One Of A Kind
Placebo Lyrics


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On top of the world you get nothing done
Talk is cold and burns like the sun
Can't you see these skies are breaking?
Cause the top of the world is where I'm from

The back of the class is where I was
Keeping quiet, playing dumb
Can't you see these skies are breaking?
Cause the back of the class is where I'm from

I am one
I am, I am one
I am, I am, I am, I am

I'm on a race and it's killing time
I don't need yours I'll keep it with mine
Can't you see these skies are breaking?
Cause I'm on a race and I'm doing fine
Thank you

Two of a kind and no one home
I'm in a crowd and I'm still alone
Can't you see these skies are breaking?
Cause one of a kind is all I own

I am one
I am
I am one
I am I am I am I am I am

Out of the womb and into the void
I wanna try but I get annoyed
Can't you see these skies are breaking?
So out of the womb and into the void

I am one
I am
I am one
I am I am I am I am
I am one
I am
I am one
I am I am I am I am I am





On top of the world you get nothing done.

Overall Meaning

These lyrics from Placebo’s song One of a Kind explore the often paradoxical concept of success and individuality. The singer suggests that being on top of the world, where one would seemingly have everything, actually results in getting nothing done. This could suggest the isolation and pressure that comes with success, and how it can be a distraction from true fulfillment. The line “Talk is cold and burns like the sun” further emphasizes the harshness of this world and how even communication can be fraught with danger.


The singer then contrasts this with their position at the back of the class, where they played it safe by being quiet and pretending to be unintelligent. However, they recognize that even the skies are breaking in this position, which could suggest a sense of hope or opportunity amidst the less glamorous lifestyle. The repetition of “I am one” further emphasizes the theme of the individual standing out and making their own path, and the line “I’m on a race and it’s killing time” suggests a sense of urgency and pressure to succeed.


The chorus then reveals the main theme of the song, which is the pursuit of authenticity and individuality. The line “Two of a kind and no one home, I’m in a crowd and I’m still alone” highlights the paradox of feeling disconnected despite being surrounded by others who may appear similar. The final verse explores the frustration of being new to the world and wanting to try new things, but also feeling held back by the societal pressures and constraints. Overall, the song argues for the value of carving out one’s own path in life and forging a unique identity.


Line by Line Meaning

On top of the world you get nothing done
Being successful can become a lonely and seemingly empty place where there is nothing left to do.


Talk is cold and burns like the sun
Words can be hurtful and destructive, just like the extreme heat of the sun.


Can't you see these skies are breaking?
Things are changing and not necessarily for the better.


Cause the top of the world is where I'm from
I come from a place of success, where achievement is paramount, but it can lead to a sense of emptiness.


The back of the class is where I was, Keeping quiet, playing dumb
I used to hide from attention and go unnoticed, pretending to be less than I am.


I'm on a race and it's killing time, I don't need yours I'll keep it with mine
I'm on a path to success, but it's taking a toll on me. I'll get there on my own terms and in my own time.


Cause one of a kind is all I own
I am unique and special in my own way, and I embrace that instead of trying to fit in with the crowd.


Out of the womb and into the void, I wanna try but I get annoyed
From the moment I was born, I entered this world and all its uncertainties. I want to keep trying, but it can be frustrating.


I am one
I am individual, I am unique, and I embrace that.


I am, I am, I am, I am, I am
I am proud of who I am and want to be recognized for my accomplishments and individuality.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BRIAN MOLKO, STEFAN OLSDAL, STEVEN HEWITT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@CrazyGirl-dh4gp

"One Of A Kind"

On top of the world you get nothing done,
Talk is cold and burns like the sun,
Can't you see these skies are breaking?
Coz on top of the world is where I'm from..
The back of the class is where I was,
Keeping quiet, playing dumb,
Can't you see these skies are breaking?
Coz the back of the class is where I'm from ..

And I am one,
I am .
I am one,
I am, I am, I am, I am, I am.

I'm in a race and it's killing time,
I don't need yours I'll keep it with mine,
Can't you see these skies are breaking?
Coz I'm in a race and I'm doing fine,
Thank you.

Two of a kind and no one home,
I'm in a crowd and I'm still alone,
Can't you see these skies are breaking?
Cos one of a kind is all I own..

I am one,
I am.
I am one,
I am, I am, I am, I am, I am.

Out of the womb and into the void,
I wanna try but I get annoyed,
Can't you see these skies are breaking?
So out of the womb and into the void.

I am one,
I am.
I am one,
I am I am I am I am.
I am one,
I am.
I am one,
I am I am I am I am I am.

On top of the world you get nothing done.



All comments from YouTube:

@LynxGirl3

Placebo, вы в моем сердце навсегда ♡

@CrazyGirl-dh4gp

"One Of A Kind"

On top of the world you get nothing done,
Talk is cold and burns like the sun,
Can't you see these skies are breaking?
Coz on top of the world is where I'm from..
The back of the class is where I was,
Keeping quiet, playing dumb,
Can't you see these skies are breaking?
Coz the back of the class is where I'm from ..

And I am one,
I am .
I am one,
I am, I am, I am, I am, I am.

I'm in a race and it's killing time,
I don't need yours I'll keep it with mine,
Can't you see these skies are breaking?
Coz I'm in a race and I'm doing fine,
Thank you.

Two of a kind and no one home,
I'm in a crowd and I'm still alone,
Can't you see these skies are breaking?
Cos one of a kind is all I own..

I am one,
I am.
I am one,
I am, I am, I am, I am, I am.

Out of the womb and into the void,
I wanna try but I get annoyed,
Can't you see these skies are breaking?
So out of the womb and into the void.

I am one,
I am.
I am one,
I am I am I am I am.
I am one,
I am.
I am one,
I am I am I am I am I am.

On top of the world you get nothing done.

@galifeu1392

Crazy Girl thank you for lyric

@georgethompson8133

Warriors soundtrack

@justtofeelbetter7525

.

@dAvrilthebear

Thank you for the lyrics! I wonder if "out of the blue and into the void" is an allusion to Neil Young's "out of the blue and into the black". This came into my mind because "your needle and the damage done" from A Song to Say Goodbye is also a reference to Neil Young.

@henrylinks1087

it's about the vxxxine...avoid it, placebo has been warning us for ages now.

just look at twenty years...

God bless
much love

@KatjaXoxlova

спустя 6 лет эта песня для меня снова заиграла новыми красками... когда в первый раз, 6 лет назад, послушала эту песню - забыла моментально о той первой влюбленности. теперь слушаю в 2021, понимая, что нынешнюю влюбленность, не забуду, но хотя бы отвлеку себя этой песней, до следующей влюбленности. тяжело, но жизнь такая. спасибо пласам, с годами любая ваша песня только лучше <3

@patatastudios766

Love the vibes it gives

@levystrata9827

What a beautiful song!! Everytime I play it, makes me feel in a positive way. Thanks Placebo!!

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