One Life
Dermot Kennedy
Eternal Love and Fleeting Time: The Essence of 'One Life' by Dermot Kennedy
Dermot Kennedy's 'One Life' is a poignant exploration of love's fleeting nature and the deep desire to make the most of the time we have with those we cherish. The song opens with the imagery of stars being reborn in someone's eyes and skies on fire, suggesting a sense of wonder and passion that the narrator feels for their loved one. The repeated line, 'One life is never long enough,' underscores the central theme of the song: the realization that no matter how much time we have, it will never feel sufficient when it comes to love.
Kennedy delves into the human tendency to hide our hearts out of fear of getting hurt, which often leads to missed opportunities for genuine connection. He contrasts this with the priceless moments of joy and love that come from letting someone in. The lyrics, 'All your troubles, all your pain, let me struggle, carry that weight,' highlight the narrator's willingness to support and share the burdens of their loved one, emphasizing the selflessness and depth of their affection.
The song also touches on the inevitability of goodbyes and the transient nature of life. Kennedy reflects on the impermanence of everything, yet finds solace in the moments shared with his loved one. The desire to hold onto these moments forever is evident in lines like, 'I don't want it to be over, I don't wanna say goodnight.' The song's emotional resonance is amplified by its melodic structure and Kennedy's heartfelt delivery, making 'One Life' a powerful ode to love's enduring impact despite the brevity of life.