Lipstick Traces was a store that was right around the corner from our studio in Seattle, I always liked the name so I threw it in the bridge.
This song is about me, no one else. I was scared of being alone, I would try to pretend I wasn’t but I needed the attention of the opposite sex to thrive. I learned better, the hard way.
Adelaide
Anberlin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That you think I want to hear
But I don't want to hear anymore
As if sorry is any consolation
For what it's worth, you're stringing me alone
Should, should, shouldn't need anyone
Shouldn't need anyone
But by the time you've figured this out
And I'm already gone
Adelaide, Adelaide
You really had me going this time
Adelaide, Adelaide
You need to quit, quit making a scene
Adelaide, Adelaide
You really had me going this time
Adelaide, Adelaide
You need to quit, quit making a scene
You keep giving me signs
That you think I want to see
But you're nothing like you've seen
Hide behind your half smile
But the truth is so undeniable
Should, should, shouldn't need anyone
Shouldn't need anyone
Just scared of being alone
But by the time you've figured this out
And I'm already gone
Adelaide, Adelaide
You really had me going this time
Adelaide, Adelaide
You need to quit, quit making a scene
Adelaide, Adelaide
You really had me going this time
Adelaide, Adelaide
You need to quit, quit making a scene
Like lipstick traces on pillow cases
Some things in life are unforgettable
Like love, loss, lies and lust, whoa
Some things in life are undeniable
Like lipstick traces on pillow cases
Some things in life are unforgettable
Like love, loss, lies and lust, whoa
Some things in life are undeniable
Adelaide, Adelaide
You really had me going this time
Adelaide, Adelaide
You need to quit, quit making a scene
Adelaide, Adelaide
You really had me going this time
Adelaide, Adelaide
You need to quit, quit making a scene
The song "Adelaide" by Anberlin explores the theme of a toxic relationship where one person manipulates the other through empty apologies and false promises. The song's opening lines illustrate the repetitive nature of the manipulations, where the perpetrator repeats the same lies over and over, even though the victim knows they are insincere. The singer expresses the view that the apologies are meaningless, and the other person is just leading them on.
The second verse delves deeper into the psychology of the manipulator, suggesting that they are afraid of being alone, which is why they keep stringing the singer along. However, by the time they realize their mistake, the singer has already moved on. The repeated refrain of "Adelaide, Adelaide" is directed at the other person, urging them to stop making a scene and quit the manipulations.
In the final verse, the song shifts to a broader reflection on life's unforgettable moments, focusing on the contrast between love and lust, and the darker aspects of relationships such as lies and loss. The song's overall message seems to be that, despite the difficult experiences we go through, some things in life are undeniable and unforgettable.
Line by Line Meaning
You're repeating me lines
You keep saying things you think I want to hear
That you think I want to hear
You're saying things that you assume I want to hear
But I don't want to hear anymore
I'm tired of hearing these empty words
As if sorry is any consolation
Saying sorry doesn't fix anything
For what it's worth, you're stringing me alone
You're giving me false hope and leading me on
Should, should, shouldn't need anyone
I shouldn't need anyone, but I do
Shouldn't need anyone
I don't want to need anyone, but I do
Just scared of being alone
I'm afraid of being alone
But by the time you've figured this out
By the time you realize this about me
And I'm already gone
I'll already be gone
Adelaide, Adelaide
Addressing the person called Adelaide
You really had me going this time
You almost fooled me again
You need to quit, quit making a scene
You need to stop causing problems
You keep giving me signs
You keep showing me things you think I want to see
That you think I want to see
You assume I want to see these things
But you're nothing like you've seen
The reality is different from what you're portraying
Hide behind your half smile
You hide your true intentions with a fake smile
But the truth is so undeniable
The truth is impossible to deny
Like lipstick traces on pillow cases
Memories that are hard to forget - like the marks left on pillow cases by lipstick
Some things in life are unforgettable
There are certain things in life that you can never forget
Like love, loss, lies and lust, whoa
Examples of unforgettable things in life
Some things in life are undeniable
There are certain things in life that are impossible to deny
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, DistroKid, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: DEON REXROAT (16581), JOSEPH MILLIGAN (16580), NATHAN YOUNG (16578), STEVEN ARNOLD (16579)
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Elizabeth Norris
Fell in love with the name Adelaide after hearing this song a long time ago and ended up using it for my daughter. Such a beautiful name.
Rebekah Harrison
Same but 6yrs ago
Morgan C
SAME many years later lol. She’s 2.
addie
hahaha Adelaide is my name
Ryan Abbott
Same here. My daughter, Adelaide, is now 7. 😊 And she loves Anberlin!
A Little Bit Hailey
Same! Although for my second daughter if hubby and I are lucky enough to get two
Joe Abortaw
One of the top ten rock bands in 2000s that never got the accolades that they deserved. I loved the scene but you guys outgrew it. Shoulda won a Grammy.
Blu ToH
For sure
Kitty Kthulhu
This song makes me want to turn up the volume and tune out everything everything. I want this to be my life's theme music and for everyone to hear it when I walk in the room. It never gets on my nerves and, frankly, it gets better with every replay. Only the best songs are like that. And this is one of them.
M A
I love how all the Adelaide's are uniting on these videos :D I've never met another Adelaide in person so it's cool to see so many people with the name!