One Life

Michael Bolton's song 'One Life' is a powerful anthem about embracing change and seizing the opportunities that life presents. The lyrics convey a message of resilience and optimism, encouraging listeners to move past their fears and uncertainties. The opening lines, 'Feels like you're treading water / Like your dreams are fallin' overboard,' depict a sense of stagnation and lost dreams, a feeling many can relate to. However, Bolton quickly shifts the narrative, urging the listener to shed their old skin and embrace new beginnings with the lines, 'But don't you worry about these changes / You're gonna branch out instead.'

The chorus, 'Cause you've got one life, baby / So live it with your heart and soul,' serves as a motivational reminder that life is fleeting and should be lived to the fullest. Bolton's use of the phrase 'let the good times roll' adds a sense of joy and celebration, reinforcing the idea that life is an adventure meant to be enjoyed. The song encourages a forward-looking perspective, advising listeners to focus on what's ahead and adopt a fresh point of view. This is particularly evident in the lines, 'Put your mind on what's ahead / Get a fresh point of view / Don't be thinkin' that it's over / It's just the start of something new.'

The metaphor of driving and looking through the rear-view mirror in the verse, 'You'll be staring through the rear-view mirror / From the time and place of no regret,' suggests that reflecting on the past should be done without regret. Instead, one should take control of their life and keep moving forward. The repetition of 'the start of something new' emphasizes the theme of new beginnings and the endless possibilities that come with them. Michael Bolton's soulful delivery and uplifting lyrics make 'One Life' a compelling call to action for anyone feeling stuck or uncertain about their future.