"Someone Like You" is a song about heartbreak and the bittersweet memories of a past love. Adele has said that the song is based on her own experience of a broken relationship.

Here's a breakdown of the lyrics and their possible background:

Verse 1: This verse sets the scene. The speaker has heard news that her ex-boyfriend has settled down and gotten married. There's a sense of wistful longing and perhaps a hint of jealousy. She acknowledges that he's happy, but it's clear that she still harbors feelings for him. The line "Ain't like you to hold back or hide from the light" suggests that he used to be more open and outgoing, but now he's changed, possibly because of his new life.

Pre-Chorus: This section reveals the speaker's current state. She's feeling conflicted about reaching out to her ex. She knows it's uninvited, but she can't help but reach out to him. She hopes he'll see her face and remember the love they once shared.

Chorus: The chorus is the heart of the song. The speaker declares that she'll find someone like him, but she also expresses her wish for his happiness. There's a clear sense of both love and pain in the chorus. She begs him not to forget her and reminds him of their shared belief that love can be both beautiful and painful. The repetition of "sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead" underscores the bittersweet nature of their relationship.

Verse 2: This verse reflects on the passage of time and how quickly their shared memories have become the past. The speaker remembers their carefree days, but acknowledges that those days are gone. This emphasizes the finality of the breakup and the speaker's sense of loss.

Pre-Chorus & Chorus (Repeat): The pre-chorus and chorus repeat, further emphasizing the speaker's conflicting emotions. She's still trying to come to terms with the loss of their love.

Bridge: The bridge marks a shift in tone. The speaker acknowledges that there's no point in dwelling on regrets. She's accepting that their past relationship is just a memory now. The line "Who would have known how bittersweet this would taste?" emphasizes the complex emotions she's experiencing.

Chorus (Repeat): The song ends with a final repetition of the chorus, leaving the listener with a sense of melancholy and the lingering hope that the speaker will find love again.

In Summary: The lyrics of "Someone Like You" capture the raw and complex emotions of heartbreak. They express a mixture of love, pain, longing, and acceptance. The song is a reminder that even when love ends, its memories can linger and shape our lives.