When We Were Young

Adele

About When We Were Young

"When We Were Young" is a song by English singer-songwriter Adele. It was released on 22 January 2016 by XL Recordings as the second single from her third studio album, 25 (2015). Adele co-wrote the song with Tobias Jesso Jr., while production of the track was provided by Ariel Rechtshaid. "When We Were Young" is a soul ballad, with lyrics that talk about reminiscing past memories with a loved one. Upon release, the song received critical acclaim from music critics, who praised the song's lyrics and Adele's vocals. Following the release of 25, "When We Were Young" had already sold 150,000 digital copies in the United States as an album track. It has reached the top 10 in Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, Portugal, Scotland, Slovakia, South Africa, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The song never received an official music video, although a version of the song filmed at The Church Studios was released via Vevo. Adele promoted the song with live performances on the BBC one-hour special Adele at the BBC, Saturday Night Live and Adele Live in New York City. 


Year:
2015
86,925 
#322

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Everybody loves the things you do
From the way you talk
To the way you move
Everybody here is watching you
'Cause you feel like home
You're like a dream come true
But if by chance you're here alone
Can I have a moment
Before I go?
'Cause I've been by myself all night long
Hoping you're someone I used to know

You look like a movie
You sound like a song
My God, this reminds me
Of when we were young

Let me photograph you in this light
In case it is the last time
That we might be exactly like we were
Before we realized
We were sad of getting old
It made us restless
It was just like a movie
It was just like a song

I was so scared to face my fears
Nobody told me that you'd be here
And I swear you moved overseas
That's what you said, when you left me

You still look like a movie
You still sound like a song
My God, this reminds me
Of when we were young

Let me photograph you in this light
In case it is the last time
That we might be exactly like we were
Before we realized
We were sad of getting old
It made us restless
It was just like a movie
It was just like a song

When we were young
When we were young
When we were young
When we were young

It's hard to admit that
Everything just takes me back
To when you were there
To when you were there
And a part of me keeps holding on
Just in case it hasn't gone
I guess I still care
Do you still care?

It was just like a movie
It was just like a song
My God, this reminds me
Of when we were young

When we were young
When we were young
When we were young
When we were young

Let me photograph you in this light
In case it is the last time
That we might be exactly like we were
Before we realized
We were sad of getting old
It made us restless
Oh, I'm so mad I'm getting old
It makes me reckless
It was just like a movie
It was just like a song
When we were young

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Adele

Adele Laurie Blue Adkins (born 5 May 1988), better known simply as Adele, is an English singer-songwriter and musician. Adele was offered a recording contract from XL Recordings after a friend posted her demo on Myspace in 2006. The next year she received the Brit Awards "Critics' Choice" award and won the BBC Sound of 2008. Her debut album, 19, was released in 2008 to much commercial and critical success. It certified four times platinum in the UK, and double platinum in the US. Her career in the US was boosted by a Saturday Night Live appearance in late 2008. At the 2009 Grammy Awards, Adele received the awards for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. more »

39 fans

Written by: Adele Laurie Blue Adkins, Tobias MacDonald Jesso

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Release Details
"When We Were Young" is a single by the British singer Adele from her third studio album, "25", released in 2015.
Songwriters
The song was co-written by Adele and Tobias Jesso Jr. Jesso Jr. is a Canadian musician and songwriter who has also written songs for artists like Sia, John Legend, and Florence + the Machine.
Production
Despite Jesso Jr. being Canadian, "When We Were Young" was produced in England by Ariel Rechtshaid, an American producer who has worked with artists like HAIM, Vampire Weekend, and U2.
Chart Success
The song reached number 14 in the UK Singles Chart and number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US.
Grammy Nomination
"When We Were Young" was nominated for a Grammy in the 59th Grammy Awards in 2017 for Best Pop Solo Performance.
Live Sessions
The first live performance of the song was not on a big award show or concert, but in a small studio for a live session that was recorded and posted on Adele's YouTube channel.
Photography Concept
The song's lyrical theme explores the dullness of adulthood and the longing for youthful times. There's even a reference to the very relatable task of tagging a childhood friend in an old photo.
Music Composition
Musically, it's a soul ballad with influences from gospel and pop. The song features piano accompaniment, orchestral arrangements, and background vocals.
Album Representation
"When We Were Young" is a standout representative of the melancholy and emotional depth characterized in Adele's "25", reflecting on nostalgia and the passing of time.
Personal Inspiration
In an interview with SiriusXM, Adele revealed that the song was inspired in part by a time she met up with a group of her old friends and they all felt like they’ve changed.
Viral Success
Thanks to its emotionally charged lyrics and Adele's powerful vocals, it went viral and was shared across social media platforms multiple times, further enhancing its popularity.
Critical Acclaim
Critically, "When We Were Young" has been acclaimed for its earnest lyricism and Adele's commanding vocal delivery. It is frequently cited as one of the highlights of "25".

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    When We Were Young

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 2016

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