One Time

In 'One Time,' beabadoobee delves into the complexities and fleeting nature of a failed relationship. The song opens with a reflection on the mutual mistakes that led to the relationship's demise. The line 'It takes two people to make that mistake' suggests that both parties are responsible for the breakdown, yet there is a sense of resignation as the narrator acknowledges that their partner 'never tried.' This sets the tone for a narrative filled with regret and unfulfilled potential.

The chorus, 'It's such a shame you don't cross my mind, but you did this one time,' captures the fleeting moments when the past relationship resurfaces in the narrator's thoughts. This line is poignant, highlighting how the relationship, though largely forgotten, still has moments that linger. The repetition of 'you did this one time' emphasizes the singular impact of these memories, making them stand out against the backdrop of an otherwise forgotten past.

As the song progresses, beabadoobee explores themes of escapism and avoidance. The narrator admits to 'wanderin' through the cheap escapes' and getting high to avoid confronting their feelings. This behavior underscores the emotional turmoil and the lengths to which they go to avoid dealing with the pain. The repeated lines 'Keep on faking just to make it' and 'What's the point of fixing problems?' reflect a sense of hopelessness and the futility of trying to mend something irreparably broken. The song concludes with a resigned acceptance of the relationship's end, marked by a lack of effort to solve the underlying issues, encapsulating the essence of a love that was never fully realized.