Introduction
If you’re a fan of classic rock or 80s love songs, there’s a good chance you’ve heard REO Speedwagon’s emotional anthem, “Can’t Fight This Feeling.” Released in 1984, this heartfelt power ballad continues to resonate with fans worldwide. Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or revisiting a favorite from your youth, the song’s powerful message and emotional delivery make it unforgettable.
In this blog post, we explore the meaning behind “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” its impact on pop culture, and why it remains one of REO Speedwagon’s most iconic tracks.
Background and Release
“Can’t Fight This Feeling” was released as a single from REO Speedwagon’s 1984 album Wheels Are Turnin’. The song quickly climbed the charts, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1985. Written by lead singer Kevin Cronin, the song marked a softer, more emotional direction for the band, known until then for harder-edged rock hits like “Take It on the Run” and “Roll with the Changes.”
Song Meaning: The Struggle With Love
At its core, “Can’t Fight This Feeling” is a song about emotional vulnerability and the inner conflict of falling in love. Cronin reportedly wrote the lyrics about a longtime friendship that slowly turned romantic, capturing the tension between fear and desire.
Key Lyrics:
“I can’t fight this feeling any longer
And yet I’m still afraid to let it flow…”
These lines reflect the emotional push and pull that many people experience when they’re afraid to change the nature of a relationship. It’s a universal feeling that has helped the song maintain its popularity across generations.
Impact and Legacy
The success of “Can’t Fight This Feeling” helped cement REO Speedwagon as a staple of 1980s rock and one of the leading bands of the power ballad era. The song has appeared in numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials, often used to underscore moments of romantic tension or emotional breakthrough.
Notable appearances include:
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Stranger Things (Netflix)
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Rock of Ages (musical & movie)
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Various 80s-themed playlists and soundtracks
The song’s timeless quality also makes it a popular choice at weddings and romantic events, further proving its staying power.
Why “Can’t Fight This Feeling” Still Matters
In an age dominated by digital music and evolving genres, the emotional honesty of “Can’t Fight This Feeling” still strikes a chord. It reminds us that vulnerability can be powerful, and that admitting how we feel is often the first step toward something beautiful.
Whether you’re listening during a quiet night drive, adding it to your throwback playlist, or dedicating it to someone special, this song remains a heartfelt expression of love that transcends time.
Final Thoughts
“Can’t Fight This Feeling” by REO Speedwagon is more than just a hit single from the 80s—it’s a universal anthem of love, change, and emotional courage. Its legacy lives on through those who find comfort, strength, and meaning in its lyrics.
If you haven’t heard it in a while, give it another listen. And if it’s your first time, welcome to one of the greatest love songs in rock history.
Lyrics: Can’t Fight This Feeling
I can’t fight this feeling any longer
And yet I’m still afraid to let it flow
What started out as friendship, has grown stronger
I only wish I had the strength to let it show
I tell myself that I can’t hold out forever
I said there is no reason for my fear
Cause I feel so secure when we’re together
You give my life direction
You make everything so clearAnd even as I wander
I’m keeping you in sight
You’re a candle in the window
On a cold, dark winter’s night
And I’m getting closer than I ever thought I mightAnd I can’t fight this feeling anymore
I’ve forgotten what I started fighting for
It’s time to bring this ship into the shore
And throw away the oars, foreverCause I can’t fight this feeling anymore
I’ve forgotten what I started fighting for
And if I have to crawl upon the floor
Come crashing through your door
Baby, I can’t fight this feeling anymoreMy life has been such a whirlwind since I saw you
I’ve been running round in circles in my mind
And it always seems that I’m following you, girl
Cause you take me to the places that alone I’d never findAnd even as I wander I’m keeping you in sight
You’re a candle in the window on a cold, dark winter’s night
And I’m getting closer than I ever thought I mightAnd I can’t fight this feeling anymore
I’ve forgotten what I started fighting for
It’s time to bring this ship into the shore
And throw away the oars, foreverCause I can’t fight this feeling anymore
I’ve forgotten what I started fighting for
And if I have to crawl upon the floor
Come crashing through your door
Baby, I can’t fight this feeling anymore
