The legendary power ballad “Can’t Fight This Feeling” by the American rock band REO Speedwagon remains a poignant anthem of love, struggle, and self-expression since its release on the 1984 album Wheels Are Turnin’. This song unveils the emotional journey of a man gradually realizing deep affection for a woman who has been a longtime friend—an admission both thrilling and terrifying.
During a challenging period of songwriting for Wheels Are Turnin’, the band members took a break to create in solitude. It was during this hiatus that lead singer Kevin Cronin retreated to Molokai, Hawaii, revisiting a melody he had barely touched upon a decade earlier. This song, initially incomplete, transformed in his hands into a powerful narrative about fearing change, despite an undeniable need to embrace it.
Kevin reveals that his inspiration for the song isn’t limited to one individual; instead, it is an amalgam of his personal relationships—particularly those with his girlfriends over the years. But beyond romantic inspiration, the song’s core meaning runs deeper, reflecting Kevin’s own internal battle.
“Really, what the song is about was about my inability to have the courage to express myself,”
Kevin shared in a revealing Songfacts interview. Raised in an Irish-Catholic family, he was taught to project a cheerful exterior regardless of inner turmoil—an emotional restriction that he admits was difficult to overcome.
“At that time, the only way I knew to express those feelings was to write songs about them. I’ve learned over the years that it works better to talk to people! You can actually become closer to other human beings when you are vulnerable and express yourself and are free to tell the truth and to be honest and to be up front with your feelings. It does work. Back in those days, the best that I could do was write a song about it.”
This ballad was REO Speedwagon’s second #1 hit, following the immense success of “Keep On Loving You.” Interestingly, it wasn’t the lead single from the album; that distinction belonged to the upbeat track “I Do’ Wanna Know,” which peaked at #29 in the US charts despite a visually engaging music video.
The lyrics poignantly capture a man’s inner turmoil and longing:
“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…”
This imagery of emotional awakening is further intensified through metaphors such as:
“You’re a candle in the window / On a cold, dark winter’s night”
signifying hope and guidance during difficult times. The song’s heartfelt words and haunting melody remind listeners of the courage needed to face vulnerability and embrace change.
In revisiting this untouched composition in the peaceful isolation of Molokai, Kevin Cronin shaped more than just a chart-topping song—he revealed a universal human truth about the often hidden struggles we face in expressing love and change. His reflection on cultural expectations and personal growth resonates deeply with listeners, especially those who have felt similarly constrained by their upbringing or fears.
“Can’t Fight This Feeling” stands not just as a testament to REO Speedwagon’s musical legacy but as a timeless confession of the power and pain of emotional honesty—one that continues to touch hearts decades after its debut.
