Song: “Rolling in the Deep” (click here for lyrics)

Artist: Adele

Overall Message:

〉This song is about, you guessed it, another breakup. Adele is angry about this breakup because she knows that they could have been something great but she was played. She is also getting the point across that her ex-partner will eventually feel sorry for what they did.

Analyzing the Lyrics:

〉Stereotypical Feminine Traits

  • Hopeful: “They keep me thinkin’ that we almost had it all”
    • Even though Adele and her partner have broken up, she is still thinking about what they could have had. This kind of behavior suggests that she may be hoping they could someday reach that point.
  • Dependent: “You had my heart inside of your hand”
    • The idea of her partner having a hold on her heart could mean that he had a firm grasp on her emotions because she let him. She gave her heart to him and in turn, he was able to control what she felt.

 

〉Counterstereotypical Feminine Traits

I believe that this song is more stereotypical because it is another classic emotional breakup song. Although there are some masculine traits portrayed, they are stemming from her anger of the breakup she had. This type of anger can bring about the stereotypical “crazy ex-girlfriend” narrative.

  • Strong personality:  “Don’t underestimate the things that I will do”
    • This phrase makes it seem like she is seeking revenge and wants to do harm to her ex like how they did to her. This is quite a bold statement to make and can give off the “crazy ex-girlfriend” vibes as mentioned preivously.
  • Aggressive: “I’m gonna make your head burn”
    • This statement is a little harsh and is showing that she still is struggling with this breakup. She still finds the need to get back at her ex and make them feel sorry for how they ended. Just because they didn’t end how she wanted them to does not mean she has to exhort this kind of aggression. It also seems immature.

 

Stay tuned for the next post on…Keala Settle!

Shared by: Emily Calewarts
Image Credit: https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/471630/adeles-rolling-in-the-deep-tops-hot-100