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Matisyahu – One Day Lyrics

Ska

See, everybody that's existing got a mind of their own
We're all kings and queens with a throne of our own
Tryin' to raise our families in a healthy home
We got to learn to stick together, hate to be here alone
'Cause the world is a place
That will eat you alive in one day
Said the world is a place
That you can't survive without faith
Sometimes in my tears I drown
But I never let it get me down
So when negativity surrounds
I know some day it'll all turn around, because
All my life I've been waiting for
I've been praying for
For the people to say
That we don't wanna fight no more
They'll be no more wars
And our children will play
One day (one day), one day (one day), one day
One day (one day), one day (one day), one day
It's not about win or lose
'Cause we all lose when they feed on the
Souls of the innocent
Blood-drenched pavement
Keep on moving, though the waters stay raging
In this maze, you can lose your way (your way)
It might drive you crazy
But don't let it faze you, no way (no way)
Gotta hold on (one day, one day)
And live your life day by day
Gotta hold on (one day, one day)
Put your focus on that one day
All my life I've been waiting for (waiting for)
I've been praying for (praying for)
For the people to say
That we don't wanna fight no more (fight no more)
They'll be no more wars (no more wars)
And our children will play
One day (one day), one day (one day), one day
One day (one day), one day (one day), one day
One day this all will change, treat people the same
Stop with the violence, down with the hate
One day we'll all be free and proud to be
Under the same sun, singing songs of freedom like
Gotta hold on one day, one day
And live your life day by day
Gotta hold on one day, one day
Put your focus on that one day
All my life I've been waiting for
I've been praying for
For the people to say
That we don't wanna fight no more
They'll be no more wars
And our children will play
One day (one day), one day (one day), one day
One day, one day
One day (one day), one day (one day), one day
One day, one day

About This Song

"One Day" is a deeply spiritual anthem that channels Matisyahu's profound yearning for global peace through the lens of his Jewish faith and reggae-influenced musical sensibilities. The song operates on multiple levels-as a personal prayer for survival and purpose, a collective plea for an end to warfare, and a meditation on hope persisting through suffering. Matisyahu's lyrics weave together intimate moments of gratitude ("Sometimes I lay under the moon / And I thank God I'm breathin'") with universal aspirations for a world where children can play without fear of violence. The track's ska-reggae foundation, built on uplifting horn sections and a bouncing rhythm, creates an infectious optimism that contrasts beautifully with the weight of its subject matter. His distinctive vocal delivery-part singing, part chanting-reflects his background as a Hasidic Jewish reggae artist, bringing a unique spiritual authenticity to the genre. The song resonated powerfully with listeners because it transformed abstract hopes for peace into something tangible and emotionally immediate, offering both personal solace and collective inspiration. Rather than dwelling in despair about global conflicts, "One Day" presents faith as an active force, suggesting that belief itself can be a form of resistance against darkness. The track became an anthem for anyone holding onto hope during difficult times, proving that spiritual music could achieve mainstream success without compromising its deeper message.

Comments (12)

  • Anonymous
    luv that song One Day by Matisyahu ft.Akon
  • Anonymous
    Absolutely freakin' brilliant!!! Thought-provoking and touching. The man is amazing.
  • Anonymous
    Very deep, emotional song.Haha I remember when I was at Bonnaroo '06. I was camped in the VIP section, not too far from Matisyahu's site. I was walking down the trail with my brother and DJ Logic and Matisyahu and his son roll by on a golf cart. So I flipped him a peace sign and said what's up.I will never forget his face. He simply stared at me as he drove by with that "who the fu@k are you" look in his face and did not say a word.Regardless, this man is brilliant. And this song is brilliant. Very uplifting and hopeful.
  • Anonymous
    matis IS the $h*t! he has an uncanny ability to make you think about givin peace a chance; and i cant lie, alot of his songs give me goosebumps! haha. jerusalem is another great one, so is king without a crown... matis just has that ability. BUT, he really shouldve picked someone else to jump on the remix... AKON?????? jebuss, ANYone else would&#039ve been a better choice! and if you dont know why i say this, go ahead and google all the &@#$%^ up $h*t akon has done.
  • Anonymous
    his song rocks it's the best song I'd ever herd it's the best. Matisyahu he is a cool guy if u dont listen to his songs u must hear them he is a total cool person.
  • Anonymous
    yo this song is amazing listen to it matis is z brilliant guy in music this is a wonderful song i hope u guys like it i cant get it out of my head
  • Acel Garcia
    me gustas tu. mucho. buen tu las musica..
  • Doubt Ncube
    dnt u dare nor 4get i luv rasta music mo than n'thng on dis planet earth
  • Mag-abo Agsoy
    love iyti lkie
  • Rhely Jabido
    Matisyahu he is a cool guy if u don't listen to his songs u must.hear them he is a total cool person. love this song..
  • Tamara Herndon Trujillo
    Awesome song... Driving down the road singln my heart out.
  • Kim Rosner Joralemon
    If only, right?