One Time Girl
The Souls Lyrics

The lyrics of The Soul's song "One Time Girl" depict a nostalgic narrative about a seemingly fleeting romantic encounter. The singer reminisces about being near a schoolyard on an early summer Sunday morning, reflecting on a past love interest who had a significant impact on them. The imagery of the quiet, tranquil setting of the schoolyard contrasts with the internal turmoil the singer experiences as they recall the feelings of loss associated with this person.

The lyrics suggest a sense of longing and reflection as the singer remembers the person who "lost" them. The mention of being "up" while she was "down" hints at a disconnect or mismatch in their relationship, where one party may have been more invested or emotionally available than the other. This dynamic is further emphasized by the line "Every time I give a try, she gives me the evil eye," indicating a lack of reciprocation or possibly even rejection from the other person.

The repeated refrain of "She was the one time" underscores the transient nature of this particular relationship or encounter. The term "one time girl" conveys a sense of uniqueness and irreplaceability, suggesting that this person held a special significance in the singer's life, even if their connection was short-lived or unfulfilled. The wistful tone of the song conveys a mix of regret, longing, and acceptance of the fact that some relationships are meant to be fleeting, leaving a lasting impact despite their brevity.

As the song progresses, the singer reflects on a moment when they tried to express their feelings to this person, but there was a sense of misunderstanding or missed opportunity. The mention of "the one time I told her, didn't see" hints at a moment of vulnerability or confession that may have gone unnoticed or unreciprocated. The unresolved nature of this interaction adds a layer of bittersweet complexity to the song, capturing the poignant essence of a love that was ephemeral yet deeply impactful.