"the one" by Marika Hackman is a song that explores themes of self-doubt, insecurity, and the search for validation. The lyrics depict a narrator who feels like they have sold out and lost their individuality, sacrificing their artistry for the sake of being loved and adored by others. The song begins with the narrator admitting that they have given up their soul and they once believed they could be unique. However, they now feel weak and question their own worth. They long to be loved more and be adored by others, but are also aware that they may come across as attention-seeking. The chorus suggests a desire to be seen as a hero, someone who can save others despite their own struggles. However, they acknowledge that they are not the one people truly want. They feel they have messed up with their sad songs and aren't the person others desire. Despite this, they ask for their music to be left on, implying a plea for their work to be appreciated and acknowledged. In the following verses, the narrator speaks about societal expectations and pressures. They mention being proud of their vanilla image, implying conformity, and how they are hailed as a godsent gift by some. However, they become frustrated when others only seem to care about their physical appearance, desiring them sexually. They again express their need for love and the rubbing of their ego, but realize it's not what they truly desire. The outro features a repetitive refrain about a fictional woman who craves attention and affection. This could be both a commentary on societal expectations placed upon women and also a reflection of the narrator's own desire for validation. Overall, "the one" portrays the narrator's inner conflict between wanting to be loved and valued for their individuality, but also feeling like they have compromised their artistic integrity. It explores themes of identity, self-worth, and the pressures of the music industry.
