"The Only One" by James Blunt is a heartfelt and introspective song about love, regrets, and the desire to reconcile with someone after making mistakes in a relationship. The lyrics suggest that the speaker feels remorse for both the words they have said and the words they never said to their partner. They express the pain they feel from hurting their loved one and acknowledge their own shortcomings by calling themselves stupid and admitting that they always take things too far. The speaker wonders if their relationship is beyond repair or if there is still hope for them to reconcile and start anew, symbolized by the mention of meeting at the altar. The speaker has bared their soul by sharing all their secrets and fears with their partner, and they believe that their love is flawless. They emphasize that their partner is the only one for them, expressing a deep longing to maintain the relationship and a fear of fading from their partner's mind due to distance and time. They understand that not having their loved one in their life is the hardest part, and they can't bear the thought of losing them. The repeated chorus emphasizes the speaker's vulnerability and their need to apologize and express their deep affection for their partner. They stress that they have opened up completely, letting go of their fears and flaws, and that their love is genuine and flawless. The phrase "Don't you know?" is a plea for their partner to understand the depth of their feelings and the sincerity behind their apologies. Overall, "The Only One" portrays the internal struggle of someone who has made mistakes in a relationship but desperately wants to make amends and salvage their love. It reflects the universal themes of regret, forgiveness, and the yearning for a second chance in love.
