Adele – Cold Shoulder

"Cold Shoulder" as written by Adele Laurie Blue Adkins and Sacha Skarbek....
You say it's all in my head
And the things I think just don't make sense
So where you been then? Don't go all coy
Don't turn it round on me like it's my fault
See I can see that look in your eyes
The one that shoots me each and every time

You grace me with your cold shoulder
Whenever you look at me I wish I was her
You shower me with words made of knives
Whenever you look at me I wish I was her

These days when I see you
You make it look like I'm see-through
Do tell me why you waste our time
When your heart ain't in it, and you're not satisfied
You know I know just how you feel
I'm starting to find myself feeling that way too

When you grace me with your cold shoulder
Whenever you look at me I wish I was her
You shower me with words made of knives
Whenever you look at me I wish I was her

Time and time again, I play the role of fool
(Just for you)
Even in the daylight when you think that
(I don't see you)
Try to look for things I hear but our eyes never find
Though I do know how you play

You grace me with your cold shoulder
Whenever you look at me I wish I was her
You shower me with words made of knives
Whenever you look at me I wish I was her

You grace me with your cold shoulder
Whenever you look at me I wish I was her
You shower me with words made of knives
Whenever you look at me I wish I was her


Lyrics submitted by indiebopper

"Cold Shoulder" as written by Sacha Skarbek Adele Laurie Blue Adkins

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

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Cold Shoulder song meanings
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17 Comments

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  • +6
    General CommentI love this song, one of my favourites on the album! I think it's about a relationship she's in where it's obvious he's not happy, and she accuses him of being off with her and being into someone else but he tells her she's being paranoid. She stays in it and 'plays the role of fool' while he gives her the cold shoulder, and ultimately knows she'll have to end it because he's not going to admit there's a problem.
    treacheroustigeron April 26, 2008   Link
  • +2
    General CommentHe's off with her, and she's onto him and thinks he's going off her because he gives her the cold-shoulder, looks right through her, just generally acts like he doesn't give a damn etc. He tells her she's paranoid and insecure but she knows it's just a case of him not being happy, and "I'm starting to find myself feeling that way to" - it's not working, and they both need to face up to it.
    missmeon August 16, 2008   Link
  • +1
    General Commentmiss me's righttttt
    harriett1on February 08, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General CommentYeah, I agree
    He wants her to be someone else but denies it.
    'Whenever you look at me I wish that I was her'
    Reminds me of my ex
    natipooon May 19, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Commentagree with both of you.

    im in love with this song! :)
    Jersie.on May 23, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General CommentI agree with both of the above. Adele is a great sing and I love her voice. Also I believe that the ? in the lyrics is actually dreaming.

    So it would be

    Time and time again, I play the role of fool
    (Just for you)
    Even in the daylight when you dreaming
    (I see you)
    Try to look for things I hear but our eyes never find
    'Though I do know how you play
    katiebliveson June 25, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General CommentThe word is 'Gleaming' not dreaming.. i think?
    Great song though
    gsland911on July 04, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General CommentShe could also be referencing a past relationship of his, someone he's talked to her about, and obviously cared about at some point.
    In this light, every time he tries to tell her how much he loves her, she just gets hurt more.
    Obadiahkenobion July 23, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Commentoh and he's found someone else "everytime you look at me i wish i was her".
    missmeon October 07, 2008   Link
    • 2 Replies
  • 0
    General Commenti agree with missme.
    i love adele and admire her for her unique qualities :)
    alexandrialoveon February 14, 2009   Link
    • 1 Reply

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