One By One

The Calling's song 'One By One' delves into the profound and often painful experiences of individuals grappling with inner turmoil and the impact of their actions on others. The song opens with a vivid image of a solitary figure standing outside, burdened by visible pain and a twisted smile. This character seems to be at a breaking point, contemplating an escape from their misery through a drastic and irreversible act. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who feels isolated and overwhelmed, with their long, twisted hair symbolizing the tangled emotions they carry.

The chorus, 'One by one, we stand beneath the Sun, with arms high open wide,' suggests a collective experience of suffering and the search for solace. The repetition of 'two by two, he's getting you' implies that the protagonist's actions have a ripple effect, influencing others around them. The song touches on themes of anger, despair, and the hope for a better future, as seen in the lines 'Red lights they come and they take him away, in the thoughts, he'll be better, some day.' This reflects the common belief that time and intervention can heal wounds, even if the immediate reality is bleak.

As the song progresses, it questions the inevitability of certain events and the reasons behind them. The line 'Do you ever think that things are meant to be?' invites listeners to ponder the larger forces at play in their lives. The song ultimately highlights the power of one individual's actions to change many lives, for better or worse. The repeated phrase 'One by one we stand, we stand, we stand' emphasizes solidarity and the shared human experience of facing life's challenges. 'One By One' is a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of our lives and the profound impact we can have on each other, even in our darkest moments.