The Only Face
Bryan Ferry (with Roxy Music) Lyrics
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You got me in the strangest mood
Just me myself no-one else
Could ever be so blue
No backstreet woman
No grand hotel
The only face, out of place
An empty shell
Nobody knows me like you do
Nowhere to turn I never learn
I can't break through
No backstreet woman
No grand hotel
The only face, out of place
An empty shell
You make me nervous
Your telephone
You drive me crazy
I want to be alone
I want to be alone
Me myself no-one else
I want to be alone
The lyrics of "The Only Face" describe the feeling of loneliness and isolation that the singer experiences while in Havana, with the exception of one person who seems to know and understand them in a way that nobody else does. The "Havana moon" creates a strange mood, and despite being surrounded by other people, the singer feels completely alone. The absence of familiar comforts, like a "backstreet woman" or a "grand hotel," only makes the feeling of isolation worse. The only thing that provides a sense of familiarity is the presence of this one person, who serves as the only face that isn't completely unfamiliar.
The singer speaks to this person in the second verse, expressing their feelings of being trapped and unable to escape the feeling of loneliness. They feel like nobody else knows them like this person does, and yet they still feel unable to break through their own walls and connect with others. The final lines of the song express the desire to be alone, which may be a strange contradiction but feels more like a defense mechanism against the pain of being surrounded by people who don't understand.
Overall, the lyrics of "The Only Face" speak to the universal feeling of loneliness and isolation, especially when in unfamiliar places or situations. However, they also offer a glimmer of hope in the form of that one person who understands, even if it feels like they're the only one.
Line by Line Meaning
Havana moon
The setting of the song, which is Havana, Cuba, is introduced.
You got me in the strangest mood
The singer is in an odd, perhaps troubled state of mind.
Just me myself no-one else
The singer is alone, with no one to turn to.
Could ever be so blue
The singer is very sad and depressed.
No backstreet woman
There is no woman in a seedy or undesirable part of town.
No grand hotel
There is no fancy or luxurious hotel.
The only face, out of place
The singer is the only person around, and feels out of place in their solitude.
An empty shell
The singer feels empty and hollow inside.
Nobody knows me like you do
There is someone who understands the singer better than anyone else.
Nowhere to turn I never learn
The singer has no options or solutions, and seems unable to learn from past mistakes.
I can't break through
The singer is trapped and unable to escape their situation.
You make me nervous
The other person has an effect on the singer's emotions, causing them to feel anxious or unsettled.
Your telephone
The telephone that belongs to the other person is mentioned.
You drive me crazy
The other person is having a negative impact on the singer's mental state.
I want to be alone
Despite their previous loneliness, the singer now desires to be alone again.
Me myself no-one else
The singer is once again by themselves, with no one else around to affect them.
I want to be alone
The singer reiterates their desire for solitude and isolation.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: BRYAN FERRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@chaotic_geisha
This is a gem! I have no words to describe the impact Bryan Ferry's songs have on me. Thank you! 🖤
@user-pi6bd8ui7n
💯❤
@Bluebeatbabe1
Bryan's voice just resonates....He gets every ounce of passion & feeling into this. Hauntingly beautiful. He has all the 'Feels'.....🎼❤
@TracyLynnMcIntosh
I love how Bryan,plays and writes his music,love this song , so hauntingly beautiful…
@Albrecht777
Ever since seeing the "Mamouna" documentary, I've wanted to hear this recording in its entirety. It's heart-rendingly beautiful. The deluxe edition will soon be pre-ordered. Thank you, Bryan. In addition, for those who are unaware of the work of the man who produced this fantastic LP and "Taxi", I advise you to check out Robin Trower. The albums "Twice Removed from Yesterday", "Bridge of Sighs" and "For Earth Below" in particular are to be especially recommended.
@manuels2266
Ti ringrazio moltissimo dell'informazione su Robin
@Albrecht777
@@manuels2266 Prego!
@anaelenauribecalle5961
Canta Bryan! Hoy tu voz será amplificada en todo el mundo. Que se escuche tu canto, qué nos haga vibrar 💃🕺💌
@micaela8425
Saw this in the Mamouna documentary and I always thought it was the best part. A very heart touching song. Pure Bryan Ferry. I'm glad this version is finally being released! Regards from Brazil ❤🇧🇷
@Pokav1deo
This one is particularly special ❤️. An absolute gift to his fans! 🙏