adore
Paramore Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I don't mean to run.
But every time you come around,
I feel more alive, than ever.
And I guess it's too much,
Maybe we're too young.
And I don't even know what's real,
But I know I never...

Wanted anything so bad,
I've never wanted anyone so bad.

If I let you love me,
Be the one adored.
Would you go all the way,
Be the one I'm looking for.
If I let you love me (If I Say),
Be the one adored (It's ok).
Would you go all the way (You can stay),
Be the one I'm looking for.

Help me come back down,
From high above the clouds.
You know I'm suffocating, But I blame this town,
Why do I deny.
The things that burn inside,
Down deep I'm barely breathing.
But you just see a smile.

And I don't wanna let this go,
Really I just want to know.

If I let you love me,
Be the one adored.
Would you go all the way,
Be the one I'm looking for.
If I let you love me (If I Say),
Be the one adored (It's ok).
Would you go all the way (You can stay),
Be the one I'm looking for.

If I let you love me,
Be the one adored.
Would you go all the way,
Be the one I'm looking for (x2).

If I let you love me (If I Say),
See the one adored (It's ok).

Would you go all the way (You can stay),
Be the one I'm looking for.

Overall Meaning

In Paramore's song "Adore," the lyrics express a sense of hesitation towards an intense infatuation. The chorus emphasizes a willingness to surrender to this love, yet also presents doubts and conflicting thoughts. The idea of 'running' emerges in the beginning, but it is unclear whether the individual wants to flee from the relationship or from the overwhelming emotions they are feeling. The anxiety that the singer is experiencing reaches its apex in their request for help to come back 'down from high above the clouds'. This may be interpreted as an indication of feeling ungrounded or out of control. The singer cites external sources as the cause of their distress, primarily blaming ‘this town’, although they seem to have an awareness that this may not be true.

The lines "If I let you love me, Be the one adored, Would you go all the way, Be the one I'm looking for" can be seen as a plea for reassurance amidst vulnerability. The combination of the words 'let' and 'adored' suggests the idea that the singer is relinquishing power, and by allowing themselves to be vulnerable and to put their heart on the line, they are looking for validation, security, and acceptance. There is also the sense that they are looking for someone to validate their worthiness of love or to prove that they will reciprocate with the same intensity.

Line by Line Meaning

I don't mean to run.
I am not trying to avoid you.

But every time you come around, I feel more alive, than ever.
Your presence brings me a sense of joy and vitality that I cannot replicate without you.

And I guess it's too much, Maybe we're too young.
My feelings toward you may be too strong and premature due to our youth.

And I don't even know what's real, But I know I never wanted anything so bad, I've never wanted anyone so bad.
I'm not sure what our connection truly means, but I know I've never felt this strongly about someone or something before.

If I let you love me, Be the one adored. Would you go all the way, Be the one I'm looking for.
If I give in to my feelings and allow you to love me, will you reciprocate and fulfill the role I desire in a partner?

Help me come back down, From high above the clouds. You know I'm suffocating, But I blame this town, Why do I deny.
I need your guidance to return to a grounded state, as I feel overwhelmed and stifled by this place. I question why I try to resist my feelings towards you.

The things that burn inside, Down deep I'm barely breathing. But you just see a smile.
My passions are intense and causing me to struggle, but I am trying to hide it all behind a façade of happiness when I'm around you.

And I don't wanna let this go, Really I just want to know.
I am conflicted on what to do with my feelings for you and ultimately just want answers for how you feel about me.

If I let you love me, Be the one adored. Would you go all the way, Be the one I'm looking for (x2).
Repetition of the desire for reciprocated and fulfilling love.

If I let you love me (If I Say), See the one adored (It's ok). Would you go all the way (You can stay), Be the one I'm looking for.
Reiteration of the previous lines, with slight variation in phrasing.

Contributed by Katherine N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS