One Fine Day
David Byrne; Brian Eno Lyrics
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Shouts and battle cries, from every part
I can see those tears, every one is true
When the door appears, I'll go right through, oh
I stand in liquid light, like everyone
I built my life with rhymes, to carry on
And it gives me hope, to see you there
[Chorus: x2]
One fine day
In a small dark room- where I will wait
Face to face I find- I contemplate
Even though a man- is made of clay
Everything can change- that one fine-
[Chorus: x3]
Then before my eyes, is standing still
I beheld it there, a city on a hill
I complete my tasks, one by one
I remove my masks, when I am done
Then a piece of mind, fell over me
In these troubled times, I still can see
We can use the stars, to guide the way
It is not that far, the one fine
[Chorus: x4]
David Byrne, the lyrics of Brian Eno's song "One Fine Day" are full of imagery that touch upon several themes; love, self-reflection, hope, and change. Through the first verse, the imagery of an unsettled heart with "wandering eyes" that is filled with conflict and battles is painted. However, amidst all these emotions, the tears are true, and there is a sense that when the right door appears, the writer will go through it. Such a door is a symbol for change, which could be for the better or worse.
In the second verse, the writer moves into a contemplative space, lonely and waiting. Still, it is in this quiet and small place that introspection takes place, and the realization that even though human beings are made of clay and are fragile, everything can change. This idea is further emphasized in the chorus "One fine day" that represents hope for a better future despite the struggles of the present.
The third verse introjects positive imagery, with the writer beholding "a city on a hill" that symbolizes a better future. Completing tasks one by one, the writer peels off external masks, unveiling true selves. Achieving peace of mind, Brian Eno inspires the listener to use stars to guide the way to a brighter future.
Overall, the lyrics of the song are optimistic and convey the message of hope that there is always light at the end of the tunnel despite difficult times. It invites its listeners to look into themselves, reflect on their lives, and see the positive potentials amidst life's challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Saw the wanderin' eye, inside my heart
I noticed the feeling of restlessness within myself
Shouts and battle cries, from every part
Amidst the chaos and conflict, I hear the cries of struggle from all directions
I can see those tears, every one is true
I am aware of the genuine pain and sadness that people experience
When the door appears, I'll go right through, oh
When an opportunity arises, I will seize it without hesitation
I stand in liquid light, like everyone
I, like others, am immersed in the fluidity of existence
I built my life with rhymes, to carry on
I have created a meaningful existence through creative expression
And it gives me hope, to see you there
Seeing others alongside me fills me with optimism
The things I used to know, that one fine
Memories of the past give me hope for the future
One fine day
Despite current struggles, a better day will come
In a small dark room- where I will wait
I will patiently endure difficult circumstances
Face to face I find- I contemplate
In solitude, I reflect upon my thoughts and feelings
Even though a man- is made of clay
Despite our vulnerabilities and imperfections
Everything can change- that one fine-
The potential for transformation always exists, even in the bleakest of times
Then before my eyes, is standing still
I am captivated by what I see before me
I beheld it there, a city on a hill
I see a symbol of hope and prosperity in the distance
I complete my tasks, one by one
I approach my responsibilities with diligence and focus
I remove my masks, when I am done
I reveal my true self once my obligations are fulfilled
Then a piece of mind, fell over me
I experience a sense of calm and serenity
In these troubled times, I still can see
Despite challenges, I maintain a sense of clarity
We can use the stars, to guide the way
There are sources of direction and guidance available to us
It is not that far, the one fine
A better future is within reach
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BYRNE, WALSH, DAVID BYRNE, BRIAN ENO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@SabineWillers
One Fine Day
David Byrne, Brian Eno
Saw the wanderin' eye, inside my heart
Shouts and battle cries, from every part
I can see those tears, every one is true
When the door appears, I'll go right through, oh
I stand in liquid light, like everyone
I built my life with rhymes, to carry on
And it gives me hope, to see you there
The things I used to know, that one fine
One fine day
In a small dark room- where I will wait
Face to face I find- I contemplate
Even though a man- is made of clay
Everything can change- that one fine-
Then before my eyes, is standing still
I beheld it there, a city on a hill
I complete my tasks, one by one
I remove my masks, when I am done
Then a piece of mind, fell over me
In these troubled times, I still can see
We can use the stars, to guide the way
It is not that far, the one fine
@starzver
Saw the wanderin' eye, inside my heart
Shouts and battle cries, from every part
I can see those tears, every one is true
When the door appears, I'll go right through, oh
I stand in liquid light, like everyone
I built my life with rhymes, to carry on
And it gives me hope, to see you there
The things I used to know, that one fine
One fine day
In a small dark room- where I will wait
Face to face I find- I contemplate
Even though a man- is made of clay
Everything can change- that one fine-
Then before my eyes, is standing still
I beheld it there, a city on a hill
I complete my tasks, one by one
I remove my masks, when I am done
Then a piece of mind, fell over me
In these troubled times, I still can see
We can use the stars, to guide the way
It is not that far, the one fine
@gsco-bl4jk
Not sure what about this song hits me like a truck/makes me teary eyed, but it does. And not many things do.
@tednugent1100
Was kind of stunned to hear this in the Bear, such an amazing song
@Satscape
"Resident Alien" bought me here... Most underated show.. comedy & drama in perfect balance and a good soundtrack too!
@tamilnadu8545
Such an amazing soundtrack. All the stuff I liked that I thought nobody else listened to was on that show.
@marially3
The moment when you hear a song for the first time and your brain synapses all fire up in unison.
@salinacarter1030
Yesss happened to me on my way to work early one morning
@jakeryan2425
“The Bear” brought me here. Incredible song ❤️
@lucidloon
This is a song that brings me to tears. It's like a promise that might never come true.
@bigoshify
Oooof. This hits home..
@veritas41photo
Brian Eno is a genius of music production. Combine his skills with the fine vocals of David Byrne... and this sonic masterpiece is the wondrous result! What a gift to all of us who treasure music!