Million Years Ago
BEDROOM - Adele Lyrics

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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 "Million Years Ago" by Adele, the song explores the theme of nostalgia and the longing for the past. The lyrics depict a sense of regret and sadness, as the singer reflects on their younger self and the choices they made. The song opens with the admission that the singer only wanted to have fun and explore life, but deep down, they always knew that their actions would have consequences. They acknowledge that in order to achieve their goals and gain recognition ("earn my stripes"), they would have to pay a price and expose their vulnerable side ("bare my soul").

The chorus reveals the singer's feelings of isolation and self-doubt. They believe that they are the only one who regrets their past actions and cannot stand the reflection of who they have become. The longing to live more fully and not be consumed by daily routine is expressed, as they yearn to look beyond the mundane and experience life's beauty ("look up to the sky"). The singer feels that time is slipping away as they watch their life pass by, leading to a sense of helplessness and sadness.

In the second verse, the singer walks around the streets where they grew up, but they feel a disconnect from their past. People from their hometown avoid eye contact, as if they are afraid of the person the singer has become. The lyrics suggest that the singer has changed and no longer fits into the mold of who they used to be, causing a loss of recognition and connection.

The chorus repeats, emphasizing the singer's belief that they are not alone in their regrets, but there is a sense of personal disappointment that they have not become the person they had envisioned. The longing for a more fulfilling life and the nostalgia for past joys are expressed again. The song closes with the realization that life has moved on, and the carefree days of parties and celebration feel like a distant memory.

Overall, "Million Years Ago" captures feelings of regret, longing, and the passage of time. It speaks to the universal experience of growing older and reflecting on the choices and experiences that shaped us.

Line by Line Meaning

I only wanted to have fun
I had simple desires and I just wanted to enjoy myself

Learning to fly, learning to run
I was discovering new things and trying to find my way

I let my heart decide the way
I followed my instincts and emotions to guide my choices

When I was young
During my youthful days

Deep down, I must have always known
Some part of me understood this truth

That this would be inevitable
That this was bound to happen

To earn my stripes, I'd have to pay
I had to go through difficult experiences to gain wisdom and maturity

And bare my soul
I had to reveal my true self and vulnerabilities

I know I'm not the only one
I am aware that others also feel the same way

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

Sometimes I just feel it's only me
Occasionally, it seems like I am alone in this sentiment

Who can't stand the reflection that they see
Who struggles with accepting and facing their own reflection

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
To have a broader perspective and focus on possibilities rather than limitations

I feel like my life is flashing by
I sense that time is passing quickly

And all I can do is watch and cry
And all I can do is observe and feel emotional

I miss the air, I miss my friends
I long for the freedom and companionship I once had

I miss my mother, I miss it when
I yearn for the presence and care of my mother, and for the past times

Life was a party to be thrown
Life used to be a joyous celebration

But that was a million years ago
But it feels like an eternity since then

When I walk around all of the streets
As I wander through familiar streets

Where I grew up and found my feet
Where I matured and learned to become independent

They can't look me in the eye
People avoid making eye contact with me

It's like they're scared of me
It seems like they are afraid or intimidated by me

I try to think of things to say
I make an effort to come up with conversational topics

Like a joke or a memory
Such as a humorous remark or a shared past experience

But they don't recognize me now
They no longer acknowledge or identify me

In the light of day
Under normal circumstances

Who never became who they thought they'd be
Who didn't fulfill their own expectations and aspirations