The song opens with the lines, “I crossed a line and you followed close behind,” which sets the stage for a narrative of intimacy and connection. The imagery of crossing lines suggests a boundary being pushed, indicative of the risks taken in love. The mention of a “Grand Cherokee” and the year “1993” evokes nostalgia, grounding the listener in a specific time and place that holds significance for the narrator. This blend of personal memory with broader themes of love creates a relatable backdrop for the listener.

As the song progresses, Dacus contrasts the scenic route with a shortcut, symbolizing the different approaches to love and relationships. The line, “Isn’t that what love’s about? Doing whatever to draw it out,” encapsulates the essence of love as a journey filled with choices, sacrifices, and the desire to prolong moments of connection. This duality of bliss and hell is further emphasized in the chorus, where she states, “This is bliss. This is Hell. Forever is a feeling and I know it well.” Here, Dacus captures the complexity of love, where joy and pain coexist, and the notion of ‘forever’ becomes a profound emotional experience rather than a mere concept.

In the subsequent verses, Dacus reflects on her struggles with memory, stating, “I’m no good at faces or names, at places or dates, zip codes and time zones.” This admission of forgetfulness contrasts sharply with her vivid recollection of shared experiences, highlighting the significance of emotional memories over factual details. The line, “I remember everywhere we’ve ever been and when,” reinforces the idea that love is deeply tied to the places and moments that shape a relationship.

The metaphor of reading the partner “like road signs” suggests a deep understanding and connection, where the narrator seeks guidance in the relationship. The imagery of “wrist are in your zip tie” conveys a sense of entrapment, yet it also implies a willingness to be bound to the partner, showcasing the complexities of love where freedom and commitment intertwine. The phrase “25 to life, why not?” adds a layer of dark humor, suggesting that the narrator is ready to embrace the long-term commitment, even if it feels like a life sentence.

The final repetition of the chorus, “Forever is a feeling…” leaves the listener with a lingering sense of contemplation about the nature of love. It suggests that while relationships may be fraught with challenges, the emotional connections formed are what truly define them, transcending time and space. Overall, Dacus’s lyrics weave a rich tapestry of love’s complexities, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences and the bittersweet nature of their relationships.

Released in 2021, “Forever Is a Feeling” comes at a time when many individuals were reflecting on their relationships and the impact of shared experiences, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The song resonates with themes of nostalgia and longing, which have become increasingly relevant as people navigate the complexities of love and connection in a rapidly changing world. Lucy Dacus, known for her introspective songwriting, captures the essence of these feelings, making the song a poignant reflection of contemporary emotional landscapes.