The lyrics of Adele’s hit song Set Fire to the Rain captivate listeners with their raw emotion and powerful storytelling.
In this article, we delve into the meaning behind the lyrics, the inspiration behind the song, and the impact it has had on Adele’s career.
Join us on this journey as we unravel the depths of heartbreak and resilience encapsulated within Set Fire to the Rain.
Introduction
Adele’s Set Fire to the Rain is a powerful ballad that showcases her impressive vocal range and emotional depth.
The song, which was written by Adele and Fraser T. Smith, is the third US single from her critically acclaimed album 21.
The song describes the conflicting feelings of a relationship that is falling apart and the impossibility of letting go.
The Journey of Heartbreak
At its core, Set Fire to the Rain narrates a heart-wrenching tale of a relationship on the brink of collapse.
Adele’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that starts off blissfully, only to crumble under the weight of deception and betrayal.
The song showcases Adele’s ability to encapsulate the complex emotions experienced during the end of a relationship, making it relatable to countless listeners.
Deceptive Promises and Betrayal
The song features lush instrumentation and a swelling string arrangement, creating a dramatic contrast to the understated production of most songs on the album.
The song builds tension from the opening notes as Adele sings about how her lover saved her from the darkness but also betrayed her with lies and games.
“Cause there’s a side to you / That I never knew, never knew / All the things you’d say / They were never true, never true.”
“And the games you’d play / You would always win, always win.”
The chorus is explosive, as Adele declares that she set fire to the rain, watched it pour as she touched his face, and heard him screaming out her name.
“But I set fire to the rain / Watched it pour as I touched your face / Well, it burned while I cried / ‘Cause I heard it screaming out your name, your name.”
The image of setting fire to the rain is a poetic metaphor for the transformation of grief into anger and the paradox of loving someone who hurts you.
The Making of Set Fire to the Rain
The song was inspired by a real-life incident, when Adele had an argument with her ex-boyfriend and stormed outside to smoke a cigarette in the rain.
She managed to light it despite the wetness, which gave her the idea for the title.
The song was also influenced by James Taylor’s Fire and Rain, which Adele listened to a lot during the recording of the album.
Adele revealed that she wrote Set Fire to the Rain in the middle of the night, capturing the raw emotions that flooded her mind during a particularly challenging period in her life.
This spontaneous burst of creativity allowed her to channel her heartache into a beautifully crafted song that resonates with millions around the world.
Chart-Topping Success
The song was a commercial and critical success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming Adele’s third consecutive US number-one single from 21.
The song also topped the charts in several other countries and received positive reviews from critics, who praised Adele’s vocals and the song’s dramatic quality.
The song was voted by readers of Billboard as their favourite number one hit of 2012.
The song also won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards for its live rendition from the DVD Live at the Royal Albert Hall.
The song has no official music video, but the live performance from the DVD was uploaded to YouTube and has over 789 million views.
Resilience in the Face of Heartbreak
Set Fire to the Rain became an anthem of resilience for many listeners.
Adele’s lyrics and powerful vocals captured the essence of heartbreak, allowing people to connect with their own experiences and find solace in her music.
The song’s ability to evoke emotions and offer a sense of catharsis has solidified its place as one of Adele’s most beloved tracks.
Conclusion
Set Fire to the Rain is one of Adele’s most popular and powerful songs and a testament to her talent and artistry.
The song captures the intensity and complexity of love and loss and resonates with listeners who have experienced similar emotions.
The song is a masterpiece of pop music and a highlight of Adele’s career.
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Adele Set Fire To The Rain Lyrics
Verse 1
I let it fall, my heart
And as it fell, you rose to claim it
It was dark, and I was over
Until you kissed my lips and you saved me
My hands, they were strong
But my knees were far too weak
To stand in your arms
Without falling to your feet
Pre-Chorus
But there’s a side to you
That I never knew, never knew
All the things you’d say
They were never true, never true
And the games you’d play
You would always win, always win
Chorus
But I set fire to the rain
Watched it pour as I touched your face
Well, it burned while I cried
‘Cause I heard it screamin’ out your name
Your name
Verse 2
When I lay with you
I could stay there, close my eyes
Feel you here forever
You and me together, nothing is better
Pre-Chorus
‘Cause there’s a side to you
That I never knew, never knew
All the things you’d say
They were never true, never true
And the games you’d play
You would always win, always win
Chorus
But I set fire to the rain
Watched it pour as I touched your face
Well, it burned while I cried
‘Cause I heard it screamin’ out your name
Your name
I set fire to the rain
And I threw us into the flames
When we fell, somethin’ died
‘Cause I knew that that was the last time
The last time
Bridge
Sometimes, I wake up by the door
That heart you caught must be waitin’ for you
Even now, when we’re already over
I can’t help myself from lookin’ for you
Chorus
I set fire to the rain
Watched it pour as I touched your face
Well, it burned while I cried
‘Cause I heard it screamin’ out your name
Your name
I set fire to the rain
And I threw us into the flames
When we fell, somethin’ died
‘Cause I knew that that was the last time
The last time
Outro
Oh
Oh, no
Let it burn
Oh
Let it burn
Let it burn
