One Thing
Alicia Keys Lyrics


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What, where am I?

What's life like on a train
Nobody there knows your name
As your decision changed
Do you wish that I came

I thought you'd pick me up from work
I waited for your truck for half hour
I know you said you gonna
But I never thought you'd leave

This one thing that was made for us
Chasing us, saving us
I take one thing over everything
I take that thing over anybody

Square face and puppy eyes
Found out they never lied
Your old man lived in the sky
Left your house with a yard
But you went away a different try
Found a place that's your size
Too good to finish life here with me

I couldn't get you to say
Why you wouldn't let me come
What should be simple just ain't
And it shouldn't hurt like it does

This one thing is made for us
Won't stay with us, it ain't saving us
But I'll take one thing over everything
I'll take that thing over anybody

Baby, hold me, don't pick me up
I need a compliment
Just a touch from a friend
I need a gentle word
I need your company
I'll keep

One thing that was made for us
Chasing us, saving us
I take one thing over anything
I take that thing over anybody

I take one thing over everything
I take that thing over anybody




Oh, oh, anything
Oh, oh, take one thing

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "One Thing" by Alicia Keys explore the feeling of confusion and sadness that comes with a relationship that is falling apart. The singer is questioning where they stand with their partner, and whether they still have a future together. They recall waiting for their partner to pick them up from work, but being disappointed when they didn't show. The singer wants to know why their partner won't let them come along on their journey and wishes they could be reunited. However, they acknowledge that there is one thing that was made for them, something that they will always choose over anyone else. The chorus repeats this sentiment, emphasizing how important this one thing is to the singer.


The lyrics also touch on the idea of finding one's place in the world. The singer describes how their partner went away and found a place that suited them better, while the singer was left behind. This sense of displacement is also reflected in the line, "Your old man lived in the sky," which suggests a feeling of disconnection from a higher power or source of guidance. Despite this, the singer is still hopeful that they can hold onto the one thing that remains important to them.


Line by Line Meaning

What, where am I?
Uncertain of my current situation and surroundings.


What's life like on a train
Curious about the experience of traveling on a train.


Nobody there knows your name
Feeling anonymous and unnoticed by others on the train.


As your decision changed
Wondering if you have made different choices.


Do you wish that I came
Questioning the desire for company during a personal journey.


I thought you'd pick me up from work
Expecting someone to meet your needs for transportation.


I waited for your truck for half hour
Patiently anticipating the arrival of the person expected to provide transportation.


I know you said you gonna
Remembering a previous promise made.


But I never thought you'd leave
Surprised and hurt by the person failing to keep their promise.


This one thing that was made for us
A special thing that was created for you and another person.


Chasing us, saving us
A thing that follows and protects you and the other person.


I take one thing over everything
Prioritizing this special thing over all other things.


I take that thing over anybody
Valuing this special thing more highly than anyone else in your life.


Square face and puppy eyes
Describing the appearance of a person, possibly with a look of innocence or vulnerability.


Found out they never lied
Discovering that someone was telling the truth after doubting them.


Your old man lived in the sky
Referencing a deceased loved one who is believed to be in heaven.


Left your house with a yard
Moving away from a home with outdoor space.


But you went away a different try
Departing from the past in order to try something new.


Found a place that's your size
Discovering a location that is better suited for your personal needs.


Too good to finish life here with me
Believing that someone has found a better life elsewhere, and is unwilling to stay with you.


I couldn't get you to say
Unable to make the other person communicate clearly with you.


Why you wouldn't let me come
Asking for the reason why you are being excluded from someone's life.


What should be simple just ain't
Realizing that things that appear straightforward are actually complex and difficult.


And it shouldn't hurt like it does
Feeling emotional pain that seems unwarranted or unfair.


Won't stay with us, it ain't saving us
Recognizing that this special thing may not be able to fix or sustain the relationship.


But I'll take one thing over everything
Continuing to prioritize this special thing over all other things, even if it may not save the relationship.


I'll take that thing over anybody
Still valuing this special thing more highly than anyone else in your life, even in the face of difficulty.


Baby, hold me, don't pick me up
Desiring physical comfort in the form of a hug or embrace.


I need a compliment
Seeking validation and positive affirmation from another person.


Just a touch from a friend
Craving the physical touch of a person who cares about you.


I need a gentle word
Longing for kind and gentle words from another person.


I need your company
Wanting to spend time with someone who brings comfort and joy.


I'll keep
Promising to continue cherishing and holding onto the special thing, even if the relationship may not continue.


Oh, oh, anything
Expressing openness and willingness to accept anything, even hardship or adversity.


Oh, oh, take one thing
Demonstrating unwavering attachment to the special thing, even if it may be hard or uncertain.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALICIA KEYS, CHRISTOPHER BREAUX, JAMES RYAN WUIHUN HO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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