If you’re a fan of alternative rock, you might have heard of R.E.M. The band was formed in Athens, Georgia in 1980 and became one of the most influential bands of the 80s and 90s. One of their most popular songs is “The One I Love”, which was released in 1987. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the lyrics of this iconic song.
The First Verse
The first verse of “The One I Love” goes like this:
This one goes out to the one I love
This one goes out to the one I’ve left behind
A simple prop to occupy my time
This one goes out to the one I love
As you can see, the lyrics are pretty straightforward. The singer is dedicating the song to someone he loves, but has left behind. He describes the person as a “simple prop” that he uses to occupy his time. The repetition of “This one goes out to the one I love” emphasizes the dedication of the song to this person.
The Chorus
The chorus of “The One I Love” is short but impactful:
This one goes out to the one I love
This one goes out to the one I’ve left behind
Another prop has occupied my time
This one goes out to the one I love
Once again, we see the repetition of the dedication to the person the singer loves. The line “Another prop has occupied my time” suggests that the singer has moved on to someone else, but still feels a strong attachment to the person he left behind.
The Second Verse
The second verse of “The One I Love” is slightly different from the first:
Fire!
Fire!
This one goes out to the one I love
This one goes out to the one I’ve left behind
A simple prop to occupy my time
This one goes out to the one I love
The use of the word “fire” in the beginning of the verse adds an element of urgency and danger to the song. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the dedication to the person the singer loves.
The Bridge
The bridge of “The One I Love” is short but powerful:
This one goes out to the one I love
This one goes out to the one I’ve left behind
Another prop has occupied my time
This one goes out to the one I love
The repetition of the chorus once again emphasizes the dedication to the person the singer loves. The line “Another prop has occupied my time” suggests that the singer is still searching for something, but hasn’t found it yet.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, “The One I Love” is a simple but powerful song that captures the essence of love and longing. The repetition of the dedication to the person the singer loves emphasizes the depth of his feelings. The use of the word “fire” adds an element of danger and urgency to the song. Overall, “The One I Love” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with fans of alternative rock.
