Exploring the Lyrics: Adele's ‘When We Were Young’

Adele's hauntingly beautiful song 'When We Were Young' has captivated listeners with its compelling lyrics and emotional depth. This article delves into the meaning behind the song, breaking down its verses and choruses to reveal the essence of the lyrics.

The Context and Meaning

When We Were Young is a song from Adele's album '25', released in 2015. It was written for her son, Angelo D'Estradi Astarita, and the lyrics evoke memories and emotions from the past, reflecting on youthful dreams and the passage of time.

Lyrics Analysis

Verse 1

'Everybody loves the things you do
From the way you talk to the way you move
Everybody here is watching you
Because you feel like home
You're like a dream come true
But if by chance you're here alone
Can I have a moment
Before I go'

In the first verse, Adele paints a picture of someone being the center of attention—someone who is loved and admired. The verse suggests that the subject of the song is a person of great charm and appeal, and the narrator is longing to have a moment with them before they leave. The phrase 'you feel like home' speaks to a deep sense of familiarity and comfort, indicating a close and cherished relationship.

Chorus 1

'Let me photograph you in this light
In case it is the last time
That we might be exactly like we were
Before we realized we were sad of getting old
It made us restless'

The chorus is a poignant reflection on the brevity of youth and the passage of time. Adele is urging to capture the current moment, as it might be the last time they can experience the current feeling of youth and innocence. The mention of 'sadness of getting old' ties in with the restlessness and longing for the past that underscores the song. This segment also suggests a longing to preserve a memory of a moment that may be fleeting.

Verse 2

'It was just like a movie
It was just like a song
When we were young'

Repeating the same refrain appears to be a reflection on the beauty and nostalgia of the past. It suggests that the memories of the youth are vivid, almost cinematic. This phrase also serves to amplify the feelings of nostalgia and longing for a simpler time.

Pre-Chorus

'This song was included in the album

When We Were Young (Chorus: Adele)'

The pre-chorus, often an additional segment before the main chorus, emphasizes the importance of the song within the context of Adele's discography. It's a self-referential line that ties the song back to its place in Adele's work, acknowledging its significance.

Chorus 2

'When we were young
When we were young
When we were young
When we were young'

The repetition of the chorus stresses the enduring impact of the reminiscence and the desire to recapture the past. It also adds a sense of intensity and emotional weight, making the longing and nostalgia more palpable.

Bridge

'I was so scared to face my fears
Nobody told me that you'd be here
And I swear you moved overseas
That's what you said when you left me

You still look like a movie
You still sound like a song
My God this reminds me
Of when we were young

Let me photograph you in this light
In case it is the last time
That we might be exactly like we were
Before we realized we were sad of getting old
It made us restless
It was just like a movie
It was just like a song
When we were young'

In the bridge, Adele is confronting the reality that her fears seem to have come true, as the person she is reminiscing about is physically present, but their absence is still felt. The lyrics reflect a bittersweet realization that despite the physical presence, the absence of the specific relationship from youth is still keenly felt. The idea of 'moving overseas' adds a layer of distance and longing that emphasizes the complexity of the emotions.

Conclusion

'When We Were Young' is a song that combines the beauty of remembrance with the pain of loss. Adele uses her lyrics to convey the bittersweet nature of memories and the passage of time, making it a touching and relatable piece of work. The repetition and the recur of certain phrases enhance the emotional impact, making every moment a poignant reflection on the past.