Wells' success in the 1950s and 1960s was so enormous that she still ranks as the sixth most successful female vocalist in the history of the Billboard country charts according to historian Joel Whitburn's book "The Top 40 Country Hits", behind Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Reba McEntire, Tammy Wynette, and Tanya Tucker. Wells was the third country music artist, behind Roy Acuff and Hank Williams, to receive the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991 as well as being the seventh woman and first Caucasian woman to receive the honor. In 1976, she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
One By One
Kitty Wells Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It was you who lied it was me who paid
As sure as there's a heaven beyond the sun we'll pay for our lies one by one
My plans and hopes have tumbled down my castle of dreams plunged to the ground
How can you face me after what you've done
You've shattered my dreams one by one
One by one...
How can you go to sleep at night don't know mem'ries make you long for daylight
You'll pay the price after having your fun you'll regret each mistake one by one
The love I treasured you sold for gold and then you left me cold
You're happy now but the time will come your false love will lead you one by one
One by one...
The song "One by One" by Kitty Wells is a heartbreaking ballad about a failed relationship due to broken promises and lies. The lyrics describe the pain of a relationship that has fallen apart because of the lies of one person, leaving the other to suffer the consequences. It is clear that the singer believed in the promises of their partner, but was let down and ultimately paid the price for their trust.
The first verse highlights the betrayal that occurred in the relationship, with the singer feeling that they were the one who paid the price for their partner's lies. The line "my plans and hopes have tumbled down my castle of dreams plunged to the ground" emphasizes the severity of the impact of the lies on the singer's life, with all of their hopes and dreams falling apart. The second verse suggests that the guilty partner may also regret their actions, realizing that they will "pay the price" for their mistakes "one by one."
The chorus repeats the phrase "one by one" as a reminder that the consequences of their actions will catch up to them eventually. The lyrics are emotional and raw, with the singer expressing their anger and heartbreak at the betrayal they have experienced.
Overall, "One by One" is a powerful song that captures the pain of a failed relationship due to deceit and betrayal.
Line by Line Meaning
One by one we've broke each vow we made
We have broken every promise we made to each other, one by one.
It was you who lied it was me who paid
You were the one who deceived me, and I was the one who suffered the consequences.
As sure as there's a heaven beyond the sun we'll pay for our lies one by one
We will eventually face the consequences of our dishonesty, no matter what.
My plans and hopes have tumbled down my castle of dreams plunged to the ground
My dreams and aspirations have been crushed, my life is shattered.
How can you face me after what you've done
After betraying me, how can you still have the courage to face me?
You've shattered my dreams one by one
You have methodically destroyed every hope I had.
One by one...
Repetition of the title and the theme of things slowly falling apart.
How can you go to sleep at night don't know mem'ries make you long for daylight
How can you comfortably sleep at night not knowing that memories would haunt you in the morning?
You'll pay the price after having your fun you'll regret each mistake one by one
You will eventually suffer the consequences of your actions, and realize the gravity of every mistake you made, one after the other.
The love I treasured you sold for gold and then you left me cold
You sold the affection I cherished for your own gain, and then abandoned me when you no longer needed it.
You're happy now but the time will come your false love will lead you one by one
You may be content with your deceit right now, but eventually, every single act of deception will catch up to you.
One by one...
Repetition of the title and the theme of things slowly falling apart.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JACK ANGLIN, JIM ANGLIN, JOHNNIE WRIGHT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@patrickcummins976
My grandfather Red and Kitty Wells were made to sing together! I miss them both very much. Such loving sweet people, the both of them.
@chestersmith3624
Bob Seger Bob Seger music a card to have my Johnson on it you got what it takes Bob Seger
@joycestewart7227
I grew on this good music.
@brandslylucas694
Such a wonderful and talented singer, love listening to her songs, my favorite song ever
@brandslylucas694
Hello Joyce, how are you doing, hope you are good?
@barbarawagner5938
Daddy, I know how much you loved Kitty Wells. I know you're looking down from heaven smiling. You, will never know how much I love and miss you (November 19, 2008). It feels like yesterday we were together laughing and carrying on like we always did. My heart, will NEVER get over losing you. You were not only my Dad but my best friend. I love you, precious Angel. RIP Daddy, I love you.
@YeEt-fj2gf
🌹💐🌼🌻😥😥
@edejan
Beautiful duo! Kitty and Red were the real deal - the real pioneers. Few have been talented enough to keep up their tradition. Thanks for posting these great country legends!
@bobbymskaggs
True country music.You can feel the emotions flowing.
@barbarakaminski1695
Back then it was hill-billy
music.