MacColl began her career in the late 1970s UK punk rock scene, singing backing vocals for Drug Addix. Her UK hits included the 1981 single "There's a Guy Works Down the Chip Shop Swears He's Elvis", a cover of Billy Bragg's "A New England" in 1985, a duet with Shane MacGowan of The Pogues on "Fairytale of New York" in 1987, and a cover of The Kinks' song "Days" in 1989. She was probably most recognizable in the United States as the writer of "They Don't Know" a hit in 1979.
After a break from the music industry for much of the 1990s, several trips to Cuba and Brazil restored MacColl's creative muse, and the world music-inspired (particularly Cuban and other Latin American forms) Tropical Brainstorm, often described as her finest work, was released in 2000.
On 18 December 2000, while swimming in a restricted diving area with her family on a holiday in Cozumel, she was killed in a collision with a powerboat while managing to drag her son out of its path. The boat was owned by Mexican supermarket millionaire Guillermo González Nova (owner of Comercial Mexicana), who was on board with several members of his family. A boathand, José Cen Yam, claimed to have been driving the boat and was found guilty of culpable homicide and, under Mexican law, allowed to pay a fine of 1034 pesos (about USD 90) in lieu of a prison sentence of that many days. However, eyewitnesses contradict Cen Yam's claim to have been driving and also González Nova's claim that the boat was travelling at a speed of only one knot. MacColl's family are campaigning for a judicial review into the events surrounding her death, including an application to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The BBC has featured on several of its channels a documentary by Olivia Lichtenstein, entitled Who Killed Kirsty MacColl?
In 2001, a bench was placed by the southern entrance to London's Soho Square as a memorial to her, after a lyric from one of her most poignant songs: "One day I'll be waiting there/ No empty bench inSoho Square.
The One And Only
Kirsty MacColl Lyrics
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Just when you're ready to pack it all in
You tear it down and start over again
But I'm not down for the first time
Maybe I'll always be the one and only girl for me
I never minded the rain on my face
I knew the sun lived in some other place
But I'm not down for the first time
Maybe I'll always be the one and only girl for me
Sometimes your life isn't going too well
Sometimes it reads like a postcard from hell
I've made my mistakes I suppose you can tell
Some lives read like a postcard
And some lives read like a book
I'll be happy if mine
Doesn't read like a joke from an old Christmas cracker
In Kirsty MacColl's song "The One and Only," she discusses the struggles of life and how it can be difficult to keep moving forward. The lyrics depict the idea that sometimes it seems like no matter how hard you try, you just can't seem to make things work. However, the song is also about perseverance and not giving up. Kirsty MacColl sings about how when things get tough, she tears it down and starts over again. She acknowledges that she has made mistakes in life, but those mistakes are what make her who she is.
The line "Maybe I'll always be the one and only girl for me" is a powerful statement about self-love and self-acceptance. The song is about finding peace and happiness within yourself, rather than seeking validation or acceptance from others. Kirsty MacColl's lyrics remind us that we are all unique and special individuals, and that we should embrace ourselves for who we are.
Overall, "The One and Only" is a song that encourages us to never give up and to keep moving forward. It is a reminder that even when life gets tough, we need to believe in ourselves and our abilities.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes it feels like you will never win
It is common to experience feelings of defeat and despair during difficult times.
Just when you're ready to pack it all in
During these times, it is easy to feel like giving up is the only option left.
You tear it down and start over again
However, sometimes it is necessary to deconstruct the situation and start anew in order to find success.
But I'm not down for the first time
The artist has faced adversity before and is not easily defeated.
Maybe I'll always be the one and only girl for me
The artist is self-sufficient and finds comfort in their own company.
I never minded the rain on my face
The singer is resilient and does not let external circumstances affect their inner strength and resolve.
I knew the sun lived in some other place
The singer understands that sometimes it takes effort and persistence to find the positivity and happiness in life.
I had to go I just needed the space
The artist recognizes the value of time and space in self-discovery and growth.
Sometimes your life isn't going too well
Life is unpredictable and full of ups and downs.
Sometimes it reads like a postcard from hell
In some cases, life can feel overwhelming and unbearable.
I've made my mistakes I suppose you can tell
The singer acknowledges their imperfections and past mistakes with humility.
Some lives read like a postcard
Everyone's life is unique and has its own set of challenges and experiences.
And some lives read like a book
Some people have a more straightforward and predictable journey in life.
I'll be happy if mine
The singer aspires for contentment and fulfillment in their own life.
Doesn't read like a joke from an old Christmas cracker
The singer hopes that their life carries meaning and substance rather than being superficial and insignificant.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: KIRSTY ANNA MACCOLL, MARK EDWARD CASCIAN NEVIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind