Only One
The Cummings Lyrics


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Don't want much,
Just a hand to hold to give me grace growin' old as I slow down
Midnight touch
To say "You'll be all right, you're gonna make it through the night for the go-round."
Watchin' what you've been doin'
Reminding me of that lady I once knew
I'm lookin' for a lover that's worth pursuin'
Honey could it be you? Could it be you?

Darlin, darlin', darlin, darlin, a little closer
Can't you see that I'm lonely?
Oh my lover, lover, please discover, a little bit more
You might be my one and only

Don't ask much
Just a hand to hold and understand growin' old as I slow on down
Midnight touch
To say "You'll be all right, you're gonna make it through the night for another round."
Thinkin' 'bout things you been sayin'
Reminding me of that lady I once knew
I'm lookin' for a lover that's worth pursuin'
Honey could it be you? Could it be you?

Darlin, darlin', darlin, darlin, a little closer
Can't you see that I'm lonely?
Lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely




Oh my lover, lover, please discover, a little bit more
You might be my one and only

Overall Meaning

The Cummings’s song "Only One" is a heartfelt plea for companionship and love. The lyrics express the desire for a simple yet meaningful relationship where the singer can find comfort and support as they grow old. The opening lines set the tone for the song, as the singer reveals that they are not asking for much, just a hand to hold and someone to give them grace as they slow down. The midnight touch referenced in the song is a tender reminder that everything will be alright, and the listener will make it through the night for another go-round.


The lyrics also reference a past lover, who reminds the singer of someone they once knew. This may indicate that the singer has a certain type that they are looking for in a partner. The chorus repeats the sentiment that they are lonely and in search of someone who they may have finally found. The repetition of the word "darling" reflects the longing for connection and the singer’s plea to draw closer to their potential partner. The song ends with the singer asking if it could be them who they have been searching for all this time.


Overall, "Only One" is a touching and soulful song about the search for love and companionship in life. The simplicity of the lyrics mirrors the singer's desire for a simple yet meaningful relationship. They seek a partner who can ease their loneliness and provide comfort just by being there.


Line by Line Meaning

Don't want much, Just a hand to hold to give me grace growin' old as I slow down
I am not asking for anything extraordinary, just someone to hold my hand and provide me with comfort and kindness as I age and my pace slows down.


Midnight touch To say 'You'll be all right, you're gonna make it through the night for the go-round.'
A reassuring touch from a loved one in the middle of the night, saying that everything will be alright and I will make it through the difficult times.


Watchin' what you've been doin' Reminding me of that lady I once knew
Observing your actions makes me remember a special lady from my past.


I'm lookin' for a lover that's worth pursuin' Honey could it be you? Could it be you?
I am searching for a romantic partner who is worthy of my pursuit, could it be you?


Darlin, darlin', darlin, darlin, a little closer Can't you see that I'm lonely?
Dearest, please come closer, do you not see that I am feeling lonely?


Oh my lover, lover, please discover, a little bit more You might be my one and only
My lover, I implore you to uncover more of yourself, you could be the one and only for me.


Don't ask much Just a hand to hold and understand growin' old as I slow on down
I am not asking for anything substantial, just someone to hold my hand and empathize with me while I age and slow down.


Midnight touch To say 'You'll be all right, you're gonna make it through the night for another round.'
A comforting touch in the middle of the night, reassuring me that I will be okay and I will get through the challenges to come.


Thinkin' 'bout things you been sayin' Reminding me of that lady I once knew
I am reflecting on the things you have said, making me remember a special woman from my past.


I'm lookin' for a lover that's worth pursuin' Honey could it be you? Could it be you?
I am on the hunt for a romantic partner who is worthy of my attention, could it be you?


Darlin, darlin', darlin, darlin, a little closer Can't you see that I'm lonely? Lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely
Dearest, please come closer, do you not see that I am feeling incredibly lonely and isolated?


Oh my lover, lover, please discover, a little bit more You might be my one and only
My love, I implore you to explore more of yourself, you may be the only one for me.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BURTON CUMMINGS

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

@dougvoice

Words to this song : Don't want much,
Just a hand to hold to give me grace growin' old as I slow down
Midnight touch
To say "You'll be all right, you're gonna make it through the night for the go-round."
Watchin' what you've been doin'
Reminding me of that lady I once knew
I'm lookin' for a lover that's worth pursuin'
Honey could it be you? Could it be you?
Darlin, darlin', darlin, darlin, a little bit closer
Can't you see that I'm lonely?
Oh my lover, lover, please discover, a little bit more
You might be my one and only
Don't ask much
Just a hand to hold and understand growin' old as I slow on down
Midnight touch
To say "You'll be all right, you're gonna make it through the night for another round."
Thinkin' 'bout things you been sayin'
Reminding me of that lady I once knew
I'm lookin' for a lover that's worth pursuin'
Honey could it be you? Could it be you?
Darlin, darlin', darlin, darlin, a little bit closer
Can't you see that I'm lonely?
Lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely
Oh my lover, lover, please discover, a little bit more
You might be my one and only



All comments from YouTube:

@drcarter1229

Burton never fails to surprise and delight with his music! Aren't we all fortunate to have his music? What a talent!!!

@mattzekan4971

I don't know why this tune wasn't ever on a cool movie soundtrack , easily Burton's best song in his solo career .

@galactic904

I agree wholeheartedly. Imagine this song in a Tv series playing while a guy is driving his car right after his first argument with his new girlfriend.

@russlupky3505

​@galactic904 I was hoping this would have appeared in the movie Burton starred in but instead the song was "You saved my soul"....was hoping it would have been this one...the movie was called Melanie with him...Glenys O'Conner and Paul Sorvino

@ClintScottFischer

There's so many elements of this song I love: The chorus feels like Motown, but the verses and the bridges are darker, and the way they both entwine is just musical genius, and that's what Burton is.

@TheMapkiss

Yes I agree. This song is his absolute best and has so many moving parts to it including his voice never being better. A gem that only a few of us know about.

@lornamichano5914

This man's an Icon, I have loved him and the guys with the Guess Who since 1969. His , Their music has a Special place in my heart.

@mattzekan4971

Rush is shit

@lucienne4826

Such a beautiful song! Beautiful voice!

@levi-n-lilly7381

Yes it is!

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