21 album cover

Adele – One & Only Lyrics

Adele · 21
Rock

You've been on my mind
I grow fonder every day, lose myself in time
Just thinking of your face
God only knows
Why it's taken me so long to let my doubts go
You're the only one that I want

I don't know why I'm scared
I've been here before
Every feeling, every word
I've imagined it all
You'll never know if you never try to forget your past and simply be mine

I dare you to let me be your, your one and only
Promise I'm worth it
To hold in your arms
So come on and give me the chance
To prove I am the one who can
Walk that mile
Until the end starts

If I've been on your mind
You hang on every word I say, lose yourself in time

At the mention of my name
Will I ever know

How it feels to hold you close
And have you tell me
Which ever road I choose, you'll go?

I don't know why I'm scared
'Cause I've been here before
Every feeling, every word
I've imagined it all
You'll never know if you never try to forget your past and simply be mine

I dare you to let me be your, your one and only

I promise I'm worth it
To hold in your arms
So come on and give me the chance
To prove I am the one who can
Walk that mile
Until the end starts

I know it ain't easy, giving up your heart
I know it ain't easy, giving up your heart
(Nobody's perfect) I know it ain't easy, (trust me, I've learned it) giving up your heart

(Nobody's perfect) I know it ain't easy, (trust me, I've learned it) giving up your heart

(Nobody's perfect) I know it ain't easy, (trust me, I've learned it) giving up your heart

(Nobody's perfect) I know it ain't easy, (trust me, I've learned it) giving up your heart

So I dare you to let me be your, your one and only

I promise I'm worth it
To hold in your arms
So come on and give me the chance
To prove I am the one who can
Walk that mile
Until the end starts

Come on and give me the chance
To prove I am the one who can
Walk that mile
Until the end starts

About This Song

"One & Only" is Adele's most vulnerable declaration of love, where she confronts her own emotional barriers to fully surrender to a relationship that feels destined. The song captures the internal struggle between fear and desire, as she acknowledges being "scared" despite having "been here before," revealing how past heartbreak has created walls around her heart even when she's found someone truly special. Lyrically, it's about the moment when you recognize your soulmate but must overcome your own self-protective instincts to claim that love-the "dare" she issues is as much to herself as to her partner. The track builds from intimate confession to soaring gospel-influenced crescendo, with Adele's vocals growing from whispered uncertainty to powerful conviction, mirroring her emotional journey from doubt to determination. Musically, it blends classic soul with contemporary production, featuring piano-driven verses that explode into a wall of sound with backing vocals and strings that feel almost church-like in their intensity. The song resonated deeply because it captures a universal truth: that real love requires courage to be completely vulnerable, and sometimes we must dare ourselves to accept the happiness we deserve. It stands as one of Adele's most emotionally raw performances, showcasing her ability to transform personal revelation into anthemic declaration. The track's power lies in its honesty about love's paradox-that finding "the one" can be both the most natural and most terrifying experience of our lives.

Comments (1)

  • Steven Barker
    Please baby can't you see.My mind's a burnin' hell.I got razors a rippin' and tearin' and strippin'.My heart apart as well.Tonight you told me.That you ache for something new.And some other woman is lookin' like something.That might be good for you.Go on and hold her till the screaming is gone.Go on believe her when she tells you.Nothing's wrongBut I'm the only one.Who'll walk across the fire for you.I'm the only one.Who'll drown in my desire for you.It's only fear that makes you run.The demons that you're hiding from.When all your promises are gone.I'm the only one.Please baby can't you see.I'm trying to explain.I've been here before and I'm locking the door.And I'm not going back again.Her eyes and arms and skin won't make.It go away.You'll wake up tomorrow and wrestle the sorrow.That holds you down today.Go on and hold her till the screaming is gone.Go on believe her when she tells you.Nothing's wrongBut I'm the only one.Who'll walk across the fire for you.I'm the only one.Who'll drown in my desire for you.It's only fear that makes you run.The demons that you're hiding from.When all your promises are gone.I'm the only one.