One
Creed
The Quest for Unity in Creed's 'One'
Creed's song 'One' is a powerful anthem that addresses the themes of unity and social justice. The lyrics suggest a yearning for solidarity and a frustration with the societal divisions that hinder it. The opening lines, 'Affirmative may be justified / Take from one give to another / The goal is to be unified,' set the tone for the song, indicating a desire for balance and equality. The song implies that unity has been compromised, and the singer expresses a longing to restore it, symbolized by the gesture of taking someone's hand as a brother.
The chorus, 'The only way is one,' is a straightforward declaration that unity is the ultimate solution to the world's problems. This is juxtaposed with the singer's feelings of anger and helplessness, as well as a resistance to being swayed from this belief. The repetition of these emotions throughout the song underscores the intensity of the singer's conviction. The lyrics also touch upon issues of discrimination and the counterproductive nature of holding one group down to elevate another, suggesting that such actions only lead to further division and conflict.
Creed, known for their post-grunge and hard rock sound, often incorporates themes of spirituality and human struggles in their music. 'One' is no exception, as it grapples with the internal conflict between the desire to change the world and the overwhelming sense of individual powerlessness. The song calls for collective action and understanding, emphasizing that despite our differences, we share a common destiny and should strive for unity.