It was announced on December 6, 2012 that Odell had been shortlisted for the BRITs' Critics' Choice award, announced as the eventual winner on December 20, 2012. Odell was also announced as one of fifteen nominees for the BBC Sound of 2013 poll.
2016 - Second Studio Album On June 10, 2016, Tom Odell released his second studio album, "Wrong Crowd". The first 2 singles from the album were "Wrong Crowd" (April 4, 2016) and
"Magnetised" (April 15, 2016).
2018 - Third Studio Album Odell's third studio album, "Jubilee Road", was released on Columbia Records on October 26, 2018. The first track released from the album was "If You Wanna Love Somebody". The album debuted at No. 5 in the UK.
Supposed to Be
Tom Odell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Watching the birds flying free
Watching the clouds walk
And watching the rain become the sea
Hearing my love talk
Every breath she ever breathes
Like it was always supposed to be like that
And she went west and I went east
She got a new boyfriend (oh no)
A little too soon if you're asking me
I heard that she loves him
A litte bit more than she'll ever love me
And it was always supposed to be like that
I look to the skyline and said
How many falls until I fly
Look to the old times
How many roads until I find
And oh it's tough now
'Cause love always, love always is unkind
I sat on the rooftop
And I watched the birds flying free
I watched the clouds walk
And I watched the rain become the sea
And just for a moment, just for a moment
I felt so free from all I'm supposed to be
I look to the skyline and said
How many falls until I fly
Look to the old times I said
How many roads until I find
And oh it's tough now
'Cause love always, love always is unkind
In Tom Odell's song Supposed to Be, the singer is reflecting on a past relationship that has ended. The opening lines describe him sitting on a rooftop, observing the world around him, including the birds flying and the clouds moving. The juxtaposition of this tranquil scene with the pain of heartbreak is striking. The singer then reveals that his former partner has moved on quickly with a new boyfriend, leaving him feeling abandoned and hurt. He acknowledges that the situation is "unfair," but also seems resigned to the fact that love can be cruel. The final verses offer a glimmer of hope, with the singer feeling momentarily liberated and free from societal expectations and pressures.
The song contains a bittersweet message about the nature of love and relationships. Despite the singer's pain and disappointment, there is a sense of acceptance and perseverance. The lyrics portray the ups and downs of love in a way that is relatable and authentic, with the rooftop setting providing a poignant symbol of reflection and transcendence.
Line by Line Meaning
Sat on the rooftop
I sat on the rooftop and felt the wind blowing.
Watching the birds flying free
I observed the birds soaring unrestrained.
Watching the clouds walk
I saw the clouds meander in the sky.
And watching the rain become the sea
I noticed the rainwater drifting towards the ocean.
Hearing my love talk
I listened to my beloved express her thoughts.
Every breath she ever breathes
I heard every breath she took.
Like it was always supposed to be like that
It felt so perfect, as if that's how it was meant to be.
But then we broke up (oh no)
However, we separated suddenly.
And she went west and I went east
She moved towards the west, and I moved towards the east.
She got a new boyfriend (oh no)
She started seeing someone new.
A little too soon if you're asking me
It seemed like she moved on too fast.
I heard that she loves him
I was informed that she loves him.
A little bit more than she'll ever love me
She seems to love him more than she ever did me.
And it was always supposed to be like that
I guess it was always meant to be this way.
I look to the skyline and said
I gazed at the skyline and spoke to myself.
How many falls until I fly
I wondered how many times I need to fail before I succeed.
Look to the old times
I reflected on the past.
How many roads until I find
I wondered how long it would take me to find my way.
And oh it's tough now
It's challenging right now.
'Cause love always, love always is unkind
Love can be cruel at times.
I sat on the rooftop
I climbed back up the rooftop again.
And I watched the birds flying free
I resumed observing the birds soar without constraints.
I watched the clouds walk
I continued to watch the clouds drift in the sky.
And I watched the rain become the sea
I observed the rainwater traveling towards the ocean.
And just for a moment, just for a moment
Even if it was only temporary.
I felt so free from all I'm supposed to be
I felt liberated from my perceived expectations.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TOM PETER ODELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@piacrazi
THE LYRICS
Sat on the rooftop
Watching the birds flying free
Watching the clouds walk
And watching the rain become the sea
Hearing my love talk
Every breath she ever breathes
Like it was always supposed to be like that
But then we broke up
And she went west and I went east
She got a new boyfriend
A little too soon if you're asking me
I heard that she loves him
A little bit more than she'll ever love me
And it was always supposed to be like that
I look to the skyline
And said how many falls until I fly
Look to the old times and said
How many roads until I find
And oh it's tough now
Cause love always, love always is unkind
I sat on the rooftop
And I watched the birds flying free
I watched the clouds walk
And I watched the rain become the sea
And just for a moment, just for a moment
I felt so free from all I'm supposed to be
I look to the skyline and said
How many falls until I fly
Look to the old times I said
How many roads until I find
And oh it's tough now
Cause love always, love always is unkind
@annageorge1992
You are amazing man...
@Ledl1sh
Your voice is so elegant and calm , I love your music 🎧
@philippkroll7031
Still my favourite song. You create such unbelieveable great songs in your pain. Love it so much
@merveceyhan723
When I heard that song for the first time, I cried because of not feeling the love how he does. I hadn’t fallen in love yet then I had and this time, I cried for her with this song. The part of “I felt so free” makes me always emotional and relaxed.
@ilyeshow
Ur voice is an gift from the god
@jansetkip6953
This song makes me feel beautiful things. Sad, but beautiful..
@margotk.6550
His voice reminds me of cosy rainy days and it makes me feel sooo good
@user-cp7sq5pm2p
I like all your songs and all your lyrics. Maybe you are my favorite artist. All the happiness to you.
@oedipusoedipus6562
His voice is just magnetic
@liljoker7533
OLD BUT GOLD