After gaining a following as a popular live act on college campuses, the band has gained popular success since signing to Lava Records in 2005, with their singles "Love and Memories" and "Shattered (Turn the Car Around)" gaining mainstream radio airplay. Speaking with Songfacts in an interview, Roberge explained "Love and Memories" was inspired by the Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet movie, The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
The members of O.A.R. first came together in Rockville, Maryland in the basement of drummer Chris Culos' childhood home in 1996. As a young group of musicians, they were the prototype of the modern, self-starting band--taking charge of their fate by working the internet and building an identifiable sound. The band’s music, a rock/reggae fusion, consisted of songs that were fully accessible, yet teasingly elusive. Attracting fans all across the country, the band members toured relentlessly, pushing their album sales through boundless dedication and word-of-mouth appeal, never waiting for the industry to catch up. O.A.R. owes much of their success to piracy and Napster, the mp3 sharing engine. Around 2000, O.A.R.'s popularity greatly increased among college students because their song "Crazy Game of Poker" was a huge hit on Napster.
By the time the band had reached their 10 year anniversary together, they had sold over 1.2 million albums and performed in front of over 1 million people. Their studio record, Stories of a Stranger, produced radio favorites “Love and Memories” and “Heard the World” as well as mtvU’s Most Downloaded Video of 2006, “Lay Down.” The band followed up the successful release with a live double disc CD and DVD set, Live From Madison Square Garden, recorded during the band’s second sold-out performance at the prestigious arena.
Early in 2008, the band members holed themselves up in a studio in Los Angeles to work on their next project, All Sides. The album was released on July 15th.
The Heaven Songfacts reports that the first single from O.A.R.'s seventh studio album, King was released on June 7, 2011 on Wind-Up Records.
. For more information about O.A.R., go to www.ofarevolution.com.
One Shot
O.A.R. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I am starting to be brand new
Rome is burning you can taste the embers
I am walking hard on Spanish Stairs
My Saint was silence rapping on the door
Grown up defiant wanting so much more
(Starting over)
Me brand new, say
(Starting over)
Me brand new, say I say
Give me one shot at my life today
One shot at my life today
I don't want to be a stranger
Walk with millions, a delicate few
So sad how loneliness just follows you
New York City streets and avenues
Cut the concrete they march through
Me brand new, say
(Starting over)
Me brand new, say
(Starting over)
Me brand new, say I say
Give me one shot at my life today
One shot at my life today
I don't want to be a stranger
I don't want to be just a passerby
Stand in line wrapped around the world
I don't want to be just a parasite
Holding on tight
Holding on tight
I got this feeling and it's down in my bones
I got this feeling and it's burning up my soul
I got to get just one shot, baby one more day
Got to give me one shot today
I got this feeling just give me one day
The song "One Shot" by O.A.R. talks about starting over, embracing a new beginning and making the most of the one shot one has been given in life. The lyrics suggest that life is not a rehearsal, and it's crucial to make every moment count. The singer is not content with merely existing, but instead wants to live life to the fullest. The song also emphasizes the importance of not being held back by memories of the past and not letting fear deter one from taking risks.
The opening verse, "God, give me one shot, and I'll break right through", portrays an individual's plea to God for an opportunity to make a change and start anew. The lines "Me brand new, say/Starting over" are repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the singer's desire to transform his life. The chorus, "Give me one shot at my life today/I don't want to be a stranger," showcases the singer's urge to connect with the situations and people around him and not just pass by them.
The lyrics also celebrate the beauty of individuality and encourages one to stand out from the crowd. In the song, the singer speaks of walking hard on Spanish stairs, marching through the New York City streets, and not settling for anything less than what he deserves. The lines, "I don't want to be just a passerby/ Stand in line wrapped around the world," encourages individuals to take risks and make a difference in their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
God, give me one shot and I'll break right through
I need one opportunity to change my life and make a difference
I am starting to be brand new
I'm ready for a fresh start
Rome is burning you can taste the embers
The world is full of chaos and destruction
I am walking hard on Spanish Stairs
I'm determined to succeed and will work tirelessly to achieve my goals
My Saint was silence rapping on the door
My guiding force is something that is quiet and internal, not necessarily a religious figure
Grown up defiant wanting so much more
I've matured to the point where I know exactly what I want and I'm not going to stop until I get it
Give me one shot at my life today
I need one chance to make a difference in my life
I don't want to be a stranger
I want to be recognized and remembered for my contributions
Walk with millions, a delicate few
I want to be part of something bigger than myself, but still retain my individuality
So sad how loneliness just follows you
Despite being surrounded by people, loneliness can still feel pervasive
New York City streets and avenues
This is a place of great opportunity and excitement
Cut the concrete they march through
People are forging their own paths and overcoming obstacles with determination
I don't want to be just a passerby
I want to have a meaningful impact, not just be a spectator in life
Stand in line wrapped around the world
Don't want to be one of the masses, just another person waiting for their turn
I don't want to be just a parasite
I want to be actively contributing and adding value, not just taking and living off of others
Holding on tight
Grasping tightly onto the hope for a better future
I got this feeling and it's down in my bones
I have a deep-seated passion and conviction driving me forward
I got this feeling and it's burning up my soul
This passion is all-consuming, fueling every aspect of my being
I got to get just one shot, baby one more day
I need one more opportunity to make things happen
Got to give me one shot today
I'm ready and waiting for that one chance to make a difference
I got this feeling just give me one day
I just need one day to prove myself and make an impact
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: CHRISTOPHER KEUP, JERALD L. DEPIZZO JR., MARC ANDREW ROBERGE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind