Turning Tables

Adele

About Turning Tables

"Turning Tables" is a song recorded by English singer-songwriter Adele for her second studio album, 21. Conceived after an altercation with her former lover, the song was co-written by Adele and singer-songwriter Ryan Tedder, whilst the production was completed by Jim Abbiss. "Turning Tables" is a pop ballad with a soulful sound; its instrumentation consists of piano, "Broadway-worthy" strings and guitar. Lyrically, the song describes a domestic dispute in which its narrator assumes a defensive stance against a manipulative ex-lover. XL Recordings sent the song to UK mainstream radio on 5 November 2011 as the fifth single from 21 along with "Rumour Has It". "Turning Tables" received acclaim from music critics, who praised Adele's vocals and its production. The song reached the top-twenty of the singles charts in four countries, including Belgium, Italy and the Netherlands. It also peaked at number 62 on the UK Singles Chart and 63 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling over 500,000 digital downloads. Adele performed "Turning Tables" on television shows such as Late Night with David Letterman in the US and The Jonathan Ross Show in the UK and included it on the Adele Live concert tour. American actress and singer Gwyneth Paltrow performed a cover of the single in the Glee episode "A Night of Neglect". 


Year:
2011
120 

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

Close enough to start a war
All that I have is on the floor
God only knows what we're fighting for
All that I say, you always say more

I can't keep up with your turning tables
Under your thumb, I can't breathe

So I won't let you close enough to hurt me
No, I won't ask you, you to just desert me
I can't give you, what you think you gave me
It's time to say goodbye to turning tables, yes
To turning tables

Under haunted skies I see you
Uuh, and when love is lost, your ghost is found
I braved a hundred storms to leave you
As hard as you try, no I will never be knocked down

'Cause I can't keep up with your turning tables
Under your thumb, I can't breathe

So I won't let you close enough to hurt me, no
I won't ask you, you to just desert me
I can't give you, what you think you gave me
It's time to say goodbye to turning tables, yes
To turning tables

Next time I'll be braver
I'll be my own savior
When the thunder calls for me
Next time I'll be braver
I'll be my own savior
Standing on my own two feet

So I won't let you close enough to hurt me, no
I won't ask you, you to just desert me
I can't give you, what you think you gave me
It's time to say goodbye to turning tables, yes
To turning tables
Turning tables, yeah
Ta da da da, ta da da da, yes, I

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


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, Ryan B. Tedder

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Songwriting & Composition
"Turning Tables" was co-written by Adele and Australian lyricist-songwriter Ryan Tedder. The song comes from Adele's sophomore studio album, '21.'
Release Date & Album
The song was released on April 5, 2011, as part of Adele's second studio album named '21.' This album was a tribute to the end of Adele's age 21, during which she experienced a lot of personal growth and heartache.
Genre & Style
The song is categorized under the pop genre but demonstrates elements of classical music. It utilizes piano, strings, and Adele's soulful and emotive voice to bring across a powerful message.
Lyrics and Theme
"Turning Tables" is about a troubling and toxic relationship. The lyrics reflect the turmoil of unrequited love and the pain of an abusive relationship, which Adele uses to emote about her own personal experiences.
Awards & Recognition
While "Turning Tables" wasn't released as a single hence it did not achieve any individual award, her album '21' which includes the song won Album of the Year at the 54th Grammy Awards in 2012.
Cover by Glee
American television show "Glee" covered "Turning Tables" in its second season during the episode called "A Night of Neglect." The song was performed by actress Gwyneth Paltrow, who played the character Holly Holliday.
Glee Performance
In the "Glee" version, the song was arranged in a similar style but the vocals were customized to fit Gwyneth Paltrow's vocal range and performance style.
Chart Performance
Even though "Turning Tables" was never released as a single, it still managed to reach the charts. In the UK, it made it into the top 100, while in the US, it reached number 63 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Critical Acclaim
The song was generally well-received by critics for its emotional depth and showcase of Adele's vocal prowess. It is often highlighted as one of the standout tracks on '21.'
Music Video
There is no official music video for "Turning Tables." However, the live performance of the song by Adele at the Royal Albert Hall in London has garnered millions of views on YouTube.
Cultural Impact
The song resonates with many people who have experienced negative relationships, and its influence has dotted popular culture, having been used in several television shows and films beyond "Glee," including "Grey's Anatomy."

Discuss the Turning Tables Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Turning Tables Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/24967292/Adele/Turning+Tables>.

    Missing lyrics by Adele?

    Know any other songs by Adele? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Turning Tables

    1.3M
    5,216     246

    Top Hot 100 Songs 2011

    Billboard #63


    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Which Pixies song appeared in the movie Fight Club?
    A Where is my mind
    B Debaser
    C Here comes your man
    D Monkey gone to heaven

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Adele tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    Turning Tables

    »