One and Only
Adkins Lyrics

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From the time you were a baby
You've had this notion in your head
Someone would come along and sweep you off your feet
Like in all those storybooks you read
Well if you're lookin' for perfection
Like some damsel in distress
Well there ain't no heroes on white horses
At least I ain't seen 'em yet

There ain't no knights in shinin' armor
Ain't no never, never land
I won't ever walk on water
But I can only love you like a man

Heaven knows I'm no angel
Just flesh and bone like all the rest
I never claimed to have a halo
All I can give you is my best
But I will never try to hurt you
Or even give you cause to doubt
That my heart is yours forever
Ain't that what true love's all about

There ain't no knights in shinin' armor
Ain't no never, never land

I won't ever walk on water
But I can only love you like a man

Overall Meaning

The song "One and Only" by Trace Adkins is about the reality of love and relationships. It speaks to the unrealistic expectations people often have about finding the perfect partner, as portrayed in fairy tales and romantic novels. The opening lines suggest that the idea of finding someone to sweep you off your feet is a fantasy that many harbor from an early age.

Adkins paints a realistic picture of love, stating that no one is perfect, and there are no knights in shining armor or heroes on white horses in real life. The singer also acknowledges his own flaws, saying that he is no angel, but instead a human being with imperfections. Despite all of this, he promises to love his partner as best as he can, with sincerity and honesty.

The song's chorus highlights the message that even though the singer may not be perfect, he is willing to give his all for his beloved. He says he cannot "walk on water," but he can love his partner like a man. In essence, Adkins is saying that he cannot be the idealized romantic hero, but he can offer real, authentic love. The song's message is that true love is not about finding a perfect partner, but rather finding someone who accepts and loves you for who you are.

Line by Line Meaning

From the time you were a baby
Since you were very young

You've had this notion in your head
You have always believed

Someone would come along and sweep you off your feet
That someone perfect would come and make you extremely happy

Like in all those storybooks you read
Like in the fairy tales you loved

Well if you're lookin' for perfection
If you want everything to be perfect

Like some damsel in distress
Like a helpless woman in a fairy tale

Well there ain't no heroes on white horses
That kind of perfect doesn't exist

At least I ain't seen 'em yet
At least I haven't found them yet

There ain't no knights in shinin' armor
No perfect heroes

Ain't no never, never land
No perfect world

I won't ever walk on water
I can't do miracles