“Someone Like You” by Adele is more than just a song; it’s a raw, emotional journey through the pain of heartbreak and the bittersweet acceptance of a past love moving on. Released as the second single from her critically acclaimed album 21, this powerful ballad resonated globally, topping charts and becoming an anthem for anyone who has ever experienced the sting of lost love. Let’s delve into the poignant lyrics of “Someone Like You” and explore the depths of emotion Adele masterfully conveys.
Someone Like You – Full Lyrics by Adele
I heard that you're settled down
That you found a girl and you're married now.
I heard that your dreams came true.
Guess she gave you things I didn't give to you.
Old friend, why are you so shy?
Ain't like you to hold back or hide from the light.
I hate to turn up out of the blue uninvited
But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it.
I had hoped you'd see my face and that you'd be reminded
That for me it isn't over.
Never mind, I'll find someone like you
I wish nothing but the best for you too
Don't forget me, I beg
I'll remember you said, "Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead,
Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead"
You know how the time flies
Only yesterday was the time of our lives
We were born and raised
In a summer haze
Bound by the surprise of our glory days
I hate to turn up out of the blue uninvited
But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it.
I'd hoped you'd see my face and that you'd be reminded
That for me it isn't over.
Never mind, I'll find someone like you
I wish nothing but the best for you too
Don't forget me, I beg
I'll remember you said, "Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead."
Nothing compares
No worries or cares
Regrets and mistakes
They are memories made.
Who would have known how bittersweet this would taste?
Never mind, I'll find someone like you
I wish nothing but the best for you
Don't forget me, I beg
I'll remember you said, "Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead".
Never mind, I'll find someone like you
I wish nothing but the best for you too
Don't forget me, I beg
I'll remember you said, "Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead,
Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead."Analyzing the Heartbreak and Hope in Adele’s Masterpiece
“Someone Like You” is a lyrical exploration of post-breakup emotions, delivered with Adele’s signature vocal power and vulnerability. The song opens with a sense of shock and slight disbelief. The narrator has heard about her ex-lover’s new life – marriage, settled down, dreams realized – and there’s a subtle sting in the lines “Guess she gave you things I didn’t give to you.” This immediately sets the stage for feelings of inadequacy and comparison, common in the aftermath of a significant relationship ending.
The verses are conversational and intimate, like a whispered confession to a close friend. The line “Old friend, why are you so shy?” hints at a past familiarity and perhaps a shared history that makes his current distance even more painful. The narrator’s decision to “turn up out of the blue uninvited” underscores the impulsive, almost desperate nature of heartbreak. She “couldn’t stay away,” highlighting the magnetic pull of unresolved feelings and the hope, however faint, of rekindling something that’s lost.
The chorus is where the song’s emotional core truly resides. “Never mind, I’ll find someone like you” is not a statement of defiance or empowerment, but rather a melancholic resignation. It’s an acknowledgment that she will move on, but the underlying sadness is palpable. The repeated line, “Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead,” encapsulates the central theme of the song – the unpredictable and often painful nature of love. It’s a raw truth that resonates deeply because it reflects a universal experience.
The bridge, “Nothing compares / No worries or cares / Regrets and mistakes / They are memories made,” offers a moment of reflection. Even amidst the pain, there’s a recognition that the past relationship, with all its imperfections, holds a unique and irreplaceable place in her memory. “Who would have known how bittersweet this would taste?” perfectly captures the complex blend of nostalgia and sorrow.
Ultimately, “Someone Like You” is a testament to Adele’s songwriting prowess and her ability to tap into universal emotions. The song’s enduring popularity lies in its honest portrayal of heartbreak, longing, and the difficult journey of moving on, even while wishing your past love well. It’s a reminder that love can be both beautiful and painful, and that sometimes, the most profound connections leave the deepest scars.
