Themes
- Heartbreak and Regret: “Hello” is a song steeped in the pain of a failed relationship. Adele expresses remorse for her past actions and the hurt she caused someone.
- Longing and Unanswered Calls: The song speaks of the desire to reconnect with an ex-lover, with Adele’s calls and messages seemingly going unanswered.
- The Passage of Time: “Hello” explores how people and relationships change over time. There’s a sense of nostalgia for a simpler past and a longing for a connection that might be lost.
- Seeking Closure and Forgiveness: While expressing regret, Adele seems to be reaching for a type of closure. There’s an underlying desire for forgiveness, or at least acknowledgment, from the other person.
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Adele – Hello Lyrics
Hello, it’s me
I was wondering if after all these years you’d like to meet
To go over everything
They say that time’s supposed to heal ya, but I ain’t done much healing
Hello, can you hear me?
I’m in California dreaming about who we used to be
When we were younger and free
I’ve forgotten how it felt before the world fell at our feet
There’s such a difference between us
And a million miles
Hello from the other side
I must’ve called a thousand times
To tell you I’m sorry for everything that I’ve done
But when I call, you never seem to be home
Hello from the outside
At least I can say that I’ve tried
To tell you I’m sorry for breaking your heart
But it don’t matter, it clearly doesn’t tear you apart anymore
Hello, how are you?
It’s so typical of me to talk about myself, I’m sorry
I hope that you’re well
Did you ever make it out of that town where nothing ever happened?
It’s no secret that the both of us
Are running out of time
So hello from the other side (other side)
I must’ve called a thousand times (thousand times)
To tell you I’m sorry for everything that I’ve done
But when I call, you never seem to be home
Hello from the outside (outside)
At least I can say that I’ve tried (I’ve tried)
To tell you I’m sorry for breaking your heart
But it don’t matter, it clearly doesn’t tear you apart anymore
Ooh (lows, lows, lows, lows), anymore
(Highs, highs, highs, highs)
Ooh (lows, lows, lows, lows), anymore
(Highs, highs, highs, highs)
Ooh (lows, lows, lows, lows), anymore
(Highs, highs, highs, highs)
Anymore (lows, lows, lows, lows)
Hello from the other side (other side)
I must’ve called a thousand times (thousand times)
To tell you I’m sorry for everything that I’ve done
But when I call, you never seem to be home
Hello from the outside (outside)
At least I can say that I’ve tried (I’ve tried)
To tell you I’m sorry for breaking your heart
But it don’t matter, it clearly doesn’t tear you apart anymore
Symbolism
- The Telephone: The central image of the song, the telephone, represents a failed attempt at communication and reconnection.
- “From The Other Side”: This phrase hints at a vast distance—emotional or physical—that has grown between Adele and the person she addresses.
Musical Style
- Soulful Ballad: “Hello” is a classic power ballad in the soul tradition. Its use of piano and Adele’s soaring, emotional vocals heighten the song’s sense of yearning and regret.
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Interpretations
The beauty of “Hello” rests partially in its ambiguity. Here are a couple of common readings:
- Romantic Love: The most direct interpretation is that Adele is addressing a former romantic partner.
- Broader Connection: The song could also speak to the breakdown of other close relationships, such as a friendship or a family bond.
