Minor Feelings

Rina Sawayama's song "Minor Feelings" delves deep into the complexities of emotional suppression and the struggle for self-acceptance. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the artist's internal conflict, where she grapples with the invalidation of her experiences and emotions. The opening lines, "How am I supposed to feel / When you're telling me that nothing in my life is real?" highlight a sense of disorientation and frustration, as external voices undermine her reality. This sets the stage for a narrative of emotional resilience and the quest for self-validation.

The imagery of "writing my own fairytales" and "building forts between the sofa and the windowsill" evokes a sense of childhood innocence and escapism. These lines suggest that from a young age, Sawayama sought refuge in her imagination, dreaming of a time when she could assert her independence and save herself. However, the recurring theme of being "just a child" underscores the vulnerability and helplessness she felt, unable to fully grasp or confront the emotional challenges she faced.

The chorus, with its poignant lines "All my life, I've felt out of place / All my life, I've been saving face," encapsulates the enduring impact of these "minor feelings." Despite their seemingly insignificant nature, these emotions have a profound effect, "majorly breaking me down." The song speaks to the universal experience of feeling misunderstood and the toll it takes on one's mental health. Sawayama's candid exploration of these themes resonates deeply, offering a powerful commentary on the importance of acknowledging and validating one's emotions.