Can't You Feel It

Dan Hartman's song 'Can't You Feel It' delves into the depths of unrequited love and the emotional turmoil that accompanies it. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person standing outside a window, metaphorically and perhaps literally, trying to gain entry into the heart of their beloved. The repeated question, 'Can't ya feel it, baby?' underscores the desperation and longing for reciprocation. Hartman uses powerful imagery, such as 'lightning flashing up my spine,' to convey the electrifying effect the object of his affection has on him.

The song's chorus reveals the extreme measures the narrator is willing to take to make their love known and felt. The lines 'If I can't make ya happy, I'll jump into the river and drown' are stark and dramatic, highlighting the depth of his despair and the lengths he would go to for love. This hyperbolic expression of willingness to sacrifice everything for the beloved's happiness is a common theme in love songs, but Hartman’s delivery adds a raw, almost painful edge to it.

Additionally, the song touches on the idea of being under a 'magic spell,' caught between 'heaven and hell.' This suggests that the narrator feels entrapped by their emotions, experiencing both the ecstasy of love and the agony of its unreciprocated nature. The juxtaposition of these extremes emphasizes the intensity of his feelings and the internal conflict he faces. Hartman's soulful delivery and the song's energetic rhythm further amplify the emotional weight of the lyrics, making 'Can't You Feel It' a poignant exploration of love's highs and lows.