Just Nick is a solo songwriting project started by Nick Wuebben in 2012. Ea… Read Full Bio ↴Just Nick is a solo songwriting project started by Nick Wuebben in 2012. Early recordings of the project feature live-tracked acoustic folk/punk performances, taking strides in 2013’s Semi-revolutionary and 2014’s Bedpunk. These records are followed up by 2014’s Stay Inside, which would contribute material for the conception of a four-piece punk project, Adult School. The following years signaled a transition into predominantly performing with the band, although Just Nick would present its first full-length release on vinyl with Just Nick / 2018. Premiered by The Alternative: “2018 is an impeccable balance of acoustic guitar, raspy vocals, and passionate storylines. With the classic, stripped down essence of traditional folk, and multiple social and political callouts, Wuebben crafts something delicate yet on the verge of explosion.” While continuing work with Adult School, Nick has produced two song-titled companion EPs, the most recent being Desdemona, Virgil, & Celebrity.

One Way Trip
Just Nick Lyrics

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This is a one way trip.
and I feel undone.
the only thing keeping me going
is knowing that my presence and absence mean something to someone else.
and I like that joy division t-shirt you're wearing, just kidding, I hate it, they've got it, they've all fucking got it, goddamn, good goddamn.

Well I have my doubts,
and a crooked smile.

It don't take long to figure out
what all these kids thought college was about
and I'll take what your stumbling steps speak with a grain of salt, and hope that your artist's rendition
isn't a product of hopeless addiction

I don't hate you
I just hate your drugs
railing lines of popularity
so we can't just how far down we've come.

and I want to be so selfless and caring and most altruistic, but most of the time we judge the sadistic
and you're probably thinking I'm narcissistic.

Overall Meaning

The song 'One Way Trip' by Just Nick begins with the lyrics "This is a one way trip, and I feel undone" which bring forth a mixture of emotions. The individual singing the song is feeling uncertain and scared about the path they are going down. However, they find solace in knowing that their presence and absence mean something to someone else. The lyricist then mentions the Joy Division t-shirt the other person is wearing and pokes fun at it, saying that everyone has it. This is probably a sarcastic way of saying that the other person is just following the crowd and is not as unique as they seem.

The following verse talks about how the singer has their doubts and a "crooked smile," which suggests a lack of confidence. The singer notes how quickly they figured out what college was all about and takes what the other person is saying with a grain of salt. They are hoping that the other person's artwork is not just a product of addiction but has an actual meaning behind it. The singer then makes a powerful statement about how they don't hate the other person, but they hate their "drugs" and the need for popularity that is dragging them down.

In the last line, the lyricist says, "and you're probably thinking I'm narcissistic," showing an understanding of how their words might come across to others. Overall, 'One Way Trip' is a deep and emotional song that talks about how people tend to follow the crowd and forget their individuality while trying to be popular.

Line by Line Meaning

This is a one way trip.
I am fully committed to this journey, with no turning back.

and I feel undone.
I am experiencing anxiety and uncertainty about the future.

the only thing keeping me going is knowing that my presence and absence mean something to someone else.
The thought that my life has an impact on others is the only thing that motivates me to keep moving forward.

and I like that joy division t-shirt you're wearing, just kidding, I hate it, they've got it, they've all fucking got it, goddamn, good goddamn.
I am making a sarcastic comment about the band on your shirt, recognizing that their popularity is causing their merchandise to be everywhere.

Well I have my doubts, and a crooked smile.
I am uncertain about the future, but trying to maintain positivity.

It don't take long to figure out what all these kids thought college was about
I quickly realized that most people in college were focused on partying and drugs rather than education or personal growth.

and I'll take what your stumbling steps speak with a grain of salt, and hope that your artist's rendition isn't a product of hopeless addiction
I will interpret your actions with caution, hoping that they come from a place of genuine creativity rather than addiction.

I don't hate you I just hate your drugs railing lines of popularity so we can't just how far down we've come.
I do not dislike you personally, but I hate the influence of drugs and widespread popularity, which blinds us to the consequences of our actions.

and I want to be so selfless and caring and most altruistic, but most of the time we judge the sadistic and you're probably thinking I'm narcissistic.
I aspire to be a better person, but recognize the challenge of overcoming societal norms and the perception of selfishness that comes with wanting to change them.

Contributed by William S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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