• The Genesis of a Forbidden Passion
• Volatile Feelings vs. Solid Principles
• The Compass of Principles
• Life, Business, and the “Deceitful Heart”
• Conclusion

The song “Feelings”, immortalized by Morris Albert, transcends mere melody to become an anthem for the complexity of human emotion. Released in 1974, the track—with its melancholic chords and haunting chorus—evokes the sting of unrequited or forbidden love. However, the story behind its creation offers a profound opportunity to reflect on the nature of emotion versus the strength of the principles that guide our lives.

§The Genesis of a Forbidden Passion

The inspiration for “Feelings” came from Albert’s own platonic infatuation with a married public figure in Rio de Janeiro. At the time, Albert was 19, and the woman was 30. He described the attraction as purely platonic, stating that “nothing ever happened.” The lyrics, which dwell on the difficulty of forgetting love, reflect this tension between intense desire and self-imposed restraint. This context brings us to a crucial realization: the distinction between what we feel and how we act.

§Volatile Feelings vs. Solid Principles

Feelings are an intrinsic part of the human experience. They often arise uncontrollably, like waves crashing against a shore. Passion, in particular, can be overwhelming—capable of consuming us and driving us toward states of euphoria or despair. Yet, a lack of control over our emotions does not grant us an excuse for a lack of control over our conduct.

“Feelings are volatile: one moment they burn like fire, the next they are cold as ice.”

This inconsistency is precisely why basing life-altering decisions solely on emotions is dangerous. The songwriter, though feeling intensely, chose not to act on those impulses, keeping them in the platonic realm. This choice—whether conscious or instinctive—demonstrates an alignment with principles that transcend immediate gratification.

§The Compass of Principles

Principles act as a moral compass, providing direction and stability when emotions threaten to disorient us. They represent our core values: integrity, respect, loyalty, and empathy. Breaking these principles for the sake of a momentary spark often leads to devastating consequences—not just for ourselves, but for everyone in our orbit.

A forbidden passion, by its very nature, often feeds on inherent selfishness. It tends to disregard the well-being of third parties—spouses, families, and friends. What feels like “intense love” may actually be a pursuit of personal satisfaction that ignores existing commitments. Over time, the realization that “it wasn’t worth it” often sets in, leaving a trail of regret.

§Life, Business, and the “Deceitful Heart”

The duality between feelings and principles isn’t limited to romance; it permeates professional life and daily decision-making. In the business world, decisions driven by raw emotion lead to reckless risks and fragile partnerships. Discipline, ethics, and long-term vision—all fruits of solid principles—are the bedrock of sustainable success.

Ancient wisdom has long warned us about the fickle nature of the heart. The biblical book of Jeremiah states:

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)

This insight underscores that blind trust in our emotions is a path to instability. We require a discernment that looks past how we “feel” to find a foundation in what is “right.”

§Conclusion

The story behind “Feelings” serves as a reminder: while we cannot always control the sparks that ignite in our hearts, we have total agency over how we respond to them. We do not have to be slaves to our emotions. True emotional maturity lies in acknowledging the power of our feelings while maintaining the wisdom and discipline to act ethically. By using principles as our guide, we can navigate the complex waters of the heart, ensuring our actions align with our highest values rather than our fleeting impulses.

References:

• [1] IstoÉ Magazine. Interview with Maurício Alberto (Morris Albert).
• [2] The Holy Bible. Jeremiah 17:9.