One I Love

Méav Ní Mhaolchatha's song 'One I Love' is a poignant and tender ballad that delves into the depths of unwavering love and loyalty. The lyrics revolve around a narrator who is deeply in love, despite the disapproval and criticism from friends and society. The repeated refrain, 'One I love, two she loves, three she's true to me,' serves as a mantra of commitment and fidelity, emphasizing the steadfast nature of the narrator's feelings.

The song's narrative highlights the challenges faced by the couple, particularly the societal judgments based on the lover's youth and financial status. The narrator's defiance against these judgments is evident in lines like 'I tell them all to hold their tongue' and 'If they could part the sand from the sea, they never could part my love from me.' These metaphors underscore the inseparability and enduring nature of true love, suggesting that external opinions and material conditions are insignificant in the face of genuine affection.

Furthermore, the song explores the emotional turmoil and longing experienced by the narrator when separated from their beloved. The lines 'When I'm awake, I find no rest until his head lies on my breast' and 'When I'm asleep I'm dreaming of my own, my dear, my one true love' convey a deep sense of yearning and the comfort found in the presence of the loved one. The imagery of natural phenomena, such as 'when the fire to ice will run' and 'when the rocks melt with the sun,' illustrates the timeless and unchanging nature of the narrator's love, suggesting that it will endure beyond the bounds of time and physical reality.

Méav Ní Mhaolchatha's ethereal voice and the song's lyrical beauty create a moving portrayal of love's resilience and the power of emotional connection. 'One I Love' is a testament to the strength of true love, capable of withstanding societal pressures and the passage of time, ultimately celebrating the profound bond between two souls.