The best Adele songs about mental health
Adele, the British powerhouse vocalist, has been known for her soulful ballads that tug at the heartstrings. While many of her hits revolve around love and heartbreak, a closer look at her discography reveals a number of songs that touch on the theme of mental health. These tracks, often overshadowed by her chart-toppers, offer a raw and intimate look into the struggles of the mind. Let's delve into some of these lesser-known gems.
"Million Years Ago" (from 25) Lyrics Highlight: "I feel like my life is flashing by, and all I can do is watch and cry."
This melancholic ballad is a reflection on the past, the passage of time, and the loss of innocence. The lyrics touch on feelings of nostalgia and the pain of realizing that one can never truly go back to simpler times. It's a song about grappling with the weight of one's past and the inevitable changes that come with aging. The sentiment of watching life pass by can resonate with those who feel disconnected from their present due to mental health struggles.
"River Lea" (from 25) Lyrics Highlight: "But my heart is a valley, it's so shallow and man made."
"River Lea" delves into the idea of being haunted by one's past and the places that have shaped us. The song speaks to the internal battles we face, trying to move forward while being pulled back by our history. The metaphor of the river represents the flow of life and memories, and how sometimes, we can feel trapped by our own mental barriers.
"I Miss You" (from 25) Lyrics Highlight: "I love the way your body moves, towards me from across the room."
At first glance, "I Miss You" seems like a love song, but it's also about longing and the emotional distance that can exist even when two people are physically close. It touches on the isolation one can feel, even when surrounded by others, a sentiment familiar to those battling depression or anxiety.
"My Same" (from 19) Lyrics Highlight: "You said I'm stubborn and I never give in, I think you're stubborn 'cept you're always softening."
This track from her debut album speaks to the complexities of relationships and the internal conflicts we face. It's about understanding and accepting our own and others' contradictions. The song can be seen as a reflection on the push and pull of one's own mental state and the challenges of understanding oneself.
"He Won't Go" (from 21) Lyrics Highlight: "Some say I'll be better without you, but they don’t know you like I do."
"He Won't Go" is a poignant song about loyalty, love, and the challenges of standing by someone going through addiction. It's a testament to the mental toll that addiction can take not just on the individual, but on their loved ones as well. The song captures the pain, hope, and resilience that come with loving someone battling their own demons.
"Love in the Dark" (from 25) Lyrics Highlight: "I can't love you in the dark, it feels like we're oceans apart."
This ballad speaks to the emotional distance that can grow between two people, especially when one is going through personal struggles. It's a song about recognizing when a relationship is causing more harm than good, and the painful realization that sometimes love isn't enough to bridge the gap.
Adele's exploration of mental health is subtle yet profound. While she doesn't always address it head-on, the underlying themes of her songs often touch on the complexities of the human psyche. From the struggles of aging and the weight of the past in "Million Years Ago" to the challenges of loving someone with addiction in "He Won't Go", Adele captures the myriad ways in which our mental well-being can be tested.
Her songs serve as a reminder that mental health is multifaceted, and that it's intertwined with our relationships, our past, and our perceptions of self. By shedding light on these lesser-known tracks, we gain a deeper appreciation for Adele's ability to tap into the universal struggles of the human experience.
