One Track Mind
Johnny Thunders Lyrics


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When I was born
I had to think up a song
To live like I wish
I had to flop like a fish
In the confusion
I made an illusion
I spit out a track
And I don't look back

I got a one track mind
I got a one track mind
I got a one track mind
Over you

Everything's nice
When you're covered in ice
But you open your eyes
And it's one big lie
Well I feel right in home
In this room of my own
My rule book is finished
It says don't come in

I got a one track mind
I got a one track mind
I got a one track mind
Over You

I got tracks on my arms
Tracks on my face
There's tracks on the walls
And all over the place
But I don't think I'd miss it
If I had you to fix it
I just want you
For just one night

I got a one track mind
I got a one track mind
I got a one track mind
Over You

I got a one track mind
I got a one track mind
I got a one track mind
I got a one track mind
I got a one track mind




I got a one track mind
Over You

Overall Meaning

The song "One Track Mind" by Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers is a powerful expression of the singer's obsession and his need to forget about everything else and focus solely on one person. He opens the song saying that he had to invent a song as soon as he was born to survive and that, in order to live as he desires, he had to give up control and let himself go with the flow, like a fish. He follows up with the statement that, in the midst of his confusion, he created an illusion of himself and that he "spit out a track," indicating that he put all his energy into creating a song, which he is not going to look back on anymore.


The chorus speaks to his unwavering affection for the object of his obsession. He repeats the phrase "I got a one-track mind" several times in succession, indicating that this mindset is all he cares about or can focus on at the moment. He is so consumed by his feelings that he doesn't care about the mess that surrounds him.


In the final verse, the singer discloses that he is a drug user, with tracks on his arms, face, and walls. He claims that having that special someone would cure him of his addiction and allow him to achieve clarity. He emphasises his unshakable fixation in the chorus once more, yearning for the one he cannot seem to shake.


Line by Line Meaning

When I was born
From the moment I was born, I knew I had to create something that would be my own.


I had to think up a song
I had to create something unique to me, something that defines me, something that I could call my own.


To live like I wish
In order to live life on my own terms, I had to create something that is completely my own, something that makes me unique.


I had to flop like a fish
I had to experience failures and setbacks in order to create something that is truly mine.


In the confusion
Despite facing confusion and uncertainty, I was able to stay true to myself and create something that is unique to me.


I made an illusion
I was able to create something that may appear as an illusion to others, but it is real and true to me.


I spit out a track
I was able to create something unique, something that is truly my own and something that others can't replicate.


And I don't look back
I am proud of my creation and I don't regret anything that I did to get to this point.


Everything's nice
Things may appear nice and perfect on the surface, but it is often just a facade.


When you're covered in ice
When you are unaware of the truth or reality, it is easy to feel content and satisfied with the surface level.


But you open your eyes
Once you realize the truth, it can be overwhelming and difficult to handle.


And it's one big lie
The lies and fakeness that one may encounter can be difficult to accept and deal with.


Well I feel right in home
Despite the chaos and confusion that surrounds me, I feel comfortable and in control in my own space.


In this room of my own
I have created a space that is entirely my own, a place where I can truly be myself.


My rule book is finished
I have established my own set of rules and guidelines and I am content with the values that guide me.


It says don't come in
My space and creation is protected, and only those who truly understand and appreciate it are welcome.


I got tracks on my arms
I have marks, scars and evidence of my journey and my struggles to create something unique.


Tracks on my face
My struggles and journey have left their marks and have shaped me into who I am today.


There's tracks on the walls
My creation and journey are evident not just on my person, but in the space that I have created.


And all over the place
My creation and journey are scattered across many areas of my life and space.


But I don't think I'd miss it
I have created something that is unique and real, but if given the choice, I would choose something even more real and meaningful: a connection with someone special.


If I had you to fix it
If I had someone special to connect with, the pain and difficulties of my journey would be lessened.


I just want you
Despite all of my struggles and creation, at the end of the day, all I really want is a loving and meaningful connection with someone special.


For just one night
Even if it is just for a brief moment, the connection and love that I crave is worth everything to me.


I got a one track mind
Despite all of the distractions and difficulties that I have faced, I am singularly focused on creating something that is truly my own and connecting with someone special.


Over you
Everything that I do and create is ultimately in the pursuit of a meaningful connection with someone special.




Contributed by Dominic I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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