I never thought I’d die alone/
I laughed the loudest who’d have known?

“Adam’s Song” is Blink-182’s song about a young man contemplating committing suicide. It is surprisingly touching, and contains a peak into the feelings Adam might have had prior to his death. We can only guess and extrapolate, as Adam did end up killing himself.

We learn of a young man, Adam, who was happy and lively and hopeful at 16. Life was good.  He always did  laugh the loudest. Soon afterwards, everything changed for him; things turned worse.

We don’t know why and perhaps Adam doesn’t completely understand it either. He describes it like his circuitry in his brain was unplugged. His hope is gone, and the only comfort he got was being alone in his room. And still, that was not much comfort.

Adam writes a note. The one sentiment Adam wants to get across is to make sure that his mom does not feel like this is her fault. At times, the letter sounds like an apology to his friends and family for inconveniencing them with his suicide. This makes the song that more haunting.

Adam realizes that his death will be forgotten in short time. This is something that he contemplates-even frets about-but it doesn’t do enough to move him to reconsider his actions. He is in that much pain.

“Adam’s Song” by Blink is sung amazingly well and powerfully by Mark Hoppus. We can hear the emotion in his voice that is sometimes lacking from the rest of his work. The arrangement of the song is great, particularly the drumming. The drumbeat is a very distinct pattern that suits the song quite well.

“Adam’s Song” uses a piano as a solo instrument, which I think is a good choice in this song. It adds a bit of appropriate tenderness to an otherwise hard rock recording, and serious subject. “Adam’s Song is Blink-182s best, most unique and enduring songs.

Adam’s Song Lyrics

I never thought I’d die alone,
I laughed the loudest who’d have known?
I trace the cord back to the wall,
No wonder it was never plugged in at all.
I took my time, I hurried up,
The choice was mine I didn’t think enough.
I’m too depressed to go on,
You’ll be sorry when I’m gone.

I never conquered, rarely came,
Sixteen just held such better days.
Days when I still felt alive,
We couldn’t wait to get outside.
The world was wide, too late to try,
The tour was over, we’d survived.
I couldn’t wait till I got home,
To pass the time in my room alone.

I never thought I’d die alone,
Another six months I’ll be unknown.
Give all my things to all my friends,
You’ll never step foot in my room again.
You’ll close it off, board it up,
Remember the time that I spilled the cup
Of apple juice in the hall,
Please tell mom this is not her fault.

I never conquered, when you came,
Sixteen just held such better days.
Days when I still felt alive,
We couldn’t wait to get outside.
The world was wide, too late to try,
The tour was over, we’d survived.
I couldn’t wait till I got home,
To pass the time in my room alone.

I never conquered, when you came,
Tomorrow holds such better days.
Days when I can still feel alive,
When I can’t wait to get outside.
The world is wide, the time goes by,
The tour is over, I’ve survived.
I can’t wait till I get home,
To pass the time in my room alone.

written by Tom Delonge, Mark Hoppus