He Won't Go

About this song

The song was mainly inspired by two friends Adele met after her first record, 19, was released, after meeting them through a shared love of dogs. Adele has said the first verse began as being about her and her ex before it came to focus on the couple. The male partner went into rehab for heroin addiction two months after she met them, and Adele says she is very proud of both of them since he has stayed clean for over a year.

What it's about

The song tells the story of a couple whose bond helped the boyfriend overcome his heroin addiction. It also reflects Adele's own experience of their friendship being a lifeline when she came off tour.

Summary written with AI, based on the song's page on Genius.

Fun facts

• Written by Paul Epworth and Adele.
• Produced by Rick Rubin.
• Recorded at Shangri La Studios.