“Love in the Dark” by Adele - meaning and lyrics analysis

Could it be possible that British singer-songwriter Adele's 2015 song "Love In The Dark" is not just about a failing romantic relationship, but also a cryptic and imaginative message about the isolation, challenges, and self-realization of human long-distance space travel? Perhaps this might sound far-fetched to some, but delve deeper into the lyrics and their underlying meanings and we'll find compelling connections that paint a celestial picture.

To explore this theory, let's start with the chorus:

"I can't love you in the dark

It feels like we're oceans apart

There is so much space between us

Maybe we're already defeated"

The idea of "loving in the dark" and being "oceans apart" fits well with the immense space between Earth and other celestial bodies, such as Mars or distant stars and galaxies. However, the words "so much space between us" might be a clever play on words by Adele; this could symbolize both emotional and physical distance, specifically referring to the thoughts and sensations of being a space traveler. In this context, "maybe we're already defeated" could mean that the isolation and loneliness of citizens journeying through the cosmos may be an insurmountable challenge on top of technological ones.