One and Only
Gary Lyrics
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The only thing I do
I don't want it to be
The only thing I do
That matters in this world
It's been twenty some years
Since the idea came
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
And there was no way
Of knowing then
That the dream would never end
It's what they call being blessed
But through it all I confess
I don't want it to be
The only thing I do
That comes from me
And makes its way to you
When all is said and done
I don't want it to be
The only one
Interpretation:
The song 'One And Only' by Gary is a contemplation of his life and career, which has been dominated by one defining achievement. He reflects on the fact that he has been blessed with a successful career in music, but at the same time, he does not want it to be the only thing that defines him. The lyrics convey a sense of deep longing for something greater, beyond just being a successful musician. He fears that he will be remembered only for his music and that this will be the only thing that matters in the world.
The reference to the TV show Cheers is significant in this context. The show was famous for its theme song 'Where Everybody Knows Your Name.' Gary uses this as a metaphor for his life and career, where he has become known and celebrated for his music. The lines "And there was no way of knowing then, that the dream would never end" express Gary's gratitude for all that he has achieved in his career so far, but at the same time, it also conveys a sense of fear and uncertainty about the future.
In the end, Gary expresses his desire to do more than just make music. He wants to contribute something meaningful to the world beyond his songs. He wants to be known for something bigger than just his music. The lines "When all is said and done, I don't want it to be the only one" express this desire for greater purpose in his life.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't want it to be
I don't want this one thing to consume my entire life
The only thing I do
I don't want to be defined solely by this one thing I do
I don't want it to be
I want to have other important things in my life beside this one thing
The only thing I do
I don't want this one thing to be all that matters to me
That matters in this world
I want to have other things in my life that are meaningful and important
It's been twenty some years
I have been doing this one thing for a long time
Since the idea came
Since the idea to do this one thing came to me
To nickname Cheers
To give a nickname to a place called Cheers
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
A place where everyone knows and recognizes you
And there was no way
It was impossible at the time
Of knowing then
No one could have predicted
That the dream would never end
That this one thing would continue on indefinitely
It's what they call being blessed
Some people consider this a blessing
But through it all I confess
Despite it all, I admit
I don't want it to be
I don't want to be solely focused on this one thing
The only thing I do
I don't want to be defined only by this one thing I do
That comes from me
I want other things I create to be just as important
And makes its way to you
I want other things I create to have the same impact
When all is said and done
At the end of the day
I don't want it to be
I don't want it to end up being the only thing I am remembered for
The only one
I don't want to be the only person focused on this one thing
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Gary Portnoy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Marie Boehman
These two are so cute together. She gave us hope that the awkward ones could find someone who would love us. Will always be in my top 10 favorite couples of all time.
Hermione
It gives me hope lol
Betty McLaney
Wish this show would come back & pick up with Gary & Miranda & their children
Emma Reed
This is the best TV Couple ever... the way they look at each other is adorable!
Ale
Ben and Leslie are up there too
Gaya K
Okay, I'm probably a tad too late too comment- I do hope you still use your account and read this- but just stumbled upon (alright, I've been rewatching all Miranda episodes and just needed more Gary and Miranda fluff) this little piece of treasure! Wonderfully done, I absolutely adored it and it's definitely amongst my top 3, which is same as being number one cos I can't decide which of the three I love best. Gosh, I miss those two on the telly! ❤
Elle Kay
Thank you so much! I read every comment :)
Gaya K
Aw, gosh, you are quite talented editing videos! I couldn't do it to save my own life laughs. Hey, only now I read your alias in the parenthesis- do you happen to be the same alfrecotree who writes stories at AO3? If so, I'm a fan! 😁
Elle Kay
Yes, that's me! Thank you :)
Nanny J
Don’t we all just need a Gary a kind loving funny guy