One way
Stryken Lyrics
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Years went by, no happier you'd see
Sitting 'round, that "charlie brown" tree
Enter in, worldly pleasures
You weren't the first, nor be the last to fall
Sometimes it takes a part, sometimes it takes it all
The chemicals, you used so heavily
Looking all around there's got to be...
One way (one way)
One way (one way)
The days and nights to follow
No longer light, was shinning from this tower
Where do you think you're coming from
Where are you really going
Driving through the night you stop!
You tossed, and you turned
And you turned, and you tossed, it's the middle night
In bed you claw, as you climb the walls
But it's out of sight
Rolloff! To the right side of the bed
Rolloff! To the left side (to the left side)
Everybody knows, there's only...
One way (one way)
One way (one way)
One way! Looking upward to the sky
One way! Looking after me until I die
One way! Wipe the tears from eyes
One way!!
The song "One Way" by Stryken is a powerful piece that talks about how one can be easily led astray by earthly pleasures such as drugs and alcohol, and the only way out is to turn to God. The first verse sets the stage for the story, opening with a description of a lovely family. However, time passes, and the joy that was once the family's life becomes a distant memory. The singer paints an image of the family sitting around a "Charlie Brown tree" indicating that the family is struggling financially or emotionally. In contrast, worldly pleasures come in to fill the gap, and they eventually lead to addiction.
The chorus clearly echoes a message of hope, with the singer imploring the listener to look up to the sky and trust in God as the only way out. The singer acknowledges that the path might be challenging, and at times, one might feel like clawing and climbing the walls, but salvation is only a step away. The final chorus presents a hopeful message, explicitly asking God to wipe away the tears of those who follow the narrow path.
This song is a call to action for those that feel they have lost their way by chasing after worldly pleasures. The song encourages them to look to God for a way back to the right path, away from addiction and despair.
Line by Line Meaning
It started off, a lovely family
The story starts with a happy family.
Years went by, no happier you'd see
Even after years, the family's happiness did not improve.
Sitting 'round, that "charlie brown" tree
They are sitting under a tree, possibly feeling hopeless like Charlie Brown.
Enter in, worldly pleasures
They welcomed worldly pleasures to try and fill the void.
You weren't the first, nor be the last to fall
They are not the only ones who have fallen into this trap.
Sometimes it takes a part, sometimes it takes it all
Addiction can take away everything or only a part of someone's life.
The chemicals, you used so heavily
They became heavily reliant on drugs or alcohol.
You're bound by sin, you're no longer free
Addiction is like a sin, it holds you captive and prevents freedom.
Looking all around there's got to be...
They are searching for a different way to live but are unsure what to do.
One way (one way)
They discovered there is only one way out of addiction.
The days and nights to follow
Subsequent days and nights after discovering the one way.
No longer light, was shinning from this tower
The light that was once there (hope) is gone.
Where do you think you're coming from
They are questioning their past mistakes and where it led them.
Where are you really going
They are searching for direction and purpose in life.
Driving through the night you stop!
They are driving through the night, possibly while searching for answers and realize they need to stop.
You tossed, and you turned
They are struggling to sleep and are restless.
And you turned, and you tossed, it's the middle night
They are still awake in the middle of the night.
In bed you claw, as you climb the walls
They are writhing in bed, unable to sleep.
But it's out of sight
The solution to their problems is not yet apparent.
Rolloff! To the right side of the bed
They physically roll off their bed to the right side, implying desperation.
Rolloff! To the left side (to the left side)
They physically roll off their bed to the left side, still searching for answers.
Everybody knows, there's only...
Everyone eventually comes to realize that there is only one answer.
One way (one way)
Again, they discovered there is only one way out of addiction.
One way! Looking upward to the sky
They look to the sky, possibly in prayer or hope.
One way! Looking after me until I die
They found hope in the one way and believe it will guide them throughout their life until death.
One way! Wipe the tears from eyes
They are crying but believe the one way will bring them peace and joy.
One way!!
The repetition of the one way shows that it is key to their life and journey.
Contributed by Charlie E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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