"Feel Good Inc." is a complex song with layers of meaning, reflecting the multifaceted nature of Gorillaz's artistic approach. Let's break down the lyrical sections and their likely inspirations:

Intro: The repetitive "Sha, sha-ba-da, sha-ba-da-ca; feel good" and laughter are immediately establishing a playful yet slightly unsettling tone. The "sha-ba-da" phrase is likely nonsensical, adding to the surreal atmosphere. The repeated "change" suggests a theme of transformation or upheaval. This intro sets the stage for the juxtaposition of upbeat rhythms with darker themes explored in the verses.

Verse 1 (2-D): This verse paints a picture of urban decay and societal disillusionment. "City's breaking down on a camel's back" is a powerful metaphor—the city, overburdened, is collapsing under its own weight. The lines "And you won't get out the county 'cause you're damned and free" suggest a sense of trapped freedom, perhaps referencing societal constraints despite individual liberty. The "melancholy town where we never smile" reinforces the bleak atmosphere. The "message beep" and inability to sleep hint at anxieties and a yearning for connection or escape. This section sets up the central feeling of unease and the need for a "feel good" escape.

Chorus (2-D): The windmill imagery offers a complex contrast to the urban decay described earlier. Windmills symbolize energy, sustainability, and – arguably – hope and relentless motion. "Turn forever, hand in hand" suggests unity and perseverance, while "It is ticking, falling down" implies a sense of urgency and impending doom. This duality reflects the song's overall theme of conflicting emotions and the precarious balance between hope and despair. The question "Is everybody in?" invites the listener to participate in this ambiguous journey.

Verse 2 (Trugoy the Dove): This verse, delivered by Del the Funky Homosapien, adds a more cynical and aggressive perspective. His lyrics are full of slang ("Laughin' gas, these hazmats, fast cats," "chocolate attack"), hinting at substance abuse, reckless behavior, and a disregard for societal norms. His braggadocio ("Watch me as I gravitate," "gon' ghost town this Motown") suggests a triumph over adversity, yet it's wrapped in a darkly humorous and self-aware tone. This verse provides a counterpoint to 2-D's more introspective and vulnerable perspective, showcasing the multifaceted nature of the "feel good" experience.

Bridge: The return of the "Sha, sha-ba-da" refrain reinforces the earlier sense of both playful absurdity and underlying tension. It acts as a transition between the contrasting perspectives of the verses.

Outro: The outro emphasizes the themes of persistence and navigating a complex reality. The repetition of "Don't stop, get it, get it" and "Steady, watch me navigate" underlines a determination to persevere despite challenges. The simultaneous presence of the "sha-ba-da" phrase and laughter solidifies the song's paradoxical blend of joy and anxiety.

In summary, "Feel Good Inc." isn't simply about feeling good in a superficial sense. It's a layered exploration of the complexities of urban life, societal anxieties, and the search for meaning and escape amidst chaos. The juxtaposition of upbeat melodies with dark lyrics, the shifting perspectives of 2-D and Del, and the recurring symbolic imagery create a multi-dimensional listening experience that reflects the multifaceted nature of human emotion. The "feel good" element serves as both a deceptive surface and a genuine, albeit fleeting, escape from the underlying anxieties the song explores.