Only You

Joshua Radin's 'Only You' is a poignant exploration of longing, love, and the solitude that often accompanies unfulfilled desires. The song opens with the imagery of looking out a window, likening the scene to a 'story of love,' which sets a nostalgic and reflective tone. The protagonist is reaching out, asking if they can be heard, indicating a sense of distance and separation from the person they love. This distance is further emphasized by the line 'Came back only yesterday, who went further away,' suggesting a cyclical pattern of coming close and then drifting apart.

The chorus, 'All I needed was the love you gave, all I needed for another day, and all I ever knew, only you,' underscores the central theme of the song: the irreplaceable nature of the loved one. The repetition of 'only you' highlights the exclusivity and depth of the protagonist's feelings. This love is not just a fleeting emotion but a fundamental need, something that sustains them day by day. The lyrics convey a sense of yearning and the pain of unrequited or lost love, making it clear that the protagonist's happiness is inextricably linked to this one person.

As the song progresses, the lyrics reveal the internal struggle of the protagonist. Lines like 'It's getting harder to stay when I need you' and 'This is gonna take a long time, and I wonder what's mine' reflect the difficulty of maintaining hope and patience in the face of uncertainty. The mention of 'the touch of your hand behind a closed door' evokes a sense of intimacy that is both cherished and elusive. The song closes with the same chorus, reinforcing the idea that despite the challenges and the passage of time, the protagonist's love remains steadfast and singular.