Lyrics: One Of Us by ABBA
They passed me by, all of those great romances You were, I felt, robbing me of my rightful chances My picture clear, everything seemed so easy And so I dealt you the blow One of us had to go Now it's different, I want you to know One of us is crying One of us is lying In her lonely bed Staring at the ceiling Wishing she was somewhere else instead One of us is lonely One of us is only Waiting for a call Sorry for herself, feeling stupid feeling small Wishing she had never left at all I saw myself as a concealed attraction I felt you kept me away from the heat and the action Just like a child, stubborn and misconceiving That's how I started the show One of us had to go Now I've changed and I want you to know One of us is crying One of us is lying In her lonely bed Staring at the ceiling Wishing she was somewhere else instead One of us is lonely One of us is only Waiting for a call Sorry for herself, feeling stupid feeling small Wishing she had never left at all Never left at all Staring at the ceiling Wishing she was somewhere else instead One of us is lonely One of us is only Waiting for a call
Understanding the Heartache: A Look into “One Of Us”
Regret and Reflection
“One Of Us” by ABBA is a poignant exploration of heartbreak, regret, and the longing for what once was. The song opens with a sense of missed opportunities and personal grievances, as the narrator reflects on feeling deprived of love and happiness. The lyrics immediately set a tone of introspection, revealing how the narrator once believed that leaving would solve her problems, only to discover the deep sense of loss that followed.
The Pain of Separation
The chorus powerfully captures the solitude and sorrow of a broken relationship. Lines like “One of us is crying, one of us is lying / In her lonely bed / Staring at the ceiling / Wishing she was somewhere else instead” highlight the emotional turmoil experienced in the aftermath of a breakup. The repeated imagery of lying awake and longing for a different reality underscores the universal nature of heartbreak. The song’s honesty about feelings of stupidity and smallness makes it deeply relatable for anyone who has questioned their decisions after love has faded.
Personal Growth and Realization
As the verses progress, the narrator admits to her own faults, describing herself as “stubborn and misconceiving” and realizing that starting the separation was a mistake. This self-awareness adds depth to the song, showing that regret often comes with the maturity gained from painful experiences. The acknowledgment that “one of us had to go” gives the narrative a bittersweet acceptance, while the repeated longing for reconciliation—”wishing she had never left at all”—serves as the song’s emotional core.
Song Credits
Songwriters: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus
Release Year: 1981
Label: Polar Music