Meaning of "Adelaide" by John Cale

The lyrics of "Adelaide" by John Cale convey a sense of homesickness and nostalgia for a place that holds deep significance to the singer. Adelaide may represent not just a physical location, but also a state of mind or a sense of belonging that the singer craves. The urgency in the lyrics suggests a longing for a sense of stability and familiarity that only Adelaide can provide. The repetition of the desire to go back and the insistence on saying goodbye to loved ones before leaving point towards the importance of connections and roots. Overall, the song captures the universal yearning for a place or feeling that offers comfort, security, and a sense of home.