The lyrics depict a scene of a matador in Pamplona, with the narrator expressing a desire to protect him but acknowledging the futility as nobody covers for a matador. The matador's vulnerability is highlighted as he questions if others can feel the thunder when he performs, while the narrator considers the brutality and mortality inherent in his profession.

Meaning of "Can You Feel the Thunder?" by Susanne Sundfør

"Can You Feel the Thunder?" delves into the themes of vulnerability, protection, and mortality through the lens of a matador in the arena. The repetition of the lines "He was not mine" and "Wish I was there" underscore the narrator's desire to shield the matador from harm and provide comfort in a brutal and unforgiving environment. The imagery of the matador swinging the muleta as every heartbeat is a scream portrays the intensity of his performance and the raw emotion that accompanies it. The matador's plea of "Can you feel the thunder?" reveals his need for validation and understanding amidst the danger and violence of his profession. The final lines about kneeling at the Spoliarium, a place to heal, and to the angels in high heels, suggest a sense of seeking solace and redemption after the tumultuous events described in the lyrics. Overall, the song explores the complexities of human emotion, the juxtaposition of strength and vulnerability, and the longing for connection and empathy in the face of mortality.