Adele’s “Strangers by Nature” Lyrics Meaning
It has been put forth by a number of analysts that “Strangers by Nature” actually serves as Adele’s shoutout to the late Judy Garland of Wizard of Oz fame. We are not actually sure about the connection that may exist between Adele, a 21st century songstress and a Hollywood actress that passed away over 50 years ago. However, Vice has pointed out in sort of a comical way that Garland had been married and divorced quite a few times.
And as you likely already know, “30” is an album that deals pretty extensively with Adele’s own recent divorce. So considering that this is in fact the opening song of the project, it is very much possible that such would be the reason why she themed this track so. She is apparently alluding to Judy Garland and by extension the act of divorcing.
But whereas some of the audio motif of this track may be reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz, the lyrics aren’t anything fantastical. Also, there doesn’t seem to be any overt reference to Garland in the lyrics. And despite this being one of the shortest songs on “30”, “Strangers by Nature” also features some of the project’s vaguest lyrics.
Therefore, we’re going to have to go out on a limb in this analysis. And in doing so, it appears that this song is based on three main ideas.
Postulation 1
First would be that Adele acknowledges something like she’s a playa, not in the truest sense of the word but along the lines of understanding and accepting that she has and perhaps will continue to deal with a number of different lovers.
Postulation 2
Second is that the addressee would actually be her ex-husband. This is perhaps the boldest postulation we could make, that the titular “strangers by nature” is an allusion to Adele’s relationship with Simon Konecki.
Coming to such a conclusion implies plenty in and of itself, as if she has come to realize that they were not meant to be, so to speak. But whatever it is Adele is speaking to specifically in that regard is not expounded on within this short piece.
Postulation 3
And thirdly, with that in mind the second verse comes off as if Adele is celebrating her divorce. This speculation is not to imply that she’s partying or anything like that. But you can see the vocalist is experiencing a newfound sense of freedom or awareness.
And “now that all the dust has settled”, i.e. her divorce finalized, she’s not interested in like beating up on herself, as if she failed as a spouse or what have you. And why? Because at the end of the day “no one knows what it’s like” to be Adele and Simon. This is because none of us are aware of what actually transpired in their relationship but themselves. And the fact that they did part ways amicably would further imply that yes, the pair did conclude that they are in fact “strangers by nature”.
In other words, considering that they have been together for nearly a decade and married for approximately four years, the presumption is that they did indeed give their all to this relationship.
And when such deep romances fall apart, you usually hear the parties involved say something like ‘we’re just too different’, ‘it wasn’t meant to be’ or whatever.
The Conclusion of “Strangers by Nature”
And our conclusive postulation is that “strangers by nature” is just another way of presenting that same idea. It is apparently presenting two lovers eventually coming to realize that they’re more different than initially presumed and using that realization as the basis to terminate their relationship.
“Strangers by nature
Strangers by nature”
Facts about “Strangers by Nature”
This is the opening track on the playlist of “30”. “30” is the title of the singer’s fourth studio album. The album itself was officially made public on 19 November 2021. It was pushed by these singles:
Adele was involved in the writing of this song. She accomplished the said task in conjunction with the song’s producer, Ludwig Göransson.
Furthermore, Adele was also engaged in the issuance of this track. The song was jointly released via Adele’s own label, Melted Stone Records, alongside Columbia Records.
“Strangers by Nature” wasn’t one of 30‘s singles. However, it appears to be a fan favorite. So is the song “To Be Loved“, which can also be found on the “30” album.
Judy Garland
Judy Garland (1922-1969) was an early 20th century actress. She is best known for her role in what is unanimously considered one of the greatest Hollywood movies ever made, 1939’s The Wizard of Oz. In the movie, she portrayed iconic lead character, Dorothy,
Unfortunately she only lived to the age of 47. But between 1941 and 1969, Garland still managed to get married – and divorced – four different times.
