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The Only One
Sons & Lovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What the hell was I supposed to do
You won't look at me like you used to
Every single time I gamble I lose
If I ever held a royal flush in my hand
Slipped right through my fingers just like sand
Way things turned out's not the way I planned
I'll be damned
I never should have strung you along
I'd take it back if I could
I would
I paid the light bill just to see your face
Darkness descended on me in that place
Settled slow and steadily
Like a Guinness in a glass
If I knew back then what I know now
Would not have been so quick to put you down
I hope some day I will see you around
Please look me in the eye
I was wrong
I never should have strung you along
I'd take it all back if I could
I would
I would
I would
In "The Only One," the singer is seeking forgiveness from a former love interest. The opening lines suggest that the singer has moved on physically but not emotionally from the former lover. The singer describes how they kissed someone who bore a resemblance to their former lover as an attempt to move on, but this ultimately failed. The singer expresses regret for their actions, acknowledging that they strung their former lover along with their confusion and uncertainty. Additionally, the singer expresses that they would take it all back if they could and that they miss the former lover's presence in their life.
Throughout the song, the singer mentions gambling and losing, indicating that they had taken risks that did not turn out in their favor. The image of a Royal Flush, a strong hand in poker, slipping through the singer's fingers further emphasizes this idea of missed opportunities. The song also includes a beer metaphor, describing the way darkness descended upon the singer like a Guinness settling in a glass. The song ends with a plea for the former lover to look at them in the eye, suggesting that the singer hopes to make amends and move forward.
Overall, "The Only One" is an emotional and introspective song that deals with the aftermath of a relationship gone wrong. The singer's regret and lingering feelings for their former lover are palpable, and the song's honest lyrics make it a relatable and powerful track.
Line by Line Meaning
I only kissed him cause he looked like you
Seeing someone who resembles you made me long for you so much that I ended up kissing them
What the hell was I supposed to do
I didn't know how else to cope with my longing for you
You won't look at me like you used to
I sense that you've lost interest in me and it hurts me deeply
Every single time I gamble I lose
I take risks hoping to win your affection back, but instead I always end up disappointed
If I ever held a royal flush in my hand
If I ever got lucky with something important, like winning your love back
Slipped right through my fingers just like sand
It always seems to slip away from me, like sand through fingers
Way things turned out's not the way I planned
Things didn't go according to my plans
I'll be damned
I'm frustrated and disappointed with how things have turned out
I was wrong
I realize now that I made mistakes in the way I treated you
I never should have strung you along
I shouldn't have kept you waiting and expecting something from me when I wasn't sure about my own feelings
I'd take it back if I could
If it was possible to undo what's been done, I would do it in a heartbeat
I paid the light bill just to see your face
I went to great lengths just to have the chance to see you, even if it meant sacrificing other things
Darkness descended on me in that place
I felt overwhelmed by emotions and sadness
Settled slow and steadily
It felt like a heavy weight that gradually got heavier
Like a Guinness in a glass
The heaviness felt like a drink settling in a glass
If I knew back then what I know now
If I had the knowledge and wisdom I have now, things could have been different
Would not have been so quick to put you down
I regret having been dismissive of you and your feelings
I hope some day I will see you around
I wish for another chance to make things right and see you in a better light
Please look me in the eye
I want to connect with you and express my sincerity
I'd take it all back if I could
I would do anything to have a second chance and make things right
I would
I am sincere in my apologies and desire to start over
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Katie Powderly
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@aidanlewis3083
Am still listening and loving this tune
@dannypeavey
Still listening
@niskelo
beautiful meaning to the lyrics and the video. Greetinfs from Belgium
@neolacartledge7432
This sons always makes me cry!! Especially when I see the video!!
@Crismis5
this made me cry. so beautiful. great work guys.
@Rold228
Awesome video, and even better song!! Keep it up guys.
@itcouldbelupus2842
I wish these guys keot making music
@aidanlewis3083
Wish we had music like this still, sad that it's all gone through a terrible satanic mess! Best song on YouTube hands down
@nicoleonian
Pleaseeeeeeeee come back to Aberystwyth again :) muchos love - girl front and center. was awesome meeting you after :)
@JakeRoberts97
You guys are amazing! You defiantly need to come back to Manchester some time!