Meaning of "One Love" by Marianas Trench

"One Love" delves into the theme of lost love and the emotional toll it takes on an individual. The opening lines depict the narrator waking up feeling fragile and pale, with a voice that sounds unfamiliar. Their love is no longer physically present, yet they struggle to accept their absence. The reference to sad blue eyes signifies a shared sadness between the narrator and their lost love. However, the narrator is unable to recall the reason for this sadness. The light dimming without regret suggests that the love they once shared has faded away. The lost love now only exists as a mere silhouette, without substance or presence. The phrase "just hold quick, you're fading right in a cold trick of the light" emphasizes the fleeting nature of the love and the narrator’s desperation to hold on to it.

The chorus repeats the line "I wake up and I forget that you were gone," highlighting the internal struggle of the narrator to move on from their lost love. The reference to a "phantom limb" symbolizes the lingering presence of the love, even though it is no longer physically there. The line "what if the one true love's the only one that you get?" portrays the desperation and fear of not finding another love that compares to the one they've lost. The narrator acknowledges their broken state but expresses hope in gradually healing and becoming better each day.

The lyrics suggest that the attachment to this lost love is both comforting and detrimental. The narrator listens to every day until darkness returns, indicating a reliance on memories to cope with their absence. The mention of "phantom pain" alludes to the emotional pain experienced when realizing that the love they long for is no longer within reach. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and desire for the lost love to reappear, as it is the only time they can see their face.

The song closes with a series of "what if" questions, offering a glimmer of hope and possibility. It poses the idea that both parties may still feel a connection, suggesting that love might not be completely lost. The question of whether the love can be revived and if there is still a reason to hold on reflects the uncertainty and hope within the narrator's heart. Ultimately, "One Love" captures the emotional struggle, longing, and hope that arise when faced with the loss of a significant love.