Music Review: The Go-Go's "This Old Feeling"

The Go-Go’s

This Old Feeling

Album: Vacation

Year: 1982

             Belinda Carlisle gushes over her new love in the light “This Old Feeling.”

              A subdued guitar opens the single, setting a docile tone. She always had been the type to not to get attached. Love didn’t figure into the flings. She finally met someone she wants to get to know. Wanting to talk to all night long and going out the next day is a change for her. She’s excited and nervous at the same time. She finds herself thinking if she’s said the right thing or wondering what type of impression she’s making. He’s someone she can picture being with for a long time. (“This old feeling/It's new to me/I'm not sure/How I should be/I'd tattoo my vow/For all to see/To prove how much/You mean to me.”)

            In the chorus, she says she’s heard the love songs but wasn’t able to connect with them. However, now she can relate to the lyrics. (“A million times said/In as many songs/But before you/I could never sing along.”)

        She wonders how she was able to find such a great guy. She’s willing to go anywhere with him. (“This old feeling/It's got me up/I can't believe/My good luck/I'd wait at your door/Till eternity/Because you mean/That much to me.”)

          The chorus is sung again.

             In the bridge, she declares she loves him. (“I love you/I do/I love you/I do.”)

         A chipper saxophone has a solo.

         The second verse and chorus are sung again.  

           The bridge is sung again to close the single.

        Carlisle’s gleeful, jolly vocals spring but don’t actually stick to anything concrete. Not a word she sings seems to be believable.

       The affected “This Old Feeling”  gorges on the notes, feigning happiness while holding back the nausea.