Released: 2017
“Feelins” by PnB Rock is a candid exploration of emotional vulnerability and the complexities of relationships in a modern setting. The song delves into feelings of jealousy, longing, and the bittersweet nostalgia of a past romantic connection, which is now strained by distance and miscommunication. PnB Rock expresses an authentic, almost desperate longing to restore a sense of closeness with his significant other, highlighting the impact of external influences and internal insecurities on relationships.
The opening hook of the song, repeated several times, serves as a raw declaration of emotion. PnB Rock starts with an inquisitive tone, asking who his lover is communicating with when she is on her phone. This opening establishes a tone of suspicion and concern. In essence, the singer feels ignored or unimportant, raising questions about trust and the validity of their connection. By using the term “flexin’,” which implies showing off or trying to appear impressive, he suggests that his partner may be trying to convey a certain image rather than engaging honestly with him.
As the song transitions to the verse, PnB Rock deepens his inquiry, stating that there’s someone else next to his lover, “that’s hatin’ on me.” This points to an underlying insecurity fueled by outside interference, suggesting that others may be influencing her perception of him. His insistence on spending money on her (‘I can fuck up a check on you’) suggests a material attempt to express his love or keep her attention. He oscillates between declarations of love and moments of insecurity, reflecting the complexity of human emotions in romantic entanglements.
The chorus repeats with an emphasis on distance and emotional turmoil, punctuated by the phrase “Got a nigga in my feelings.” This raw confession is central to the song, with ‘nigga’ being a colloquial term that often denotes familiarity or intimacy within certain communities. PnB Rock uses this to underscore the deep, personal nature of his emotions, which are raw and visceral. Despite feeling alienated, he reflects on how things “ain’t been the same,” mourning the lost connection and camaraderie once shared.
Further in the verse, PnB Rock reminisces about the past, mentioning a “drop top in a Mercedes” and fashion references like “Off-white” and “YSL,” brands synonymous with luxury and style. This memory lane serves to highlight the good times and the ease with which they connected, reinforcing a longing for the past that sharply contrasts with the present alienation. It emphasizes a time when their relationship was without complications, saturated with fun and shared joy.
Throughout the song, PnB Rock alternates between lamenting the distance and suggesting solutions to mend the rift. He portrays an understanding of both the problems and the ideal solutions—like urging her to reach out and call him, acknowledging his obsession with rekindling the bond. He conveys a wish to bypass misunderstandings, hoping that clear communication could remedy the drift between them.
The bridge of the song showcases PnB Rock’s deeper introspection as he expresses the need for his partner’s presence, reminiscing about their public displays of affection and the happiness they used to share, even noting how it “made the neighbors mad at us.” These recollections not only paint a vivid picture of past intimacy but also underscore the impact of their relationship’s current absence in his life. He juxtaposes this against current solitude, reflecting on what once was.
In the closing verse, there’s a desperate edge as PnB Rock appeals to the logic of mutual desire (‘Girl, don’t act like you don’t want me’). This phrase implies a level of frustration over their disconnect, balanced with hope that her affection remains. It encapsulates a duality: the fight between ego and vulnerability, showcasing how the struggles in communication lead to a cycle of doubt and affirmation.
Ultimately, the song wraps up with repeated expressions of being “in my feelings,” emphasizing the persistence of these emotions. PnB Rock masterfully communicates an experience many people find relatable—the pain and longing accompanying love when circumstances aren’t perfect. The song doesn’t offer a neat resolution but instead lays bare the continuous loop of hope and doubt characteristic of fraught romances.
“Feelins” acts as both a personal testament and a universal reflection on relationships’ messy, often challenging nature. PnB Rock crafts a narrative that speaks to a broader audience through specific and culturally resonant experiences. The tension between luxury and loss, intimacy and insecurity, serves as a timeless exploration of human connection and the enduring complexity of love in modern times.
