Adult Diversion
Alvvays Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Even if you don't notice
As I admire you on the subway
When it's dark outside your house
You won't let anybody out
And keep a padlock on the door, well
One more cocktail
And I'm on your trail
If I should fall
Act as though it never happened
I will retreat
And sit inside so very quietly
How do I grow old with you?
Even if you don't notice
As I pass by you on the sidewalk
When it's dark outside your house
You won't let anybody out
You're keeping a dead girl in the closet
One more cocktail
Is it a good time?
Or is it highly inappropriate?
If I should fall
Act as though it never happened
I will retreat
And then go back to university
If I should fall
Act as though it never happened
I will retreat
And sit inside so very quietly
I won't waste a moment
I won't waste a moment
I won't waste a
If I should fall
Act as though it never happened
I will retreat
And sit inside so very quietly
If I should fall
Act as though it never happened
I will retreat
And then go back to university
The lyrics of Alvvays's song Adult Diversion explore the struggle of wanting to be close to someone and desiring to be with them. The singer appears to be infatuated with someone, and they fantasize about how they could get close to them despite the person's apparent distrust and unwillingness to let anyone in. They observe the person on the subway and the sidewalk, yearning to grow old with them. However, the person has a padlock on the door, and they keep a dead girl in the closet, possibly hinting at some dark secrets or traumas. The singer keeps trying to get closer, asking for one more cocktail, perhaps hoping to lower their inhibitions, but they remain uncertain whether this is a good idea.
The repetition of the line "If I should fall, act as though it never happened, I will retreat and sit inside so very quietly" seems to suggest that the singer is aware that their desires may be inappropriate or dangerous. They are willing to retreat and be silent to hide their true intentions and prevent any harm. However, they also express a desire for wisdom, hinting at a deeper yearning for self-awareness and understanding.
Overall, the lyrics of this song convey a complex mix of emotions, from longing and desire to fear and uncertainty, and they leave room for interpretation and speculation about the story behind the words.
Line by Line Meaning
How do I get close to you?
I'm trying to figure out how to be near you and get your attention.
Even if you don't notice as I admire you on the subway
I often watch you on the subway without you noticing.
When it's dark outside your house
I notice that you're more guarded and cautious when it's dark outside.
You won't let anybody out
You're not easily approachable and you keep your distance from others.
And keep a padlock on the door, well
You're very protective of your personal space and keep your home locked up tightly.
One more cocktail
I might need a drink to gather the courage to approach you.
And I'm on your trail
I'm hoping to pursue you and get closer to you.
If I should fall
If I make a mistake or get rejected.
Act as though it never happened
Pretend that my mistake didn't occur and move on.
I will retreat
I'll back away and give up on pursuing you.
And sit inside so very quietly
I'll be alone and sad.
How do I grow old with you?
I'm imagining a future where we're still together as we age.
Even if you don't notice as I pass by you on the sidewalk
I walk by you often and hope you'll recognize me one day.
You won't let anybody out
You're still keeping people at a distance and it's hard to get to know you.
You're keeping a dead girl in the closet
I'm starting to see that you have secrets you keep hidden away.
Is it a good time?
I'm worried that my timing for approaching you might be wrong.
Or is it highly inappropriate?
I'm worried that you might not be interested and that I'll be bothering you.
I want wisdom
I hope to learn and grow from this experience.
And then go back to university
I'll try to distract myself and focus on my education if things don't work out.
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING
Written by: Molly Rankin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@GH1996
Brings back many memories of younger days.
To me, it specifically reminds me of the year i was transitioning from a teenager to a young adult (2014).
Hanging around with lots of "friends" and a hella lot of strangers.
Getting drunk and high af...
All those parties, all those nights, all those hangovers...
I had a pretty good time tbh.
Nowadays, I don't drink anymore, and I rarely go outside or hang around. But when I do it's usually with 2 or 3 people, inside somebody's house.
@aqwachannel
How do I get close to you?
Even if you don't notice as I admire you on the subway
When it's dark outside your house
You won't let anybody out
And keep a padlock on the door, well
One more cocktail
And I'm on your trail
If I should fall
Act as though it never happened
I will retreat
And sit inside so very quietly
How do I grow old with you?
Even if you don't notice as I pass by you on the sidewalk
When it's dark outside your house
You won't let anybody out
You're keeping a dead girl in the closet
One more cocktail
Is it a good time?
Or is it highly inappropriate?
If I should fall
Act as though it never happened
I will retreat
And then go back to university
If I should fall
Act as though it never happened
I will retreat
And sit inside so very quietly
I want wisdom
I want wisdom
I want wisdom
If I should fall
Act as though it never happened
I will retreat
And sit inside so very quietly
If I should fall
Act as though it never happened
I will retreat
And then go back to university
@drywinddotnet
Molly Rankin said on a recent (2022) interview that Alvvays music is designed to be timeless and evoke memories of a time before we were glued to screens. They have clearly achieved this in a brilliant way.
@piotrgraniszewski8544
Oh, thank you for this tidbit!
@Anonymous-nj2ow
oh wow had no idea, that is brilliant. I wouldnt be surprised if future kids kind of reject screens
@pokkerhonklers6625
Sitting alone in your bedroom at 3 am watching a video of people having fun and imagining how it'd be like if you had friends
@chrismorrison2805
Friend here...because you are here! You are a diamond.....don't forget you are never alone! I like you for just being here! Take good care now.
@monty6749
I just like being alone...
@elerex_x878
truly doomer
@vincentst-gelais1453
oof
@pandv7
you're not alone .
@xTravisMarx
I love her voice so much it's so naturally indie