One Time
Ethan Young Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

He feels the wrath of attack when he’s getting pats on the back
For putting his home on the map yet they don't clap when he raps
In fact they used to tell’em he was good but wished he was a singer
So he’d ball up his fists and count his friends on his fingers
And when he had the mic they’d say remember us when you're famous
But when he was lonely at night, they would forget what his name was
And naturally he felt like they had tied a weight to his ankles
And watched his lungs fill with water but yet he still remained thankful
Because these people were piranhas sinking teeth in his legs
He had a heart made out of stone when he was up on the stage
He’s looking out to the crowd, he saw the fans that were there
He put the mic to his lips and their hands went up in the air, he's singing
One time and we’ll do this one time
And we’ll tell’em one time
And it's going down I’m for sho
One time and you know he's gonna shine
And the people lookin at him
Like they never heard him rhyme before
He’s got his pen and his paper, he tells his girl see you later
He’s got the beat up in his speakers pissing off all his neighbors
He knows he’s writing a hit and he knows his flow is legit
And he knows he gotta give’m something they will never forget
One time and we’ll do this one time
And we’ll tell’em one time
And it's going down I’m for sho
One time and you know he's gonna shine
And the people lookin at him
Like they never heard him rhyme before
One time and we’ll do this one time
And we’ll tell’em one time
And it's going down I’m for sho
One time and you know he's gonna shine
And the people lookin at him
He spends his time all alone inside his room in his home
He built a studio there and he’s been ignoring his phone
He leaves the girlies on read, they tryna mess with his head
He’d rather go get the bread then having sex in his bed
He’s not just looking for fame this boy is making a change
He’s tryna start a revolution when they’re screaming his name
He’s looking down at his wrist watch he got from a thrift shop
He’s running out of time because he’s tryna save hip hop
And the people be looking at him like he’s funny
He’s whiter than snow and he raps like a mummy
He’s changing the culture of drugs and the money
And he doesn’t care if he looks like a dummy
He’s looking at people like they are so crazy
Why would they doubt when his flow is amazing
Nevertheless he would not let it phase him
People don’t know him and they are mistaken
He’s been busy concocting a formula in his noggin
He knows he’s gotta be locked in and there is no other option
He’s been awaiting this moment, he knows tonight is the night
They fall in love with the feeling they get when he’s on the mic
One time and we’ll do this one time
And we’ll tell’em one time
And it's going down I’m for sho
One time and you know he's gonna shine
And the people lookin at him
Like they never heard him rhyme before
One time and we’ll do this one time
And we’ll tell’em one time
And it's going down I’m for sho
One time and you know he's gonna shine




And the people lookin at him
Like they never heard him rhyme before

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Ethan Young's song "One Time" explore the struggles and persistence of an aspiring rapper who faces both support and criticism from those around him. The singer experiences a mix of validation and frustration as he puts his hometown on the map, receives pats on the back, but is met with silence when he raps. He is told that he is good but would be better as a singer, leading to feelings of insecurity and a need for acceptance. However, even when he feels lonely and forgotten, he remains grateful for the opportunities he has been given.


The song delves into the pressures and challenges faced by the singer. He feels like people around him, including friends, are ferocious like piranhas, sharp-toothed and quick to tear him down. Despite this, he maintains a stoic attitude, with a heart made of stone when he steps on stage. When he finally performs, he sees the fans who appreciate him, and their hands go up in the air as a show of support. This moment reinforces his desire to pursue his passion and make an impact on the music scene.


Furthermore, the lyrics depict a driven artist who sacrifices personal relationships and social life to focus on his craft. He isolates himself in his room-turned-studio, ignoring calls and messages from potential romantic partners. He prioritizes his work over personal pleasure and is determined to make a change and start a revolution in the hip-hop industry. Though he faces skepticism and is seen as an outsider due to his appearance and unconventional style, he remains unbothered and resolute in his mission.


Overall, "One Time" reflects the struggles, dedication, and determination of an aspiring rapper fighting for recognition and acceptance. It emphasizes the artist's unwavering belief in his skills and vision, the sacrifices he makes to pursue his dreams, and his resilience in the face of doubt and prejudice.


Line by Line Meaning

He feels the wrath of attack when he’s getting pats on the back
He experiences criticism and negativity when he receives praise and recognition.


For putting his home on the map yet they don't clap when he raps
Despite gaining success in his hometown, people don't show appreciation for his rap skills.


In fact they used to tell’em he was good but wished he was a singer
People used to compliment his talent but secretly desired him to pursue singing instead of rapping.


So he’d ball up his fists and count his friends on his fingers
Feeling frustrated, he clenches his fists and realizes he only has a few true friends.


And when he had the mic they’d say remember us when you're famous
When he performed on stage, people would request him to remember them once he becomes famous.


But when he was lonely at night, they would forget what his name was
During his emotional moments, those same people would easily forget about him and his identity.


And naturally he felt like they had tied a weight to his ankles
He naturally felt burdened by the actions and expectations of others.


And watched his lungs fill with water but yet he still remained thankful
Despite feeling suffocated and overwhelmed, he still found gratitude in his heart.


Because these people were piranhas sinking teeth in his legs
These individuals were like bloodthirsty predators trying to harm and hinder him.


He had a heart made out of stone when he was up on the stage
While performing, he adopted a tough and resilient mindset to shield himself from criticism and negativity.


He’s looking out to the crowd, he saw the fans that were there
Observing the audience, he noticed the dedicated fans present.


He put the mic to his lips and their hands went up in the air, he's singing
When he started performing and singing into the microphone, the crowd enthusiastically raised their hands in support.


He’s got his pen and his paper, he tells his girl see you later
He possesses his writing tools and informs his girlfriend that he will be occupied.


He’s got the beat up in his speakers pissing off all his neighbors
Playing loud music through his speakers annoys his neighbors, but he remains focused on the beat.


He knows he’s writing a hit and he knows his flow is legit
Confidently, he recognizes that he is composing a successful and authentic piece.


And he knows he gotta give’m something they will never forget
He understands the importance of delivering a memorable experience to his audience.


He spends his time all alone inside his room in his home
He dedicates most of his time to being alone in his room at home.


He built a studio there and he’s been ignoring his phone
He constructed a music studio in his room and deliberately ignores incoming calls on his phone.


He leaves the girlies on read, they tryna mess with his head
He purposely ignores messages from girls who are attempting to manipulate his emotions.


He’d rather go get the bread then having sex in his bed
He prioritizes achieving success over engaging in sexual activities.


He’s not just looking for fame this boy is making a change
His aspirations go beyond seeking fame; he aims to make a significant impact and bring about transformation.


He’s tryna start a revolution when they’re screaming his name
By captivating the crowd and receiving their acclaim, he desires to initiate a revolutionizing movement.


He’s looking down at his wrist watch he got from a thrift shop
Glancing at his wristwatch, a thrift shop purchase, he realizes time is running out.


He’s running out of time because he’s tryna save hip hop
He feels the pressure of limited time as he endeavors to preserve and revive the essence of hip hop music.


And the people be looking at him like he’s funny
Others often perceive him as amusing or strange.


He’s whiter than snow and he raps like a mummy
Being Caucasian, his appearance contrasts sharply with his impactful and rap-based style.


He’s changing the culture of drugs and the money
He is actively transforming the norms surrounding substance abuse and material wealth in the industry.


And he doesn’t care if he looks like a dummy
He remains unaffected by the possibility of appearing foolish or unintelligent to others.


He’s looking at people like they are so crazy
He views others as highly irrational or insane in their opinions and actions.


Why would they doubt when his flow is amazing
Given his remarkable flow and talent, he questions why anyone would doubt him.


Nevertheless he would not let it phase him
Despite the doubts, he remains resilient and unaffected by these negative opinions.


People don’t know him and they are mistaken
Others have a lack of understanding about his true character and abilities, leading them to make incorrect assumptions.


He’s been busy concocting a formula in his noggin
He has been actively developing and creating a unique formula or strategy in his mind.


He knows he’s gotta be locked in and there is no other option
He fully understands the importance of staying focused and committed, acknowledging that there are no alternative paths.


He’s been awaiting this moment, he knows tonight is the night
With great anticipation, he has been waiting for this specific moment, recognizing that tonight's performance is crucial.


They fall in love with the feeling they get when he’s on the mic
The audience becomes deeply captivated and enamored by the emotions evoked when he takes the microphone.




Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Ethan Young

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Janet Stannard

Amazing young man, love his voice and stage presence, all the best to him!

Sue Marie

Great voice!

Meteo Show

God blessed this child. I wish I am his Dad love you Kid can't stop listening to your songs beautiful and talented young man.

thedeathofbirth 07

He is brilliant!

FoxLazzr

its amazing

Conan Bay Bay

Beautiful 👏👏👏 beautiful 👏👏👏

Nqobile Nkwakhwa

Beautiful...anyone who knows where I can get grace . The lady who was number 2😭😭😭😭I really wanna follow her.

Ni Sh

Him and johnny orlando amazing 😗

François Bolduc

Wow !! :o

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