Meaning of "Feelin' Good About Feelin' Bad" by Patty Loveless

In these lyrics, the singer expresses the difficulty of moving on from a past relationship. They mention how being without their former partner is difficult, but being with them was even worse, highlighting the toxic nature of the relationship. The idea of finding a cure for heartbreak in a "shot of good time" or in the distraction of a honky-tonk and dancing the pain away speaks to the common coping mechanisms people employ to deal with heartache. The refusal to dwell on memories and instead choosing to be "history in a sea of lost and gone" shows a determination to move forward and leave the past behind. Overall, the song conveys a sense of empowerment through embracing the pain and using it as fuel to let go and find joy in new experiences.