One

KoRn's song 'One' delves into the harrowing experience of a person who has been severely injured in war, leaving them in a state of profound physical and emotional torment. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a soldier who is grappling with the aftermath of a catastrophic injury, possibly caused by a landmine, which has left them blind, deaf, and without limbs. This state of being is described as a living hell, where the protagonist is trapped in their own body, unable to live a fulfilling life or find solace in death.

The song's opening lines, 'I can't remember anything / Can't tell if this is true or dream,' set the tone for the disorienting and nightmarish reality the protagonist faces. The sense of confusion and despair is palpable, as they struggle to distinguish between reality and a dream-like state. The recurring plea, 'Oh, please, God, wake me,' underscores the desperation and hopelessness that pervades their existence. This plea for divine intervention highlights the depth of their suffering and the longing for an end to their pain.

The imagery of being 'fed through the tube' and 'tied to machines' evokes a sense of dehumanization and loss of autonomy. The protagonist is reduced to a mere shell of their former self, kept alive by medical interventions but devoid of any quality of life. The repeated refrain, 'Hold my breath as I wish for death,' encapsulates the unbearable agony and the desire for release from this torturous existence. The song's climax, where the protagonist laments the loss of their senses and limbs, drives home the devastating impact of war and the profound sense of isolation and entrapment that follows.

KoRn's 'One' is a powerful exploration of the physical and psychological scars of war, capturing the essence of a soldier's struggle with their new reality. The song's raw and unflinching portrayal of pain and suffering serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the enduring impact it has on those who survive.