"The One That Got Away" by Jerrod Niemann tells the story of a young couple from a small town who fall in love and experience the ups and downs of their relationship. The song reflects on their carefree youth and the memories they shared together. In the first verse, the lyrics describe how the couple learned and grew together, finding more knowledge and understanding from each other than they did in school. They lived a simple life, surviving on love and a meager income, with an old Ford truck as their only means of transportation. As time passes, they graduate and have a summer to enjoy before parting ways. The couple spends their nights parked in a wheat field, making memories and cherishing their time together. However, once September arrives, they have to say goodbye. The chorus reveals that the girl promised she would return someday, implying that their separation was not permanent. Despite the passage of time, she remains the one who got away. The singer is nostalgic and still deeply affected by the relationship they had. The second verse suggests that the breakup had a profound impact on the singer. He is not sure who is to blame for their separation, but regardless, things were never the same afterwards. The girl moves on and finds someone new, leaving the singer feeling heartbroken and nostalgic. The bridge emphasizes the emotional toll the breakup took on the singer. He reflects on the physical mementos she took from him, such as his leather jacket, and shares his longing for her to remember him. Despite the years that have passed, the singer still sees her as the one who got away. The chorus is repeated, highlighting the lasting impact she has on the singer's life. She still has the power to transport him to their youthful days, where he felt invincible and time stood still. The nostalgia is further emphasized, with the mention of tailgates down and being alone for days. The final lines of the song bring the story back to its beginning, reminding the audience of the couple's small-town origins and the love they shared. The song concludes with the sentiment that, despite their separation, she will always be the one who got away. Overall, Jerrod Niemann's "The One That Got Away" explores the theme of lost love and the lingering impact it can have on someone's life. It reminisces about a youthful romance that was left unfinished and reflects on the longing and nostalgia that can remain years later.
