The lyrics of "One of Us" by Dawes discuss a family where each member is dealing with their own struggles and illusions. The singer acknowledges the different paths each family member is taking and encourages the listener to stay true to themselves despite feeling like an outsider.

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Meaning of "One Of Us" by Dawes


"One of Us" tells the story of a dysfunctional family, each member lost in their own world of misconceptions and self-delusions. The mother has isolated herself, the father is consumed by fear, the sister is overly sensitive, the brother dreams of escaping, and the old flame is stuck in a cycle of materialism. The singer recognizes the listener's struggles as they try to navigate through these confusing dynamics, feeling like an outsider in their own family. Despite this, the singer encourages the listener to stay grounded in their true identity and beliefs. The repeated line "You look like one of them, but you talk like one of us" suggests that, despite external appearances, the listener is part of a different, more authentic world. It serves as a reminder to not get lost in the illusions and distractions of others, but to stay connected to one's inner self.