One Way Street
Stevie Ann Lyrics


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Waiting with my lonely heart
People come by like some fast cars
It all seemed so perfectly fine
Happy faces in those lovely pictures
Smiling like they've got something to hide
It all went by so fast

Chorus
Making me happy wasn't good enough
Breaking me down was at least a start
Looking for another way to follow
But the only one left was straight ahead
That was the story ‘bout you and me where we got stuck in a one way street

Searching for yourself and searching for the person who you'd like be
Treating me like I was a little kid
So unfair those rules you made
Making them up while I wasn't awake
Baby this is not how it's supposed to be

Chorus

And I didn't want it to be over baby
And I didn't wanna lose you this way
And you, you made me run away baby
Cause you couldn't stand your fears

Chorus





Chorus

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Stevie Ann's song "One Way Street" tell a story of a relationship that has gone awry. The singer feels a sense of disillusionment and loneliness as they observe others' seemingly perfect lives passing by. The happy faces in pictures hide something beneath the surface, and everything seemed to move too quickly. The chorus reflects the singer's feelings of inadequacy, as their attempts to make their partner happy were not enough. Instead, their partner's actions served to break them down emotionally. They yearn for another way to navigate the relationship, but the only option remaining is to move forward in a one-way street where they feel trapped.


The second verse explores the search for personal identity and the desire to be treated as an equal. The singer feels belittled by their partner, who imposes unfair rules and makes decisions without their input, as if they were a child. This treatment feels unjust, especially because they were unaware of their partner's actions while they were asleep or unaware. The singer expresses that this is not how a relationship is supposed to be, emphasizing the lack of mutual respect and equality.


In the final chorus, the singer expresses their reluctance for the relationship to end and their fear of losing their partner. However, they feel compelled to run away because their partner could not confront their own fears. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the stuck and unfulfilling nature of the relationship, ultimately reinforcing the theme of feeling trapped in a one-way street.


Line by Line Meaning

Waiting with my lonely heart
Sitting alone, feeling lonely and longing for love


People come by like some fast cars
Other people come and go quickly like speeding cars


It all seemed so perfectly fine
Everything appeared to be going well


Happy faces in those lovely pictures
Smiling faces captured in beautiful photos


Smiling like they've got something to hide
Their smiles conceal secrets or hidden pain


It all went by so fast
Everything happened quickly and without warning


Making me happy wasn't good enough
My happiness did not satisfy or fulfill you


Breaking me down was at least a start
You began to break me emotionally, at least it was a beginning for you


Looking for another way to follow
Searching for a different path or direction to take


But the only one left was straight ahead
The only option remaining was to continue forward in the same direction


That was the story ‘bout you and me where we got stuck in a one way street
Our story is about how we became trapped in a situation with no way out


Searching for yourself and searching for the person who you'd like be
Trying to find your true identity and striving to become the person you desire


Treating me like I was a little kid
You treated me as if I were a child, lacking respect or understanding


So unfair those rules you made
The rules you imposed on me were unjust and unreasonable


Making them up while I wasn't awake
Creating rules or expectations without my awareness or consent


Baby this is not how it's supposed to be
This is not how our relationship was meant to be or how love should feel


And I didn't want it to be over baby
I did not want our relationship to end, my love


And I didn't wanna lose you this way
I did not want to lose you in such a painful manner


And you, you made me run away baby
You, my love, drove me to flee from the situation


Cause you couldn't stand your fears
Because you were unable to confront and overcome your own fears




Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

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