The Emotionally Charged Anthem of Heartache: The Meaning Behind Tom Odell’s “Another Love”
Introduction
Tom Odell stormed onto the music scene in 2013 with his debut album Long Way Down. The strikingly emotional ballad Another Love, from this album, remains a timeless classic loved by many. The breathtaking song captivates listeners with its lyrics, melody, and unforgettable piano tunes. It speaks to the soul with tales of heartbreak, pain, longing, and regret. Despite being a hit single for over eight years, the true meaning behind the lyrics remains a mystery for most people. Through this article, we shall delve into the deep meanings behind Another Love, its rise to popularity, and its lasting impact on the music industry.
Origin of “Another Love”
After graduating from the Brighton Institute of Modern Music, Tom Odell moved to London to pursue his music career. Though he had a few songs, He felt restless until he wrote the ballad Another Love. In interviews, he admits that the song came out of frustration and heartbreak, where he was missing and in love with somebody who wasn’t interested. He asserts that the song is a product of personal experience and that the lyrics capture his essence as an artist. He continues to state that he was surprised by how much the song resonated with people even though he recorded the song in a small flat without professional equipment.
The Lyrics and Meaning
Another Love begins with Tom’s melancholic piano tune serenading us through its opening stanza. “I want to take you somewhere so you know I care/but it’s so cold and I don’t know where.” The lyrics evoke a feeling of isolation as he tries to woo someone but is inevitably failing. They capture the desperation that comes with trying to hold onto something or someone that is slipping away. The song continues, “I’m not sure if you’re aware, but I’m quite fond of you.” In the second verse, the lyrics mention Tom’s inability to hold on to the love of his life, “I wanna kiss you, make you feel alright, I’m just so tired to share my nights – I wanna cry, and I wanna love, but all my tears have been used up.” The chorus for this song repeats “I know I’m not your only, but at least I’m one, I heard a little love is better than none.”
The song culminates with Tom’s powerful vocals in the bridge; “And if you’re still breathing, you’re the lucky ones, ’cause most of us are heaving through corrupted lungs. Setting fire to our insides for fun, collating names of the lovers who went wrong.” The lyrics stir up questions of the brokenness of love, a recurring theme in Tom’s music across his albums. He details typical tales of unrequited love, heartache, and soul-crushing pain.
The legacy and impact of “Another Love”
Another Love topped the UK singles chart in 2013, catapulting Tom Odell to great heights. The song still retains its place in the hearts of modern music enthusiasts and fans worldwide, evident in its over 325 million streams on Spotify. Its ascendancy was due to people’s personal connections with the lyrics drawn from their own experiences. The song’s relatability stems from the universality of heartbreak, rejection, and hopelessness felt in the aftermath of a broken relationship. The song’s impact on the music industry goes beyond the charts as it acts as a reference point for examples of great songwriting.
Conclusion
Another Love by Tom Odell is an anthem for heartbreak, pain, and longing that continues to resonate with listeners worldwide. The song’s crooning piano tunes and soul-stirring lyrics create a package of exquisite craftsmanship that stands the test of time. The song’s success comes from its ability to connect with people on an emotional level, drawing from shared experiences of heartbreak and unrequited affection. It remains a testament to Tom Odell’s brilliant songwriting skills and artistic vision and its place in our hearts forever.
