Song Review: Johnny Mathis – “The Last Time I Felt Like This”
Johnny Mathis, one of the most celebrated voices in pop and easy listening music, is known for his rich, velvety voice and ability to infuse every song with deep emotion. One of his more poignant tracks, The Last Time I Felt Like This, showcases his unique talent for turning a love song into an unforgettable, heartfelt experience. Released in 1978 as part of his album Johnny Mathis – A Special Part of Me, this song is a beautiful example of Mathis’ ability to express the complexities of love and nostalgia.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the themes of The Last Time I Felt Like This, explore why the song still resonates today, and why Mathis’ interpretation remains a timeless classic.
The Story Behind “The Last Time I Felt Like This”
The Last Time I Felt Like This was written by award-winning songwriting duo Alan and Marilyn Bergman, who were renowned for their emotionally resonant lyrics, and Marvin Hamlisch, one of the most prolific composers in musical theater and film. The song was originally written for the 1977 movie Same Time, Next Year, a romantic comedy-drama that explores the complexities of a relationship between two people who meet for an affair once a year. In the film, the song is part of a pivotal moment, underscoring the emotional connection between the characters.
In the context of the film, the song reflects the bittersweet feelings of rekindling a love or a connection with someone after a long time. The lyrics express the deep emotions that come with realizing the depth of a past love, which may never be fully replicated again. It captures the fleeting nature of a feeling that is too profound to return in the same way.
For Johnny Mathis, the song’s themes of nostalgia, longing, and emotional vulnerability were a perfect fit. His interpretation of the song transformed it from a moment in a film into a timeless ballad about love, loss, and the memories that linger long after an experience ends.
Johnny Mathis’ Interpretation of “The Last Time I Felt Like This”
What makes Johnny Mathis’ version of The Last Time I Felt Like This stand out is his ability to convey emotion with restraint, allowing the beauty of the song’s lyrics to shine through without overwhelming the listener. Mathis is known for his smooth vocal delivery, and here, his voice adds a layer of warmth and sincerity that brings the song’s themes of love and nostalgia to life.
In the opening lines of the song, Mathis sings with a sense of quiet introspection. His voice conveys a sense of longing, which perfectly matches the lyrics that speak to the emotional intensity of a love that’s rekindled, but with the knowledge that it may not last. As the song progresses, Mathis builds in both vocal intensity and emotional depth, reflecting the increasing weight of the feelings described in the lyrics.
The orchestration complements Mathis’ voice perfectly. The lush strings, gentle piano, and subtle percussion create a rich atmosphere that enhances the song’s emotional depth. The production is lush without being overbearing, allowing Mathis’ voice to remain the focal point throughout the track.
The Themes of Love and Nostalgia
At its core, The Last Time I Felt Like This is a song about the bittersweet nature of love. The song speaks to the feeling of longing for someone and the deep connection that can exist between two people, but also the recognition that sometimes those feelings cannot be fully recaptured. It’s about realizing that a powerful emotional moment or a relationship may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and that the intensity of those feelings may not return in the same way.
The nostalgia in the song is palpable. The lyrics describe the feeling of remembering a past love or experience and how, even though the relationship may have changed or ended, the memory of that love is something you carry with you. This type of reflective, wistful theme resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced the complexities of love and the passing of time.
Mathis’ voice lends the song an extra layer of warmth and longing, drawing the listener into the emotional landscape of the lyrics. His phrasing gives the song a sense of intimacy, as though he is singing directly to the listener, making the song feel even more personal and emotionally charged.
The Emotional Resonance of “The Last Time I Felt Like This”
What makes The Last Time I Felt Like This so emotionally impactful is its universal theme. We’ve all had experiences where we’ve felt a deep connection to someone, only to realize that those feelings might not last forever or that the situation has changed. Whether it’s a past lover, a friend, or a memory from our youth, there’s something universal about the way the song captures the feeling of knowing that something special can never be fully recreated.
Mathis’ voice perfectly conveys this emotional weight. His interpretation allows the song to strike a delicate balance between melancholy and hope, capturing the feeling of love that is at once tender and sad. As he sings, there’s a sense of reverence for the experience, and the listener can’t help but feel the depth of the emotion in his voice.
This emotional sincerity is what has made The Last Time I Felt Like This a beloved track in Mathis’ catalog. It doesn’t rely on grand gestures or excessive vocal flourishes to make an impact; instead, it’s a song that captures the essence of human connection and vulnerability in a simple, profound way.
Why “The Last Time I Felt Like This” Still Resonates Today
Although the song was written in the 1970s, its themes of love, nostalgia, and the passage of time are timeless. In today’s fast-paced world, The Last Time I Felt Like This serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of important moments in our lives, and the beauty that can be found in reflecting on them. The emotional depth of the song still resonates with modern listeners, whether they are looking back on a past love or simply reflecting on a significant moment in their lives.
Johnny Mathis’ interpretation of The Last Time I Felt Like This also resonates because of the power of his voice. In an age where vocal performances are often highly produced or electronically enhanced, Mathis’ natural, soulful voice is a refreshing reminder of the timeless power of an authentic, heartfelt performance.
The song has also endured through the years because of its cinematic roots. For fans of the 1977 movie Same Time, Next Year, Mathis’ rendition of the song remains an iconic moment from the film. The track has been embraced by fans of romantic ballads and has been used in various settings to evoke feelings of love and longing, making it a perfect addition to romantic playlists and soundtracks.
Final Thoughts
The Last Time I Felt Like This is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that showcases Johnny Mathis’ ability to convey deep emotion through his unmatched vocal technique. The song’s timeless themes of love, nostalgia, and the passage of time are brought to life through Mathis’ intimate delivery, making it a standout track in his extensive catalog. It remains a favorite for fans of romantic ballads, and its universal message continues to resonate with listeners across generations.
If you’re looking for a song that captures the bittersweet nature of love and longing, The Last Time I Felt Like This is an essential listen. Johnny Mathis’ ability to transform a simple love song into a poignant reflection on life and love is what makes this track truly special.
Lyrics
Hello, I don’t even know your nameBut I’m hopin’ all the sameThis is more than just a simple helloHello, do I smile and look awayNo, I think I’ll smile and stayTo see where this might go‘Cause the last time I felt like thisI was falling in loveFalling and feeling, I’d never fall in love againYes the last time I felt like this, was long before I knewWhat I’m feeling now with youHello, I can’t wait till we’re aloneSomewhere quiet on our ownSo that we can fall the rest of the wayI know that before the night is throughI’ll be talking love to youMeaning every word I say‘Cause the last time I felt like thisI was falling in loveFalling and feeling, I’d never fall in love againYes, the last time I felt like this, was long before I knewWhat I’m feeling now with youOh, the last time I felt like thisI was falling in loveFalling and feeling, I’d never fall in love againYes, the last time I felt like this, was long before I knewWhat I’m feeling now with you.
