Black & Gold

Adele's 'Black & Gold' is a poignant exploration of existential loneliness and the search for meaning in a vast, indifferent universe. The song opens with a poetic depiction of evolution, tracing the journey from fish to walking beings, and from apes to talking humans. This imagery sets the stage for a contemplation of human existence and our place in the cosmos. The stars falling from the sky and tears rolling into the ocean symbolize a sense of cosmic insignificance and personal sorrow, as the narrator grapples with the absence of a significant other who once gave their life meaning.

The chorus underscores the depth of this emotional void. The repeated lines, 'If you're not really here, then the stars don't even matter,' highlight the narrator's profound sense of loss and disorientation. The stars, often seen as symbols of hope and guidance, lose their significance without the presence of the loved one. This sentiment is further emphasized by the fear and existential dread that fills the narrator, reducing everything to 'just a bunch of matter.' The desire to be 'next to you, black and gold' suggests a longing for unity and completeness, where 'black and gold' could represent the duality of life and the balance between light and darkness.

In the second verse, the grey sky and the thousand eyes staring back evoke a sense of being watched and judged by an indifferent universe. The golden beacons surrounded by blackness symbolize fleeting moments of hope amidst overwhelming despair. The narrator's struggle with the idea that vision is the only validation of reality speaks to a deeper philosophical inquiry about the nature of existence and perception. If the loved one is not present, then the narrator's reality feels unreal and meaningless. This song beautifully captures the intersection of personal grief and existential questioning, making it a deeply resonant piece for anyone who has felt the weight of loneliness and the search for purpose in life.