The Weeknd, Can’t Feel My Face | Controversial Tunes 😈🎶

Reading Time: 3 min read

On the 9^th edition of Controversial Tunes, we explore the controversy behind the song, “Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd.

Bring on the controversy, won’t you? Controversial Tunes 😈🎶 is a column that provides background information and insight into songs that raised eyebrows and totally stirred the pot. The records that grace Controversial Tunes are old and new alike, with all genres of music welcome. On the 9^th edition of Controversial Tunes, we explore the controversy behind the song, 🎵 “Can’t Feel My Face” by 🎙 The Weeknd.

The Lyrics / Theme ✍

To be fair, there was little controversy behind “Can’t Feel My Face,” a former no. 1 hit. Perhaps, there should’ve been more controversy or skepticism (?). “I can’t feel my face when I’m with you / But I love it, but I love it.” Why is it that The Weeknd can’t feel his face exactly? It’s not actually love – or merely love – as many mistook the song be referencing. Instead, the 🏆 Grammy-winner is referencing a different sort of relationship – one where the significant other is drugs.

💿 Beauty Behind the Madness, where “Can’t Feel My Face” hails from, dabbles in drugs multiple times. Furthermore, The Weeknd has been singing about drugs throughout his career – it was part of what made him so distinct, in addition to those sublime pipes. So, how was it that “Can’t Feel My Face” became incredibly beloved despite its addiction?

“And I know she’ll be the death of me
At least we’ll both be numb
And she’ll always get the best of me
The worst is yet to come.”

Honestly, The Weeknd seemed to be surprised himself by the success sans controversy regarding “Can’t Feel My Face.” After all, he addresses it on 🎵 “Reminder” from his 2016 album, 💿 Starboy (2016):

“I just won a new award for a kids show
Talking ‘bout a face numbing off a bag a blow
I’m like goddamn bitch I am not a Teen choice
Goddamn bitch I am not a bleach boy.”

Basically, he asks himself, how did he become a pop star from a drug-infused record like “Can’t Feel My Face.” Of course, beyond the drugs, there is inferable pain, evidenced by lyrics such as, “All the misery was necessary when we’re deep in love / This I know (This I know), girl, I know.”

Final Thoughts 💭

“Can’t Feel My Face” has long been a favorite The Weeknd song for both myself and fans worldwide. Did we all look past the drugs and opt for the killer vibe and those sick vocals by Abel Tesfaye? Perhaps, or maybe, as a society, our view of what is controversial is changing or evolving. Regardless, The Weeknd got a pass. Maybe it’s those heightened Michael Jackson vibes!