Released: 2011
Adele’s ‘Someone Like You’ is a heart-wrenching ballad about coming to terms with a past relationship that has ended. The song’s theme revolves around acceptance, longing, and the bittersweet nature of love and loss.
The opening lines reveal that Adele’s former lover has moved on, found someone new, and is now married. This news is delivered with a sense of melancholy, as she reflects on how his dreams have come true with someone else. She acknowledges that the new girl has given him things she couldn’t, highlighting a sense of inadequacy and regret.
Addressing her ex as an ‘old friend,’ Adele notes his shyness, which is uncharacteristic of him. This suggests a change in their dynamic and possibly his discomfort with the situation. She admits to showing up uninvited, driven by an irresistible urge to see him again, hoping that her presence would remind him that she still holds feelings for him.
The chorus is a poignant acceptance of reality. Adele vows to find ‘someone like you,’ indicating her desire to move on while still wishing the best for her ex. She pleads not to be forgotten, recalling his words that sometimes love lasts, but sometimes it hurts. This duality captures the essence of love’s unpredictable nature.
Reflecting on their past, Adele reminisces about their shared ‘glory days,’ filled with youthful exuberance and happiness. However, the realization that those times are gone is painful, yet she acknowledges that these memories, despite their bittersweet taste, are valuable.
The repetition of the chorus underscores the theme of acceptance and moving forward. Adele’s hope to find someone similar shows her longing for the connection she once had, while her well-wishes for her ex demonstrate maturity and selflessness. The song closes with the reminder that love can bring both joy and pain, a universal truth that resonates deeply.
