Paul Kelly

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
The wisteria on the back veranda is still blooming
And all the great aunts are either insane or dead
Kensington Road runs straight for a while before turning
We lived on the bend, it was there I was raised and fed

[Pre-Chorus]
Counting and running as I go
Down past the hedges all in a row

[Chorus]
In Adelaide, Adelaide
Adelaide, Adelaide

[Verse 2]
Dad's hands used to shake, but I never knew he was dying
I was thirteen, I never dreamed he could fall
And all the great aunts were red in the eyes from crying
I rang the bells, I never felt nothing at all

[Pre-Chorus]
All the king's horses, all the king's men
Cannot bring him back again

[Break]
Do-do-do-do, do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do, do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do, do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do, do-do-do-do
[Vere 3]
Find me a bar, or a girl or guitar
Now where do you go on a Saturday night?
I own this town, I spilled my wine
At the bottom of the statue of Colonel Light
And the streets are so wide, everybody's inside
Sitting in the same chairs they were sitting in last year
Heh, this is my town

[Pre-Chorus]
All the king's horses, all the king's men
Wouldn't drag me back again

[Chorus]
Adelaide, Adelaide
Adelaide, Adelaide
Adelaide, Adelaide
Adelaide, Adelaide

[Outro]
Do-do-do-do, do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do, do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do, do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do, do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do, do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do, do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do, do-do-do-doEmbed

If you're a fan of heartfelt storytelling through music, then you're likely to be familiar with the iconic Australian singer-songwriter, Paul Kelly. Known for his ability to capture the essence of Australian life in his songs, Kelly has garnered a loyal following and critical acclaim over the years. One of his notable creations is the soul-stirring track titled "Adelaide." In this evocative piece, Kelly spins a narrative that is both captivating and thought-provoking, leaving listeners with a bittersweet taste that lingers long after the final note.

About Adelaide

"Adelaide" is a beautifully crafted song that showcases Kelly's distinctive songwriting style and unparalleled ability to transport listeners into the vivid world he creates. Released as part of his album "Gossip" in 1986, this timeless track has become one of Kelly's signature pieces, resonating with audiences across generations. With its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, "Adelaide" captures the essence of love lost and the yearning for what could have been.

Throughout the song, Kelly weaves together a narrative of a past love, painting a vivid picture of the city of Adelaide as both a physical location and a metaphor for lost opportunities. The track begins with a stripped-down acoustic guitar, setting the tone for what is to come. Kelly's vocals take center stage as he delves into the complexities of emotional connections and the remnants of a faded romance. Each line is delivered with raw emotion, drawing the listener into his world.

What makes "Adelaide" truly remarkable is the way in which Kelly captures the nuances of human relationships. He masterfully conveys the universal experiences of love, loss, and nostalgia, allowing listeners to find their own reflections within the lyrics. Through his storytelling prowess, Kelly taps into the shared emotions that bind us all, making "Adelaide" a song that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

The lyrics of "Adelaide" effortlessly evoke a sense of longing and introspection. Lines such as "On a silver chain, kept you next to my heart" and "I never meant to hurt you, no, no" carry a profound weight, expressing the regret and yearning present in the song. Kelly's evocative choice of words and imagery transports the listener to the streets of Adelaide, where the memories of a lost love still linger.

While the lyrics hold a great deal of emotional depth, the musical arrangement of "Adelaide" further enhances the song's impact. Kelly's masterful guitar work, combined with haunting harmonica melodies, creates a haunting atmosphere that perfectly matches the lyrical content. The subdued yet powerful instrumentation provides a backdrop for Kelly's vocals to shine, drawing listeners in with its raw intensity.

As the song progresses, Kelly expertly builds tension and emotion through the ebb and flow of the music. The bridge, in particular, showcases his ability to convey a range of emotions within a few short lines. The heart-wrenching lyrics, coupled with soaring vocals, elicit a deeply emotional response from the listener, adding an additional layer of complexity to an already poignant song.

Throughout his career, Kelly has proven himself to be a masterful storyteller, and "Adelaide" is a testament to his craft. The song's ability to resonate with listeners decades after its release is a testament to its enduring power. Whether you're familiar with Kelly's body of work or discovering it for the first time, "Adelaide" is a song that demands your attention and rewards you with a profoundly moving experience.

So, take a moment to immerse yourself in the musical world of Paul Kelly and let the captivating tale of "Adelaide" wash over you. Allow yourself to be transported to a place where love and loss intertwine, and where the echoes of a past romance still reverberate through the streets of a city.

• Release Date: May 1985
• Artist: Paul Kelly