Hurts

Emeli Sandé's song 'Hurts' delves deep into the emotional turmoil of unrequited love and the pain of a relationship that has gone awry. The repeated line, 'Baby, I'm not made of stone, it hurts,' underscores the vulnerability and raw emotion that the singer feels. Sandé's powerful vocals convey a sense of desperation and heartache, making it clear that loving someone who doesn't reciprocate those feelings is profoundly painful.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of past memories and moments shared, such as '5'3" in the back of the library' and 'two seats in the back of the cinema.' These nostalgic references highlight the contrast between the past's warmth and the present's coldness. The metaphor of 'your heart's a cold November' and the imagery of 'shivers' emphasize the emotional distance and the chilling effect of the lover's indifference. The song's narrative suggests a longing for the past and a struggle to come to terms with the present reality.

Sandé also uses metaphors like 'Bang, bang, there goes paradise' and 'why we always have to roll the dice' to illustrate the unpredictability and the destructive nature of the relationship. The line 'my tears don't fall too often, but your knife is cutting me deep' poignantly captures the depth of the emotional wounds inflicted. The song's structure, with its repetitive chorus, reinforces the cyclical nature of the pain and the inescapability of the heartache. 'Hurts' is a powerful anthem for anyone who has experienced the sting of unreciprocated love and the lingering pain of lost connections.