Angel by The Weeknd Lyrics Meaning – The Heartbreaking Elegy of Letting Go and Unconditional Love
Lyrics
Yeah, yes yeah
Angel, oh oh oh
Knew you were special from the moment I saw you (saw you)
I saw you, yeah
I said angel, oh oh oh
I feel you’re closer every time I call you (call you)
I call you
‘Cause all I see are wings
I can see your wings
But I know what I am and the life I live (life I live)
Yeah, the life I live
And even though I sin
Maybe we are born to live
But I know time will tell if we’re meant for this
Yeah if we’re meant for this
And if we’re not
I hope you find somebody
I hope you find somebody
I hope you find somebody
I hope you find somebody to love (oh), somebody to love (oh)
Somebody to love, yeah, yeah, yeah
Said angel, woah oh oh
You’ll probably never take me back and I know this,
Yeah, I know this, aw man
I said angel, woah oh oh
I’m so desensitized to feeling these emotions (emotions)
Yeah, no emotions baby
‘Cause all I see are wings
I can see your wings
But I know what I am and the life I live (life I live)
Yeah, the life I live
And even though I sin
We are born to live
But I know time will tell if we’re meant for this
Yeah if we’re meant for this
And if we’re in need
I hope you find somebody (ooh)
I hope you find somebody (ooh)
I hope you find somebody (ooh)
I hope you find somebody to love (oh), somebody to love (oh)
Somebody to love, yeah, yeah, yeah
And even though we live inside
A dangerously empty life
You always seem to bring a light
You always seem to bring a light
And even though we live inside
A dangerously empty life
You always seem to bring me light
You always seem to bring me light
I hope you find somebody
I hope you find somebody
I hope you find somebody
I hope you find somebody to love (oh)
Somebody to love (somebody to love)
Somebody to love, yeah, yeah, yeah
Oh
I hope you find somebody (I hope you find somebody, baby)
I hope you find somebody (woah-ooh, woah-ooh)
I hope you find somebody (I hope you find somebo-)
I hope you find somebody to love (I hope you find somebody to love)
Somebody to love (somebody to love)
Somebody to love (somebody to love), oh)
I hope you find somebody (I hope you find)
I hope you find somebody (I hope you find)
I hope you find somebody (I hope you find somebody, babe)
I hope you find somebody to love (somebody to love)
Somebody to love (oh)
Somebody to love, yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah)
Ooh, somebody baby
I hope you find somebody (baby find somebody)
I hope you find somebody (I hope you find)
I hope you find somebody (I hope you find somebody, babe)
I hope you find somebody to love
Somebody to love (somebody to love)
Somebody to love (somebody to love)
Yeah, yeah, yeah
In the tapestry of modern R&B, The Weeknd’s ‘Angel’ emerges as a poignant thread, weaving a narrative of self-reflection, the dichotomy of sin and sanctity, and the paradox of human relationships. With a melodious outpour of haunting vulnerability, this track explores the depths of acknowledging one’s imperfections while holding someone in divine regard.
Dissecting the layers of ‘Angel’ reveals a complex interplay between love and personal growth – ideas that resonate with those familiar with The Weeknd’s evocative storytelling. Let’s delve into the song’s intricate lyrics, unmask hidden meanings, and navigate through the labyrinth of its emotive landscape.
A Celestial Encounter: Identity and Adoration
The opening lines of ‘Angel’ set a celestial stage where the protagonist recognizes something ethereal in another from the very first sighting. This moment is transformative, a shift from the corporeal to the spiritual. It’s less about the union of two souls and more about the acknowledgment of another’s inherent purity juxtaposed with the narrator’s self-awareness of his imperfections.
He calls his beloved an ‘angel,’ elevating them above the earthly trappings. The repetition of this term throughout the song underscores a significant disparity between how The Weeknd sees himself and how he perceives the subject of his adoration. It’s a reverence that borders on worship, revealing a depth of emotion and appreciation.
Embracing Flaws and the Human Condition
As the song unfolds, The Weeknd confronts his reality, ‘the life I live,’ acknowledging his sins and the complexities of his existence. He’s candid about his flaws and the inherent contradictions of human nature. Yet, amidst this introspection, he suggests that maybe we are, indeed, ‘born to live,’ giving a nod to the idea that our mistakes are an intrinsic part of our humanity.
The Weeknd’s openness paves the way for a broader question of destiny: ‘But I know time will tell if we’re meant for this.’ It touches on the theme of predestination versus free will, casting a shadow of doubt on the feasibility of his connection with the angelic figure due to his own transgressions.
Unraveling the Hidden Meaning: Self-Worth and Sacrifice
Beneath the lament about sins and disparity, ‘Angel’ harbors a message of self-realization and the notion of sacrifice. The Weeknd repeatedly expresses a desire for his angel to ‘find somebody to love,’ which initially seems selfless, but it also implies a recognition of self-worth and understanding one’s limitations in a relationship.
This refrain is not a mere wish, but an act of letting go, of setting someone free because they deserve a love that the narrator feels he cannot provide. The hidden meaning here is not only about sacrificial love but also the painful decision to step away for the greater good of the object of one’s affection – a supreme act of both love and self-respect.
The Luminosity Amidst Darkness: A Beacon of Hope
In what can be deemed the bridge of the song, The Weeknd references a ‘dangerously empty life,’ a stark admission that underscores the desolation he feels. Yet, the angel is perceived as a beacon of hope, someone who consistently ‘brings a light’ into his life, illuminating the seemingly impenetrable darkness of his existence.
This juxtaposition between the emptiness he endures and the light the angel brings is powerful, because it recognizes the vital role of this person in bringing hope and brightness into otherwise somber moments. It’s a testament to the transformative power of love and camaraderie.
Memorable Lines: The Anthem of a Searching Heart
‘I hope you find somebody to love,’ echoes as both a blessing and a refrain of heartbreak. This line strikes a chord, resounding with listeners who have experienced the turmoil of loving someone from afar, wishing them happiness while knowing that place cannot be with oneself.
The simplicity and repetition of the phrase drive home the core message of ‘Angel’ — love is not about possession; it’s about wanting the best for someone, even if that best does not include you. It’s a sincere and cutting lyric that encapsulates the essence of the song, making it a woeful anthem for those who have loved and let go.
