Oh My God

A gospel-pop anthem about the shock of flirting as a newly single woman under the glare of fame.

"Oh My God" is a pop song by English singer Adele from her fourth studio album, 30, released on 19 November 2021. Co-written with producer Greg Kurstin, the track serves as the album's second single, sent to US adult contemporary radio on 29 November 2021. Musically, it blends gospel pop, R&B, and dance-pop elements, featuring a chorus described as "helium-charged". The lyrics explore Adele's desire to start dating again after her divorce from Simon Konecki, capturing the anxiety of being newly single while navigating celebrity status. Critics praised its catchy production and commercial potential, noting it stands out from the album's generally melancholic tone.

Quick Facts

Artist: Adele
Album: 30
Studio: No Expectations Studios (Los Angeles, CA)
Released: 29 November 2021
Genre: Pop
Length: 3:45
Label: Columbia
Writer: Adele Adkins; Greg Kurstin

Lore & Background

The song emerged from Adele's personal journey following her September 2019 divorce. After years of anxiety and therapy, she sought serious relationships in Los Angeles but struggled with blind dates set up by friends who feared paparazzi attention. The specific inspiration struck when a friend pointed out she was no longer married during a date: "'do you mind? I'm married.' And my friends were like, 'but you're not.' And I was like, 'oh shit. OK, oh my God.'" This moment of realization about her availability amidst her fame fueled the track's narrative. The lyrics address the conflict between wanting to have fun and being guarded, with lines like "I know that it's wrong/ But I want to have fun." Adele has stated the song is about her first time leaving the house after her anxiety began to subside, adjusting to the reality of flirting as a newly single person.

Reader's Guide

"Oh My God" runs for three minutes and 45 seconds, produced and engineered by Greg Kurstin. Kurstin handles bass, Hammond B3 organ, keyboards, percussion, piano, claps, and drum programming, while Adele plays tambourine and Chris Dave plays drums. The instrumentation includes "rumbling" bass, keys, organ, whistles, and handclaps. Musically described as a gospel pop song with R&B elements, it features vocal harmonies reminiscent of gospel and soul patterns alongside jazz and swing influences. Critics noted the use of staccato singing and sped-up background vocals that Mikael Wood of the Los Angeles Times said were "processed nearly beyond recognition". Lyrically, the song discusses hookups, sexual needs without shame, and being guarded while falling for a new love interest, possibly sports agent Rich Paul. The track reached number one in Israel and Mexico, peaked at number five on the US Billboard Hot 100, and charted in the top 10 across the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Did You Know?

The song's title originated from a moment when a friend corrected Adele that she was no longer married during a date, prompting her to say, 'oh shit. OK, oh my God.'
Sam Brown, who previously directed the music video for 'Rolling in the Deep', also directed the video for 'Oh My God'.
'Oh My God' replaced 'I Drink Wine' as the second single from the album 30.
The song features religious imagery and Adele wearing a scarlet red satin corset designed by Vivienne Westwood in its music video.