Did You Ever Make It Out Of That Town?

I live in a village, only it’s not really a village. It once was of course. But London swallowed it up a long time ago. It is now part of London suburbia. That’s alright. I think we like feeling part of London. From my road, I can see landmarks near to the centre of London – like the London Eye. But we also live on the edge of beautiful green parks that border much more rural counties.

Jim has asked us to feature songs today that feature different assignments to areas – towns and cities and countries etc. Nothing came to mind at first, so I typed in “town” into a lyric search website and it listed some fantastic songs. I picked one of my favourites.

I was worried about Adele, I guess I always worry about her. I am not a fan as such, but I do regard her as quite the phenomenon. But I always worry for a musician who experiences superstardom so early on. I know she has had her ups and downs, and I believe part of that was damage to her vocal chords and her throat.

So I remember when she released her album and this amazing song came bursting out….I thought, “Wow! I think she is going to be alright after all.” Amazing voice, deeply powerful ballad, and so much electric atmosphere. I love this track. This is “Hello” from the incredible Adele.

Credits: Adele Adkins and Greg Kurstin

Hello, it's me
I was wondering if after all these years you'd like to meet
To go over everything
They say that time's supposed to heal ya
But I ain't done much healing
Hello, can you hear me?
I'm in California dreaming about who we used to be
When we were younger and free
I've forgotten how it felt
Before the world fell at our feet

There's such a difference between us
And a million miles

Hello from the other side
I must have called a thousand times
To tell you I'm sorry for everything that I've done
But when I call you never seem to be home
Hello from the outside
At least I can say that I've tried
To tell you I'm sorry for breaking your heart
But it don't matter, it clearly doesn't tear you apart
Anymore

Hello, how are you?
It's so typical of me to talk about myself, I'm sorry
I hope that you're well
Did you ever make it out of that town
Where nothing ever happened?

It's no secret that the both of us
Are running out of time

So hello from the other side (other side)
I must have called a thousand times (thousand times)
To tell you I'm sorry for everything that I've done
But when I call you never seem to be home
Hello from the outside (outside)
At least I can say that I've tried (I've tried)
To tell you I'm sorry for breaking your heart
But it don't matter, it clearly doesn't tear you apart
Anymore

(Highs, highs, highs, highs, lows, lows, lows, lows)
Anymore
(Highs, highs, highs, highs, lows, lows, lows, lows)
Anymore
(Highs, highs, highs, highs, lows, lows, lows, lows)
Anymore
(Highs, highs, highs, highs, lows, lows, lows, lows)
Anymore

Hello from the other side (other side)
I must have called a thousand times (thousand times)
To tell you I'm sorry for everything that I've done
But when I call you never seem to be home
Hello from the outside (outside)
At least I can say that I've tried (I've tried)
To tell you I'm sorry for breaking your heart
But it don't matter, it clearly doesn't tear you apart
Anymore

• The Topic On The Table