You know, I’m sorry
I won’t make it to your party
Got caught up in my own selfishness
It won’t let me be a part of this
And I know I’ve started
Drifting off every second
I can’t wait to leave as soon as I arrive
I count the seconds
Down and down we go
We’ll torch this place we know
Before one of us takes a chance
And breaks this, I won’t be the one
No, I won’t be the one
I know it’s pathetic
Fuck it, yeah, I said it
Tried to tell it like it is
There’s a chance that I’ll regret it, so
Let’s go, let’s end this
I delete before I send it
And we can play pretend
Like we haven’t reached the end yet
Down and down we go
And we’ll torch this place we know
Before one of us takes a chance
And breaks this, I won’t be the one
No, I won’t be the one
(You know, I’m sorry)
(I’m sorry)
No, I won’t be the one
No, I won’t be the one
Reflecting on Emotional Distance
“The One” by The Chainsmokers captures the raw honesty of emotional withdrawal in a relationship’s final moments. The lyrics reveal a protagonist who recognizes their own selfishness and inability to commit, even as they apologize for their absence. The recurring theme of counting seconds and drifting off highlights a strong desire to escape, suggesting the emotional fatigue that comes with unresolved tension. The phrase, “I won’t be the one,” is repeated as a mantra of avoidance, signifying a reluctance to initiate the inevitable breakup, yet acknowledging that the end is near.
The Struggle with Authenticity
The candid confession, “I know it’s pathetic, fuck it, yeah, I said it,” underscores the struggle to be authentic despite the fear of regret. The act of deleting messages before sending them and pretending things haven’t ended points to the difficulty of facing uncomfortable truths. The song paints a vivid picture of two people on the brink, torching their shared space rather than taking responsibility for ending things. Ultimately, “The One” is an anthem for those who find it easier to drift away than confront heartbreak head-on.
Song Credits
- Artist: The Chainsmokers
- Songwriters: Andrew Taggart, Scott Harris, Emily Warren
- Release Year: 2017
- Label: Disruptor Records/Columbia Records