Once
Mic Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

The sand of time keep flowing
I ask myself where am I going
Do I know do I really care
What will I do when I get there
Life is much more than seventy years
A billion tears or a million fears
It's more than a temporal thrill
What would I do if time stood still

I'm sorry I'm sorry x2

There's a girl in the corner
Got tears in her eyes
Got a gun in here one hand
I wish she'd realise
That there's more to this life than just suffering and pain

She says goodbye
She's got nothing to gain

Bridge I
She says that she's sorry
She says that she can't live life anymore
And I know that she's sorry
She cries out for help as she falls!

Chorus
You only live once my friend
You only live once
No second chance for you (repeat)

Now the girl in the corner is dead and has gone
But the pain that she leaves behind goes on and on
Her torment is greater than what it was
Separation from the One who loves her the most

Bridge 2
She says that she's sorry
She says can I try just one more time
He says that he's sorry
There nothing more I can do

Chorus 2x

Take it from me I wouldn't lie to you
Take it from me not gonna lie to you (repeat)

The sand of time keep flowing
I ask myself where am I going
Do I know do I really care
What will I do when I get there
Life is much more than seventy years
A billion tears or a million fears
It's more than a temporal thrill
What would I do if time stood still





Chorus

Overall Meaning

The song "Once" by Mic focuses on the value of life and the consequences of taking it for granted. The lyrics start with the reflection of the passing of time and the uncertainty of its destination. The singer expresses profound questions about life and whether it merely consists of temporal thrills or has a more profound meaning. The song mentions the dichotomy between a life worth living and one full of pain and suffering. The narrative speaks of a girl who ends her life, leaving nothing but pain and agony behind. The singer, who was a witness to the event, wishes he could have done something differently to help her. He emphasizes the fact that life is short and we only have one chance. Once it's gone, there is no coming back.


The song is a reflection of the fragility of life and the importance of valuing it. It is about realizing that life is much more than just existing, and we need to do something meaningful with it. The lyrics provoke the listeners to appreciate every day, to make it count, and to invest in experiences that are enjoyable and worthwhile. The song urges people not to take their lives or others' lives for granted, and to seek help when life becomes overwhelming.


Line by Line Meaning

The sand of time keep flowing
Time keeps moving forward


I ask myself where am I going
Wondering about the purpose and direction of life


Do I know do I really care
Uncertainty about personal desires and passions


What will I do when I get there
Contemplating actions to take when a destination is reached


Life is much more than seventy years
Life has more significance beyond the limited time we have


A billion tears or a million fears
Emphasizing the multitude of human experiences and emotions


It's more than a temporal thrill
Life is more than just temporary excitement or pleasure


What would I do if time stood still
Reflecting on personal goals and aspirations if there were no time constraints


There's a girl in the corner
Introducing a character in the story


Got tears in her eyes
Describing the girl's emotional state


Got a gun in here one hand
The girl is holding a weapon


I wish she'd realise
Expressing a desire for the girl to understand something important


That there's more to this life than just suffering and pain
Offering the perspective that life has more to offer than just negative experiences


She says goodbye
The girl decides to end her life


She's got nothing to gain
Feeling that there is nothing left to live for


She says that she's sorry
Revealing regret and remorse for her decision


She says that she can't live life anymore
Explaining the reason for her decision to end her life


And I know that she's sorry
Recognizing the girl's feelings of remorse


She cries out for help as she falls!
A final plea for assistance in the face of tragedy


You only live once my friend
Stating the importance of making the most of life


No second chance for you
Emphasizing the finality of life


Now the girl in the corner is dead and has gone
Reflecting on the girl's tragic end


But the pain that she leaves behind goes on and on
Highlighting the impact of the girl's death on those left behind


Her torment is greater than what it was
Suggesting that the girl's pain has been replaced by the suffering of those who cared for her


Separation from the One who loves her the most
Hinting at a spiritual interpretation of the girl's tragedy


She says can I try just one more time
Desperate plea for another chance at life


He says that he's sorry
A response to the girl's request that suggests help can no longer be given


There nothing more I can do
Accepting the finality of the situation


Take it from me I wouldn't lie to you
Advice given with honesty and sincerity


Not gonna lie to you
Reinforcing the honesty of the advice given




Contributed by Keira R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@lilmbaye29

No offense but Nas is one of the most intelligent, intellectual and open-minded Americans I've come across. He's not just rapper, he's a well rounded individual.

@GrowwieGY

thats right:dd

@colinvannunen3750

Q​@@GrowwieGY

@VictorMorales-mn8rg

It's true

@thismyname4682

This is the song that should of Won his first Grammy all them years ago.

@sallyconnor6841

Agreed. 11 years later still as relevant.

@czakialczikemwi

@@sallyconnor6841 It's not an 11 year old song, it's from 2001 actually.

@sallyconnor6841

@@czakialczikemwi thank you, truly, for correcting me! Such an incredible song. Take care!

@czakialczikemwi

@@sallyconnor6841 No problem, have a nice day.

@esotericguru7111

Nah If I Ruled The World. He was runner up to LL Cool J Hey Luv.

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