"Set Fire to the Rain" is a powerful ballad that explores the complexities of a tumultuous relationship. Adele has shared that the song was inspired by her own experience of heartbreak and the conflicting emotions that come with it.

Verse 1:

• The lyrics begin with a sense of vulnerability and surrender: "I let it fall, my heart." This suggests a feeling of giving in to love, even though it might be risky.
• The line "And as it fell, you rose to claim it" signifies that the partner took advantage of the vulnerability, possibly exploiting her affections.
• The darkness and despair that follow ("It was dark, and I was over") indicate a period of emotional distress, likely caused by the partner's actions.
• The sudden shift to "Until you kissed my lips and you saved me" depicts the initial attraction and the feeling of being rescued from the darkness.
• The contrast between her strong hands and weak knees portrays the physical and emotional power dynamics of the relationship.

Pre-Chorus:

• This section reveals a realization of the partner's true nature: "There's a side to you that I never knew, never knew."
• "All the things you'd say, they were never true, never true" suggests a pattern of lies and deception.
• "And the games you'd play, you would always win, always win" highlights the partner's manipulative tendencies and their constant control over the relationship.

Chorus:

• The chorus marks a turning point, as the speaker decides to break free from the toxic relationship.
• "I set fire to the rain" symbolizes the destruction of the illusion of love and the acceptance of the painful truth.
• The imagery of the rain pouring while she touches his face suggests a lingering connection and a final goodbye.
• "It burned while I cried 'cause I heard it screamin' out your name, your name" implies the lingering pain and the inability to fully detach from the relationship despite the hurt.

Verse 2:

• The imagery of "When I lay with you, I could stay there, close my eyes" portrays the initial comfort and attraction she felt, but ultimately, it was a false sense of security.

Pre-Chorus & Chorus (Repeat):

• The repetition of the pre-chorus and chorus intensifies the speaker's decision to break free and the pain she's enduring in the process.

Bridge:

• The bridge reveals the lingering effects of the relationship, even after it's ended.
• "Sometimes, I wake up by the door, that heart you caught must be waitin' for you" illustrates how the speaker can't escape the memories of the relationship.
• "Even now, when we're already over, I can't help myself from lookin' for you" underscores the emotional struggle of moving on and the lingering feelings of attachment.

Chorus (Repeat):

• The final repetition of the chorus emphasizes the finality of the decision and the pain of letting go.
• The repetition of "Let it burn" in the outro signifies a cathartic release and the acceptance of the end of the relationship.

In essence, "Set Fire to the Rain" is a powerful ballad that delves into the raw emotions of heartbreak, betrayal, and the difficult journey of moving on from a toxic relationship. Adele's honest and vulnerable lyrics resonate with listeners who have experienced similar struggles. The song's title and imagery provide a metaphor for the destructive nature of the relationship and the need to let go and move forward.