Million Years Ago
Adele/Adele Adkins Lyrics

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I only wanted to have fun
Learning to fly, learning to run
I let my heart decide the way
When I was young
Deep down, I must have always known
That this would be inevitable
To earn my stripes, I'd have to pay
And bare my soul

I know I'm not the only one
Who regrets the things they've done
Sometimes I just feel it's only me
Who can't stand the reflection that they see
I wish I could live a little more
Look up to the sky, not just the floor
I feel like my life is flashing by
And all I can do is watch and cry
I miss the air, I miss my friends
I miss my mother, I miss it when
Life was a party to be thrown
But that was a million years ago

When I walk around all of the streets
Where I grew up and found my feet
They can't look me in the eye
It's like they're scared of me
I try to think of things to say
Like a joke or a memory
But they don't recognize me now
In the light of day

I know I'm not the only one
Who regrets the things they've done
Sometimes I just feel it's only me
Who never became who they thought they'd be
I wish I could live a little more
Look up to the sky, not just the floor
I feel like my life is flashing by
And all I can do is watch and cry
I miss the air, I miss my friends
I miss my mother, I miss it when
Life was a party to be thrown

But that was a million years ago
A million years ago

Overall Meaning

In the first verse of "Million Years Ago," Adele reflects on her younger years, where she had a carefree attitude and sought enjoyment and excitement in life. She describes her desire to explore and take risks, allowing her heart to guide her decisions. However, deep down, she knew that eventually, she would have to face the consequences and challenges that come with growing up and finding her place in the world. To achieve her goals and earn credibility, she would have to expose her vulnerabilities and be honest with herself.

The chorus indicates that Adele is not alone in feeling regret over past actions and choices. She expresses a sense of isolation, believing that she is the only one who can't bear to see her own reflection and is dissatisfied with the person she has become. She longs for a chance to live life more fully, to broaden her perspective beyond her own problems and appreciate the beauty around her. However, she feels trapped and unable to seize the present moment, feeling overwhelmed as time slips away, and all she can do is witness it pass and shed tears. She yearns for the past when life was full of joy and freedom, missing the connection she had with others, including her friends and her mother.

In the second verse, Adele describes returning to the place where she grew up, expecting to feel a sense of familiarity and connection. However, she notices that the people she once knew avoid making eye contact with her, suggesting a detachment or fear towards her. She attempts to engage in conversation, grasping at jokes or memories, but people no longer recognize her in the broad daylight. This could potentially symbolize the disconnection that fame and success can create, as well as the challenges of maintaining genuine connections with others.

The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the universality of regret and the unfulfilled dreams experienced by many people. Adele reflects on the contrast between her past expectations and the reality of who she has become. She wishes for a chance to live life more meaningfully, to gaze at the sky with hope and aspiration, rather than constantly focusing on her own problems. She feels that time is slipping away rapidly, and she can only lament and mourn over the changes that have occurred. She yearns for the return of carefree times, missing not only the freedom but the special moments shared with friends and family. Ultimately, the lyrics "A million years ago" suggest a vast distance between Adele's past and present, highlighting the passage of time and the changes that come with it.

Line by Line Meaning

I only wanted to have fun
All I desired was to enjoy myself

Learning to fly, learning to run
Discovering how to soar, discovering how to move swiftly

I let my heart decide the way
I allowed my emotions to guide me

When I was young
During my youthful days

Deep down, I must have always known
Subconsciously, I must have always had awareness

That this would be inevitable
That this would be unavoidable

To earn my stripes, I'd have to pay
To gain recognition, I would have to go through hardships

And bare my soul
And reveal my true self

I know I'm not the only one
I am aware that others share this sentiment

Who regrets the things they've done
Who feels remorse for their past actions

Sometimes I just feel it's only me
At times, I simply believe I am alone in this

Who can't stand the reflection that they see
Who cannot bear the image they see of themselves

I wish I could live a little more
I desire to experience life to a greater extent

Look up to the sky, not just the floor
Direct my gaze towards the sky, beyond the ground

I feel like my life is flashing by
It seems as though my existence is passing rapidly

And all I can do is watch and cry
And all I can do is observe and weep

I miss the air, I miss my friends
I yearn for the freedom, I long for my companions

I miss my mother, I miss it when
I long for my mother, I miss the time when

Life was a party to be thrown
Existence was a celebration to be hosted

But that was a million years ago
However, it feels like an eternity has passed since then

When I walk around all of the streets
As I stroll through the familiar roads

Where I grew up and found my feet
The place where I matured and gained independence

They can't look me in the eye
They are unable to make eye contact with me

It's like they're scared of me
It appears as if they are fearful of me

I try to think of things to say
I attempt to come up with things to say

Like a joke or a memory
Such as a funny anecdote or a reminiscence

But they don't recognize me now
Yet, they no longer acknowledge me

In the light of day
When illuminated by sunlight

Who never became who they thought they'd be
Individuals who never evolved into their envisioned selves