Meaning and Lyrics of Only One by Cassandra Jenkins

“Only One” by Cassandra Jenkins is a poignant reflection on love, longing, and the complexities of relationships. The lyrics paint a picture of inner turmoil and vulnerability, expressed through vivid imagery and introspective musings.

In the first verse, the imagery of being “sea sick at dawn” evokes a sense of disorientation and discomfort, setting the tone for the emotional journey the song takes. The act of “tearing off another page” and “punching the clock in the face” could symbolize a desire to break free from routine and monotony, hinting at a yearning for something more meaningful.

The second verse touches upon the speaker’s feelings of being ensnared in a cycle, where everything seems to lead back to a singular point represented by “your number.” This could suggest a central figure or a specific individual who holds significant influence over the speaker’s thoughts and emotions.

The chorus’s repetition of “You’re the only one I’ve ever loved, the only one that I know how to love” expresses a deep attachment and emotional dependency on this person. The repetition emphasizes the intensity and exclusivity of the speaker’s feelings, highlighting the struggle to define and understand their own capacity for love.

In the third verse, the comparison to “stick figure Sisyphus” and the mention of chest pain hint at themes of struggle and suffering. This could imply that the speaker feels burdened by their emotions and trapped in a seemingly endless cycle of longing and heartache, mirroring the Greek myth of Sisyphus condemned to roll a boulder uphill repeatedly.

The post-chorus’s questioning of “How long will this last?” reflects the uncertainty and doubt that pervade the speaker’s thoughts. It underscores the fleeting nature of emotions and relationships, raising questions about the impermanence of love and the transience of human connections.

The outro, with its repetition of “You’re the only one,” reinforces the central theme of the song and the significance of the person being addressed. The final lines repeated mantra-like further emphasize the all-encompassing nature of the speaker’s feelings and the deeply ingrained belief that this individual is irreplaceable.

Overall, “Only One” delves into the complexities of love, longing, and self-discovery, capturing the bittersweet essence of human relationships and the intricate interplay of emotions that define our experiences of intimacy and connection.