One Life

Introduction, emphasizing the significance of one life.

Reiteration of the idea that life is singular and precious.

We only got one life, one life

We only got one life, one life

We only got one life to live

Reflects on parental influence, ambitions, and the contrast between dreams and reality, hinting at a sense of entitlement.

They said you were good at this

So why the fuck ain’t noone buyin?

Your mother musta been lyin

Fillin your head up with them dreams that you could rule the world

Guess she was an optimist

Mmhmm and now you got the hunger

She didn’t mean to raise a narcissist

She actually believed that you could rule the world

Relates a journey to New York City, highlighting the struggle to stand out amidst competition, emphasizing the transient nature of success, and the urgency of making the most of life.

Went off to New York City with stars in your eyes

Thinkin that everything was coming your way

But all the other kids were doing the same

They got the memo they could be anything

Findin a way to get by, you did whatever you could

Sayin that it was all a means to an end

Yeah but ya never know when it will end

And you only got one life to live whooah

Chorus emphasizing the fleeting nature of life, questioning what it takes to make life more meaningful or impactful.

Oooooh

You only got one life to live

What’s it take to raise the bets?

Naaaooooohhhhhhhhh

You only got one life to live

What’s it take to raise the dead?

Reiteration of the preciousness and singularity of life.

We only got one life, one life

We only got one life, one life

We only got one life, one life

We only got one life to live

Continuation of the struggle to find purpose and significance, expressing a desire for significance akin to oxygen, lamenting the passage of time, and the struggle to make a lasting impact.

I wish I could be oxygen

So I could make myself useful

I’d take my liberty and value

Shake it out all over the world just so they’d know my worth

But it don’t really matter what I have to say, it’s just a day

And then I gotta move on with it

Don’t wanna live on the dock of the bay

While it all rolls away, over and over again

PC 1

Went off to New York City with stars in your eyes

Thinkin that everything was goin your way

Didn’t realize that it was a game

Everybody wants the same thing

Findin a way to get by, you did whatever you could

Sayin that it was all a means to an end

Took it further than you like to admit

And you only got one life to live whooah

Repeated chorus questioning the actions needed to give life more meaning.

Oooooh

You only got one life to live

What’s it take to raise the bets?

Naaaooooohhhhhhhhh

You only got one life to live

What’s it take to raise the dead?

Repeated emphasis on the singularity and preciousness of life.

We only got one life, one life

We only got one life, one life

We only got one life, one life

We only got one life to live

Closing with a vocalization, possibly signifying the emotional weight or intensity of the song's message.

Ooooohhhhhhhhhhhhh

Ooooohhhhhhhhhhhhh