Once I Was Loved
Melody Gardot Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When I was young
I don't recall the day when I first saw the sun
But what I am certain
What is enough
Is just to remember that once, once I was loved
I still surrender
To troubles unknown
No use pretending all the troubles ain't my own
But what I am certain
What is enough
Is just to remember that once, once I was loved
After the years gone by
What amounts to the years in a life
What have we come to
When we reach our final days?
If we can surrender, then that is enough
Just to remember that once, once we were loved
Once we were beautiful, once we were loved
If we can surrender
Then that is enough
Just to remember that once, once we were loved
In Melody Gardot's song "Once I Was Loved," we hear a nostalgic reflection on one's life amid a sense of loss and surrender. Gardot muses about the illusory nature of memory and recollection as she sings, "I don't remember when I was young, I don't recall the day when I first saw the sun." She admits to surrendering to unknown troubles, acknowledging difficulties that she cannot ignore. However, the song is not entirely gloomy, as Gardot affirms the importance of remembering and cherishing moments of love from the past, saying, "Just to remember that once, once I was loved." The song's listener is left with a sense of realizing the fleeting nature of time and the importance of acknowledging the people and moments which have impacted one's life.
The lyrics in "Once I Was Loved" serve to encapsulate a larger theme present throughout Melody Gardot's career. Since suffering a life-changing bicycle accident that left her with severe physical injuries and short-term memory loss, Gardot has emphasized the importance of cherishing moments and living in the present. This theme is apparent in the lyrics she writes, creating a sense of timelessness and nostalgia throughout her music. Additionally, the song uses a slow, meditative tempo and soft, melancholic instrumentation to further amplify the emotional depth of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't remember
I cannot recall
When I was young
During my childhood days
I don't recall the day when I first saw the sun
I cannot remember the exact day when I was born
But what I am certain
But I am absolutely sure
What is enough
What suffices
Is just to remember that once, once I was loved
Is to hold on to the memory of being loved in the past
I still surrender
I still give in
To troubles unknown
To unknown problems
No use pretending all the troubles ain't my own
There's no point in acting like the problems do not belong to me
After the years gone by
After the passage of time
What amounts to the years in a life
What the years have amounted to in a lifetime
What have we come to
What have we arrived at
When we reach our final days?
At the end of our lives?
If we can surrender, then that is enough
If we can let go, then it's all that matters
Just to remember that once, once we were loved
To hold on to the memory of being loved in the past
Once we were beautiful, once we were loved
Before, we were both physically attractive and cherished by others
If we can surrender
If we can release our grasp
Then that is enough
Then it's all that's necessary
Just to remember that once, once we were loved
To hold on to the memory of being loved in the past
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MELODY GARDOT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@whats-a-clever-username4263
I don't remember
When I was young
I don't recall the day when I first saw the sun
But what I am certain
What is enough
Is just to remember that once, once I was loved
I still surrender
To troubles unknown
No use pretending all the troubles ain't my own
But what I am certain
What is enough
Is just to remember that once, once I was loved
After the years gone by
What amounts to the years in a life
What have we come to
When we reach our final days?
If we can surrender, then that is enough
Just to remember that once, once we were loved
Once we were beautiful, once we were loved
If we can surrender
Then that is enough
Just to remember that once, once we were loved
@melissanava5558
Just saw the ice dancing bronze medalists, Hubbell and Donahue, skate to this and it was absolutely amazing and beautiful. Love this song!
@NIGELXL40
Hi Melissa, I came here after watching that ice skating too
@Southsidechica63
Me too !! It was such a beautiful performance and this song is fire !!❤️
@deborahlongayroux67
Me too
@lilymonet9702
Yep thats what brought me here too
@TheLboogie330
Me to could u post a clip.
@peterturner892
Beautiful music, amazing voice and, maybe even rarer, wonderful lyrics! We are in our 70's and married 53 years and every time my wife hears this song she cries.
@enriqueu1207
Congratulations Peter, that is so beautiful to here. I lost my wife with 51 years last july, she was all in my life and everytime I listen this song she comes to my heart. My best desires for you and your wife!
@peterturner892
@@enriqueu1207 Thank you Enrique. I am so sorry for your loss but I believe in the resurrection hope in the Bible so your wife will live again. But unlike many religions, my study of the Bible has convinced me that she will come back to life, in perfect health, here on earth and I would be happy to send you more information.
@2222isabella
This is one of those rare songs that make you listen with its first tune... leaving you still and silent long after. Thank you.