The Meaning Behind The Song: Skyfall by Adele
One of the most recognizable Bond themes to date, Skyfall was written for the 2012 Bond film of the same name. With Adele’s powerful vocals and the haunting melody, it’s no wonder that the song won an Academy Award for Best Original Song. But what is the meaning behind the lyrics? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the story behind Skyfall.
Introduction
Skyfall was released in 2012 as the theme song for the 23rd James Bond film. The film marked the 50th anniversary of the Bond franchise, and the song was written to reflect this milestone. The song was co-written by Adele and producer Paul Epworth, who previously worked with Adele on her album, 21.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of Skyfall are both cryptic and poetic. They tell the story of a spy who has been betrayed, and who is on a mission to take revenge. The opening lines of the song describe the spy’s journey:
“This is the end
Hold your breath and count to ten
Feel the earth move and then
Hear my heart burst again”
The line “hold your breath and count to ten” is a reference to a scene in the film where Bond is underwater for a significant amount of time. The lyrics go on to describe the spy’s determination to succeed:
“For this is the end
I’ve drowned and dreamt this moment
So overdue I owe them
Swept away, I’m stolen”
The line “I’ve drowned and dreamt this moment” refers to the spy’s desire to complete his mission, even if it means putting his life on the line.
The Meaning Behind The Lyrics
The lyrics of Skyfall are multi-layered and can be interpreted in many ways. However, many believe that the song is about Bond himself and his struggles with his past and his future.
The opening lines, “this is the end,” can be seen as a reference to Bond’s age and the fact that the franchise has been around for 50 years. The lyrics “feel the earth move and then hear my heart burst again” can be seen as a reference to Bond’s vulnerability, a side of himself that he tries to keep hidden.
The line “I’ve drowned and dreamt this moment” can be interpreted as Bond’s desire to retire from the spy game but being pulled back in for one last mission. The idea of being “swept away” and “stolen” could be seen as Bond being forced into a situation where he has no choice but to complete his mission.
The Music
The music in Skyfall is just as haunting as the lyrics. The melody, composed by Thomas Newman, features a haunting piano line that gives way to a sweeping orchestral arrangement. The use of strings and percussion gives the listener the feeling that something big is happening.
The Legacy of Skyfall
Skyfall has become one of the most iconic Bond theme songs to date. Its legacy can be seen in the way that future Bond themes have been written. Many of the themes that have followed Skyfall have tried to incorporate the same mix of haunting lyrics and powerful music.
The song has won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Original Song. It was also nominated for a Golden Globe and a Grammy.
Conclusion
Skyfall is a powerful song that tells a complex story. Its lyrics are multi-layered and its music is haunting. Its legacy can be seen in the way that future Bond themes have been written. While the song was written for a film, it stands on its own as a powerful piece of music that will stand the test of time.
