Stephen Bishop (born 14 November 1951 in San Diego, California) is an Ameri… Read Full Bio ↴Stephen Bishop (born 14 November 1951 in San Diego, California) is an American singer and guitarist. He had a major hit in 1977 with the song "On and On"; his other hits include "Save It for a Rainy Day," "Everybody Needs Love," and "It Might Be You," the theme from the movie Tootsie. He has also performed many movie themes, including the theme from National Lampoon's Animal House, which he sang in a falsetto voice. He also has a cameo role in that film as the aspiring folksinger whose guitar is smashed by John Belushi in one of the best scenes in the movie. Bishop still keeps the smashed guitar as a memento. Shortly after he appeared in another John Landis movie, The Blues Brothers, as the 'charming trooper' who breaks his watch during the mall chase.

Bishop's song "Separate Lives," from the movie White Nights, was nominated for an Academy Award in 1985, losing out to "Say You, Say Me" from the same film. Bishop wrote it about his breakup with actress Karen Allen, who also appeared in Animal House.

Patrick Bateman, the fictional anti-hero from Bret Easton Ellis' American Psycho, is an avowed fan of Stephen Bishop.

Looking For The Right One
Stephen Bishop Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I've been so unlucky
I'm no good at playing games
I remember their faces
Forget their names

Thought I found the right one
But she hasn't found me
So I bundle up my emotions and start

Looking for the right one
But will the right one ever come along
I'm looking for the right one
When will the right one come along

They say there's no use running
After something
You'll never get

But my heart says don't say no
Somewhere in this lonely city
Is the woman for me
But will I wait another lifetime to keep on

CHORUS

They say love always comes and goes
Well, that I already know
Yes I really know

CHORUS

Overall Meaning

Stephen Bishop's 'Looking For the Right One' is a poignant song lamenting the singer's search for the love that he craves, but hasn't yet found. The lyrics are deeply personal and honest, and speak to universal human experiences of loss, loneliness, and hope. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the song, as Bishop admits to his own shortcomings in love, admitting that he's 'no good at playing games'. The second stanza reveals the pain of his past heartbreaks, saying that he remembers the faces of his ex-lovers, but has forgotten their names. This clever play on memory highlights the transience of relationships, and Bishop's inability to find lasting love.

The chorus of the song is the most memorable and emotional part, as Bishop pleads with the universe to send him the love he so desperately desires. He sings, 'Looking for the right one, but will the right one ever come along? I'm looking for the right one, when will the right one come along?' These lyrics are both heart-breaking and optimistic, as Bishop admits that he's still searching for the 'right one', but remains hopeful that he will find her someday. The final stanza is a bittersweet reflection on love, as Bishop acknowledges that love is not always easy, and that it comes and goes. However, despite this, he still holds onto the hope that he will find love someday, and that it will be worth the wait.

Line by Line Meaning

I've been so unlucky
I have not had good luck in romantic relationships

I'm no good at playing games
I am not skilled at manipulating people or situations to my advantage in relationships

I remember their faces
I recall the physical appearance of the people I have dated

Forget their names
I have difficulty remembering the names of people I have dated

Thought I found the right one
I believed that I had found a compatible partner

But she hasn't found me
The person I thought was the right one does not reciprocate my feelings

So I bundle up my emotions and start
I suppress any emotional attachment and begin anew

Looking for the right one
I search for a compatible partner

But will the right one ever come along
I question if I will ever find a compatible partner

I'm looking for the right one
I am actively seeking a compatible partner

When will the right one come along
I wonder when I will find a compatible partner