Adele began writing 21 in April 2009, when still involved in the relationship that subsequently inspired the record. Dissatisfied with once again portraying herself as the musical tragedian of her debut, she had intended to compose a more upbeat and contemporary follow-up. However, studio sessions ended prematurely due to a lack of inspiration. She resumed production immediately after the breakdown of her relationship, channelling her heartbreak and depression into her songs. Adele collaborated with various songwriters and producers, including Columbia Records co-president Rick Rubin, Paul Epworth, Ryan Tedder, Jim Abbiss, and Dan Wilson.
Praised by critics for its understated production, vintage aesthetic, and Adele's vocal performance, 21 defied the modest commercial expectations of her independent record label XL Recordings. The album topped the charts in more than 30 countries and became the world's best-selling album of the year for 2011 and 2012. In the United Kingdom, it is the best-selling album of the 21st century and fourth best-selling album of all time, while its 23-week tenure atop the UK Albums Chart is the longest by a female solo artist. In the United States, the album held the top position for 24 weeks, longer than any other album since 1985 and the longest by a female solo artist in Billboard 200 history. In addition, it had the most weeks on the Billboard 200 chart of any album by a woman. It was certified Diamond by the RIAA and was ranked as the "Greatest Billboard 200 Album of All Time."
Five singles were released to promote the album, with Rolling in the Deep, Someone like You and Set Fire to the Rain becoming international number-one songs, while Rumour Has It charted in the top 20 across Europe and North America. Globally, 21 was the biggest selling musical release for both 2011 and 2012, and helped revitalise lagging sales of the UK and US music industry. With over 30 million copies sold worldwide, 21 is one of the best-selling albums of all time and one of the best-selling albums of the 21st century. Critics hailed the album as a shift from the overtly sexual and musically bombastic status quo, and attributed its success to its deeply autobiographical yet universal songs. Shortlisted for the 2011 Mercury Prize, 21 won the 2012 Grammy Award for Album of the Year and the Brit Award for British Album of the Year.
Rolling in the Deep
Adele Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Reaching a fever pitch and it's bringing me out the dark
Finally I can see you crystal clear
Go 'head and sell me out and I'll lay your shit bare
See how I'll leave with every piece of you
Don't underestimate the things that I will do
There's a fire starting in my heart
Reaching a fever pitch and it's bringing me out the dark
The scars of your love remind me of us
They keep me thinking that we almost had it all
The scars of your love they leave me breathless, I can't help feeling
We could have had it all (you're gonna wish you never had met me)
Rolling in the deep (tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
You had my heart inside of your hand (you're gonna wish you never had met me)
And you played it to the beat (tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
Baby I have no story to be told
But I've heard one on you and I'm gonna make your head burn
Think of me in the depths of your despair
Making a home down there 'cause mine sure won't be shared
The scars of your love remind me of us (you're gonna wish you never had met me)
They keep me thinking that we almost had it all (tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
The scars of your love they leave me breathless, I can't help feeling
We could have had it all (you're gonna wish you never had met me)
Rolling in the deep (tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
You had my heart inside of your hand (you're gonna wish you never had met me)
And you played it to the beat (tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
We could've had it all
Rolling in the deep
You had my heart inside your hand
But you played it with a beating
Throw your soul through every open door
Count your blessings to find what you look for
Turned my sorrow into treasured gold
You pay me back in kind and reap just what you sow
(You're gonna wish you never had met me) we could've had it all
We could've had it all (tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
It all, it all, it all (you're gonna wish you never had met me)
We could have had it all (you're gonna wish you never had met me)
Rolling in the deep (tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
You had my heart inside of your hand (you're gonna wish you never had met me)
And you played it to the beat (tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
We could've had it all (you're gonna wish you never had met me)
Rolling in the deep (tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
You had my heart inside your hand (you're gonna wish you never had met me)
But you played it, you played it, you played it, you played it
To the beat
The opening lyrics of “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele suggest a deep sense of passion and emotion that has been ignited within her. The metaphor in the first line, “There’s a fire starting in my heart,” describes the intensity and fervor of the feeling that has come over her, reaching a “fever pitch.” She seems to be addressing a former significant other who has wronged her, telling them to “go ‘head and sell me out”; in other words, to try and expose her secrets or use her vulnerabilities against her. However, she warns them not to “underestimate the things that I will do,” implying that she is capable of retaliating with equal force. She also asserts her independence, exhibiting strength and resilience by declaring that she will “leave with every piece of you.”
The next section of the song takes a reflective and somber tone, with Adele reminiscing about the good times she shared with her ex-lover, “The scars of your love remind me of us, they keep me thinking that we almost had it all” she sings, with a deep sense of loss and regret. She delves into the notion of missed opportunities, of chances that they had to make things work but didn’t take, leaving her feeling “breathless” with the realization that “we could have had it all.” The chorus repeats the metaphor of a deep, endless ocean, with tears falling as she rolls in the waves, caught up in the turbulent emotions she is experiencing. Ultimately, she admonishes her former love for playing games with her heart and manipulating her for their own purposes. Overall, “Rolling in the Deep” is a complex and emotionally resonant exploration of love, loss, and the pain that accompanies both.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a fire starting in my heart
My passionate anger towards you is igniting a fire within me
Reaching a fever pitch and it's bringing me out the dark
My anger is intensifying and I am becoming more vocal about it
Finally I can see you crystal clear
Through my anger, I am able to see you for who you truly are
Go 'head and sell me out and I'll lay your shit bare
If you try to betray me, I will expose all of your dark secrets
See how I'll leave with every piece of you
I will take everything from you and leave you with nothing
Don't underestimate the things that I will do
You should not underestimate my ability to seek revenge on you
The scars of your love remind me of us
The emotional scars caused by our failed relationship bring back memories of us
They keep me thinking that we almost had it all
The scars make me wonder what could have been if our relationship had succeeded
The scars of your love they leave me breathless, I can't help feeling
The emotional scars are so deep that I still feel the pain and cannot breathe
We could have had it all (you're gonna wish you never had met me)
Our relationship had the potential to be great, but now you will regret ever meeting me
Rolling in the deep (tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
We will both be consumed by the pain and emotions caused by our relationship
You had my heart inside of your hand (you're gonna wish you never had met me)
You had complete control over my heart, but now you will regret ever having that power
And you played it to the beat (tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
You took advantage of my love for you and used it for your own benefit
Baby I have no story to be told
I have no interesting life experiences or tales worth sharing
But I've heard one on you and I'm gonna make your head burn
Although I have no stories to share, I have heard of your wrongdoings and will make you suffer
Think of me in the depths of your despair
As you experience your lowest point, I want to be on your mind
Making a home down there 'cause mine sure won't be shared
I will take pleasure in the fact that you are suffering while I am enjoying my own personal success
We could've had it all
Our relationship had the potential to be great
Throw your soul through every open door
Take every opportunity that comes your way
Count your blessings to find what you look for
Be grateful for what you have and focus on finding what you truly desire
Turned my sorrow into treasured gold
I have transformed my negative experiences into something valuable
You pay me back in kind and reap just what you sow
I will receive what I deserve for my actions, just as you will for yours
It all, it all, it all
Everything that we had and experienced
But you played it, you played it, you played it, you played it
You took advantage of me multiple times
To the beat
You played with my heart and emotions, as if they were a musical instrument
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Adele Laurie Blue Adkins, Paul Richard Epworth
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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