Swan's role in the music industry was, originally, largely invisible. His first big break was in 1962 when Clyde McPhatter recorded "Lover Please", a song written by Swan that quickly became a Top Ten hit. Moving to Nashville allowed Swan to write hit country songs for numerous artists, including Conway Twitty, Waylon Jennings, and Mel Tillis.
In 1969, Swan first took on the role of record producer, publishing Tony Joe White's Top Ten hit "Polk Salad Annie". Swan played bass guitar for Kris Kristofferson, and signed a deal with Monument Records.
Swan's first album included the popular song "I Can Help", a rockabilly number that topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and country charts in 1974. Swan recorded the song in two takes (without overdubs) with an organ that Kristofferson and singer Rita Coolidge had bought for him as a wedding gift.
However, other albums with Monument, A&M, and Epic did not have nearly the success of his first.
Swan continued to tour with Kristofferson, and has recorded two albums with Randy Meisner. As of 2005, Swan was still a back-up and session musician.
Swan was married to his late wife Marlu for 30 years. They had two daughters, recording artists Planet Swan & Sierra Swan.
Another Bill Swan is guitarist for the American band The Muffins.
You're the One
Billy Swan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're the one, I don't want to lose
You're the one that I always choose
You're the one that's meant for me
And you're the one that I'm thinkin' of
You're the one that I always love
You're the one sent from Heaven above
Sometimes you make me feel so bad
You make me cry deep in my heart
I feel like an actor in a play
Who doesn't fit the part
And you're the one and I want you to know
You're the one that thrills me so
You're the one that I can't let go
You're the one that's meant for me
Sometimes you make me feel so bad
You make me cry deep in my heart
I feel like an actor in a play
Who doesn't fit the part
And you're the one and I want you to know
You're the one that thrills me so
You're the one, I can't let go
You're the one that's meant for me
And you're the one that causes my blues
You're the one, I don't want to lose
You're the one that I always choose
You're the one that's meant for me
And you're the one that I'm thinkin' of
You're the one
that I always love
In Billy Swan's song "You're The One," the singer is expressing their deep love for their romantic interest, despite the fact that they sometimes cause them sadness or frustration. The lyrics highlight the constant thoughts of this person, and the certainty that they are meant to be together. The repeated line "You're the one that's meant for me" emphasizes this idea, and emphasizes the singer's feelings of love and devotion towards this person.
The second verse shows the singer's vulnerability and the effect that their love interest has on them. The reference to feeling like an actor who doesn't fit the part suggests that the singer may feel inadequate at times in the relationship or unsure of their place. However, this doubt is quickly pushed aside by the overwhelming feelings of love and desire that the singer has for their partner.
Overall, the lyrics of "You're The One" convey a message of deep love and devotion, despite the ups and downs of the relationship. The repeated emphasis on the idea that this person is "meant" for the singer creates a sense of inevitability and destiny, further emphasizing the strength of their feelings for each other.
Line by Line Meaning
You're the one that causes my blues
You're the reason for my sadness and misery
You're the one, I don't want to lose
I fear losing you because you are so important to me
You're the one that I always choose
Out of all the options, I pick you every time because you are the best
You're the one that's meant for me
I believe that we are destined to be together
And you're the one that I'm thinkin' of
My thoughts are consumed with you
You're the one that I always love
My feelings for you never change, I always love you
You're the one sent from Heaven above
I see you as a gift from a higher power
Sometimes you make me feel so bad
You have the power to hurt me deeply
You make me cry deep in my heart
You cause me emotional pain that goes beyond tears
I feel like an actor in a play
I feel like my life is a performance, and I don't belong in my own story
Who doesn't fit the part
I feel like I don't belong in your life or your heart
And you're the one and I want you to know
I need you to understand and acknowledge that you are the one for me
You're the one that thrills me so
You bring me so much joy and excitement
You're the one that I can't let go
I can't imagine my life without you, I am attached to you
You're the one that's meant for me
I truly believe that you and I are meant to be together
Contributed by Hannah M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.