The lyrics of "To Be the One" by Ryan Adams depict a sense of loneliness and longing for someone who is no longer there. The singer struggles with substance abuse, feeling disconnected from the world, and uncertain about whether it's better to wake up alone or to be the one who has left.

Meaning of "To Be the One" by Ryan Adams

The lyrics of "To Be the One" evoke a deep sense of sadness and despair, reflecting the pain of losing someone important and the emptiness that follows. The singer's struggle with substance abuse is a way of numbing the pain, but ultimately it only serves to isolate him further. The mention of knives being too dull to smile and wings made of wax alludes to feelings of fragility and vulnerability. The singer's contemplation of whether it is worse to wake up alone or to be the one who has left suggests a fear of abandonment and a longing for connection. Overall, the song captures the raw emotions of loss, loneliness, and self-destructive tendencies.