The One I Love
@ Rock-Weekend: R.E.M Lyrics
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This one goes out to the one I've left behind
A simple prop to occupy my time
This one goes out to the one I love
Fire
Fire
This one goes out to the one I've left behind
A simple prop to occupy my time
This one goes out to the one I love
Fire (she's comin' down on her own, now)
Fire (she's comin' down on her own, now)
This one goes out to the one I love
This one goes out to the one I've left behind
Another prop has occupied my time
This one goes out to the one I love
Fire (she's comin' down on her own, now)
Fire (she's comin' down on her own, now)
Fire (she's comin' down on her own, now)
Fire (she's comin' down on her own, now)
The lyrics of R.E.M’s song “The One I Love” are simple yet very powerful. The song is believed to be a love song at first, but when one dives deeper into the lyrics, it comes off as more of a cautionary tale about someone using others as a mere distraction from their own issues. The chorus is a repetitive phrase meant to showcase the person’s desire to dedicate the song to someone they love. However, the verses have been interpreted as the singer being obsessed with the idea of having a significant other to occupy their time; hence, the reference to the partners being nothing but “simple props.”
The repeated cue of “Fire” comes off as the “burn” of the relationship between the singer and their love interest. The lyrics suggest that the singer has left someone behind to occupy their time with another person but the previous partner hasn't gone down quietly. The previous partner is self-destructing - she’s “coming down on her own now” and there seems to be nothing that the singer can do to salvage the relationship. A fire has been ignited and has gotten out of control.
In essence, the lyrics are a warning about disregarding someone for another person and the self-destructive outcomes that result from not prioritizing significant others. Overall, while the song sounds sweet and romantic at first, it's more of a call-out on how a self-obsessed mindset can lead to destructive outcomes for all parties involved.
Line by Line Meaning
This one goes out to the one I love
I am dedicating this song to the person I love and care about deeply.
This one goes out to the one I've left behind
Although I have left this person behind, they still hold a special place in my heart.
A simple prop to occupy my time
I have been using a simple distraction to keep myself busy, but it doesn't compare to how much I truly miss and need the one I love.
Fire
Passionate and intense emotions are burning within me.
Fire (she's comin' down on her own, now)
The intensity of these emotions are now being felt by the person I love, and it may be overwhelming for them.
Another prop has occupied my time
I have found another way to keep busy, but it still doesn't compare to how much I crave the presence of the one I love.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: William Thomas Berry, Peter Lawrence Buck, Michael E. Mills, John Michael Stipe
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Rog-Nature-vs-Nurture
This one goes out to the one I love
This one goes out to the one I've left behind
A simple prop to occupy my time
This one goes out to the one I love
Fire
Fire
This one goes out to the one I love
This one goes out to the one I've left behind
A simple prop to occupy my time
This one goes out to the one I love
Fire (she's comin' down on her own, now)
Fire (she's comin' down on her own)
This one goes out to the one I love
This one goes out to the one I've left behind
Another prop has occupied my time
This one goes out to the one I love
Fire (she's comin' down on her own, now)
Fire (she's comin' down on her own)
Fire(she's comin' down on her own, now)
Fire (she's comin' down on her own)
@bigalwray
Grew up as a black kid in a, shall I say, impoverished neighbourhood. My Mum’s new boyfriend introduced me to REM. Never looked back.
@imnottellingyoumyname3050
What about when you're reversing your car.
@6figureceleryjfs378
Music is the best of humans.
@evelynzlon9492
I'm black too. This song is about the Mona Lisa, a "simple prop" whom Da Vinci cherished and toted with him wherever he went. The Mona Lisa is actually the image of the beast from the sea discussed in the Bible's Revelations. Da Vinci himself was one head of the beast in fact. He's a vampire who can age backwards, and he's also been known as Otto von Bismarck and Adolf Hitler. These 2 statesmen were stylistically different but their underlying bone structure was identical. And the German King at the time voluntarily conferred all of his power and authority to Prince Otto for some strange reason. This unprecedented event parallels the Biblical description of the beast's ascent to power.
Here's the catch: America was originally ordained by God as a free land for whites. For the Gentiles specifically, which is virtually inclusive of all whites. Therefore I have a neutral attitude towards the fact that my great-great-great grandpa Otto is the Devil. This song fills my heart with sentimental nostalgia although I know exactly what it's about.
@rubyfuselier2925
Dude, I'm glad you made it out. I was one of those kid too.
@evelynzlon9492
@@rubyfuselier2925 You've changed. A lot.
@petegarza2025
Ladies and gentlemen this is how it's done...What a powerful haunting song...This is why R.E.M. is in the ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME...👏👏👏
@chrisvassiliou889
Hall of Fame it is for the records , it is enormity of the lyrics and music that shutters me
@petegarza2025
@@chrisvassiliou889 I personally think the RRHOF has become nothing more than a fraternity where only a select few are acceptable and I find that very annoying and disturbing...How can you leave out critically acclaimed bands like "BOSTON","BADFINGER,and"THIN LIZZY"...The RRHOF is nothing but a complete SHAM...
@peterninnim2561
Well day