown into disarray by the unpredictability of love. They used to be laughing, but now they're left unsure and unsettled.

The reference to cherry blossoms, Venus, and bluebirds creates a sense of beauty and harmony that the speaker once associated with love and the world around them. However, the mention of a "Godless heaven" and the buffalo's face being touched by the sun suggest a loss of faith or disillusionment in the divine aspects of love. The speaker realizes that what they thought they knew about love was limited and incomplete.

The gathering thunderheads and the clouds turning the color of a cavern represent the impending storm in the speaker's life. The image of dust devils spinning around a hollow sound signifies the emptiness and loss of laughter that love has brought. The overwhelming nature of love is once again emphasized as the speaker's heart is in trouble, feeling like it might explode.

Despite the challenges and uncertainty, the speaker acknowledges that love has the power to both bring joy and cause pain. The storm that is love cannot be chased or outrun but will catch up to them eventually. It will make them feel alive and fulfilled, but it may also bring tears and heartache.