Adele Hello Lyrics: A Soulful Ballad of Nostalgia and Regret

10th December, 2023

Introduction

When Adele released her hit single Hello in 2015, it took the world by storm. This soulful ballad, resonating with listeners worldwide, is not just about lost love but a complex tapestry of nostalgia, personal growth, and the intricacies of human connections. This article delves deep into the creation, themes, and lasting impact of Hello, exploring its place in Adele’s career and its resonance with a global audience.

Writing and Composition: The Genesis of Hello

The collaboration between Adele and Greg Kurstin on Hello spanned over six months, a period marked by introspection and creative evolution. Initially conceived with the lyric ‘Hello misery,’ the song underwent a significant transformation to become the introspective ‘Hello, it’s me.‘ This lyrical shift mirrored Adele’s emotional state, reflecting her contemplations on past relationships, the challenges of motherhood, and the journey of personal growth.

The composition of Hello is a masterclass in musical storytelling. The transition from F# minor to F minor introduced a darker, more melancholic sound, enriching the song’s emotional depth. This musical choice, coupled with the piano-driven melody, guitar, and drums, created a rich, immersive soundscape that perfectly complemented Adele’s powerful vocals.

Lyrical Themes: A Deep Dive into Adele’s Heart and Mind

Hello is a poignant exploration of nostalgia and regret, with each verse offering a window into Adele’s reflections on a past relationship and her longing for closure.

The chorus “Hello from the other side” has become iconic, symbolising the journey of growing up and making it through the challenges of young adulthood. Adele explained that the song’s lyrics are not just about a romantic relationship but also about her relationship with everyone she loves. It’s a reflection on the changes and distance that can come between people as they navigate their own lives.

From the opening lines to the powerful chorus, Hello is a narrative of longing, introspection, and the desire for understanding and forgiveness.

Detailed Lyric Analysis: Unpacking the Emotional Layers

Each line of Hello is laden with emotion and meaning. The opening verse, “Hello, it’s me / I was wondering if after all these years you’d like to meet,” sets the tone for a conversation that is as much with a past lover as it is with herself. The lyrics “They say that time’s supposed to heal ya / But I ain’t done much healing” reveal a raw, unfiltered look at her emotional state.

The chorus, “Hello from the other side / I must’ve called a thousand times,” is a powerful expression of regret and the desire to make amends. It’s a call across time and space, seeking closure and understanding. This chorus resonates with listeners as it encapsulates the universal experience of looking back and wishing for a different outcome.

Chart-Topping Success: Hello Takes the World by Storm

Hello was an instant global phenomenon, topping charts in 36 countries and breaking numerous records. In the UK, it became Adele’s second number-one single, showcasing its immense popularity. Its record-breaking sales in the first week highlighted the song’s widespread appeal.

In the US, Hello debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for ten consecutive weeks. It became Adele’s fourth number-one single on the chart and broke records by selling over a million digital copies in a week. The song’s success continued to soar, selling over 12.3 million units globally by the end of 2015 and becoming one of the best-selling digital singles of all time.

The Music Video: A Visual Narrative

Directed by Xavier Dolan, the music video for Hello is a visual narrative that complements the song’s themes. Starring Adele and Tristan Wilds, it tells the story of a woman trying to reconnect with her past. The sepia-toned visuals create a nostalgic and melancholic mood, enhancing the song’s emotional depth. The video’s record-breaking viewership on Vevo and YouTube, amassing over 27.7 million views within 24 hours and reaching one billion views in just 87 days, further amplified the song’s impact.

Live Performances and Covers: Extending the Song’s Reach

Adele’s live performances of Hello have captivated audiences worldwide. Her powerful vocals and emotional delivery bring the song’s narrative to life, showcasing her ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level. She sang the song for the first time on a BBC special. The song also inspired many covers, with artists like Demi Lovato and Celine Dion putting their own twist on the soulful ballad.

Accolades and Awards: A Testament to Artistic Excellence

Hello has garnered widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards, including Grammy wins for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Solo Performance. These accolades not only honour the song’s artistic merit but also underscore Adele’s profound ability to connect with her audience through her music.

Conclusion

Hello is a soulful ballad that showcases Adele’s incredible talent as a singer and songwriter. Its powerful lyrics, emotional delivery, and captivating melody have resonated with listeners around the world. With its chart-topping success and critical acclaim, Hello has solidified Adele’s status as one of the greatest artists of our time.

So, next time you find yourself longing for the past or reflecting on a failed relationship, remember the soul-stirring lyrics of Hello and let Adele’s powerful voice take you on a journey of nostalgia and regret.

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Adele Hello Lyrics

Verse 1
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 healin’
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

Pre-Chorus
There’s such a difference between us
And a million miles

[Chorus]
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

Verse 2
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?

Pre-Chorus
It’s no secret that the both of us
Are running out of time

Chorus
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

Bridge
(Highs, highs, highs, highs, lows, lows, lows, lows)
Ooh, anymore
(Highs, highs, highs, highs, lows, lows, lows, lows)
Ooh, anymore
(Highs, highs, highs, highs, lows, lows, lows, lows)
Ooh, anymore
(Highs, highs, highs, highs, lows, lows, lows, lows)
Anymore

Chorus
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