The Luckiest

Ben Folds' song "The Luckiest" is a heartfelt ode to love and the serendipity that often accompanies it. The lyrics reflect a deep sense of gratitude and wonder at the twists and turns of life that have led the narrator to their beloved. The opening lines, "I don't get many things right the first time / In fact, I am told that a lot," set a tone of humility and self-awareness. The narrator acknowledges their past mistakes and missteps, but views them as necessary steps that brought them to their current happiness.

The song delves into the idea of fate and destiny, pondering what might have happened if the narrator had been born in a different time or place. The lines, "What if I'd been born fifty years before you / In a house on a street where you lived?" evoke a sense of wonder about the improbability of their meeting. This theme is further emphasized with the imagery of a "wide sea of eyes" where the narrator recognizes just one pair, symbolizing the unique and irreplaceable connection they share with their partner.

A poignant moment in the song is the story of the elderly couple next door, where the husband passes away and his wife follows shortly after. This anecdote serves as a powerful metaphor for the depth of the narrator's love and the sense of belonging they feel. The repeated refrain, "I am / I am / I am / The luckiest," underscores the narrator's profound appreciation for their partner and the life they share. Through its introspective lyrics and tender melodies, "The Luckiest" captures the essence of love as a beautiful, serendipitous journey.