The song “I Drink Wine” by Adele is about how we can all become bound or restricted by the choices that others make for us, and that this can lead us to become a version of ourselves that we don’t even recognize or like.
The world can be a difficult place and it can try to bring us down by influencing our thoughts and actions in negative ways. It seems like the lyrics are expressing a sense of frustration and disappointment with the way things are, and a desire to find a way to be true to oneself and stay true to one’s values despite the challenges that the world presents.
As we grow older, we can become jaded or disillusioned with the world around us. The lyrics mention that when the speaker was a child, every single thing could blow their mind, suggesting a sense of wonder and excitement about the world.
However, now that they are older, they seem to have lost that sense of excitement and find themselves relying on alcohol to provide enjoyment. The idea that we are expected to “play hard” and “work hard,” and to find balance through sacrifice, but that despite these efforts, it’s difficult to find satisfaction in life.
There’s also a desire to keep trying and to keep climbing, but also a feeling of frustration and disillusionment, as it seems like no matter how hard they try, they are not making progress or becoming any wiser. The speaker expresses a hope to learn to “get over” themselves and stop trying to be someone else, suggesting a desire to be true to oneself and to find a way to love someone else freely and authentically.
She is also expressing the idea that she is feeling overwhelmed by the demands and expectations of others and struggling to find a sense of stability and authenticity in her own life. The pressure from others who want something from them, but also someone else who simply wants them for who they are.
She is obsessing over things that are beyond her control and seeking validation or approval from people who are not even a significant part of her life. There’s also a desire for something real and meaningful in their life, and a sense of longing and desire for someone else, but also a recognition that this desire cannot be pursued in a destructive or unhealthy way. “Crying and high tides” could be a metaphor for her emotional state and suggest that she is going through a difficult or turbulent time.
She is also expressing regret about not being able to make new memories with someone during a difficult period in their life. This time was “turbulent” and “fun”, but it is unclear if these descriptors are being used to contrast each other or if they are meant to convey that they found some joy in the midst of their difficulties. There’s also a sense of guilt or responsibility, by saying “Why would I put that on you?”, as if they feel that their struggles have caused a burden for someone else.