The Only Thing (feat. Susanna Hoffs)

Travis's song 'The Only Thing,' featuring Susanna Hoffs, is a poignant exploration of nostalgia, love, and the inevitable heartache that often accompanies deep emotional connections. The lyrics immediately draw the listener into a reflective state, with the repeated 'La-la-la-la-la-la-la listen' serving as a gentle invitation to delve into the singer's memories. The act of reminiscing is central to the song, as the narrator longs for a past relationship, lamenting how things used to be.

The chorus, 'When I held you it was the only thing, only thing, and all I knew was you were everything, everything,' underscores the depth of the narrator's feelings. This relationship was all-consuming, the 'only thing' that mattered, highlighting the intensity of their bond. However, the metaphor of the 'record in the record shop nobody wants to buy' suggests a sense of rejection or unfulfilled potential, adding a layer of melancholy to the narrative. The person being sung about is unique and valuable, yet somehow overlooked or undervalued by others.

The song also touches on themes of vulnerability and the pain of unreciprocated love. The line 'Don’t lend me your heart, you’ll only tear it apart' speaks to the fear of getting hurt, a common sentiment in relationships that have ended or are on the brink of ending. The repeated 'La-la-la-la-la-la-la' towards the end of the song creates a haunting echo, emphasizing the lingering sadness and unresolved emotions. Ultimately, 'The Only Thing' captures the bittersweet nature of love and the enduring impact of past relationships on our present selves.