One Last Time – English Lyrics

• By: Ariana Grande

Lyrics & Translation

Immerse yourself in the emotional world of Ariana Grande's "One Last Time." This powerful dance-pop anthem offers a rich vocabulary for expressing regret, longing, and forgiveness. By exploring its heartfelt lyrics and understanding its poignant background, especially its connection to the Manchester tragedy, you'll not only grasp nuanced English expressions but also appreciate how music can carry profound cultural and emotional significance. Its clear narrative and relatable themes make it a compelling song for language learners to connect with deeply.

[English]

I was a liar, I gave in to the fire

I know I should've fought it, at least I'm being honest

Feel like a failure, 'cause I know that I failed you

I should've done you better, 'cause you don't want a liar

And I know, and I know, and I know she gives you everything

But boy, I couldn't give it to you

And I know, and I know, and I know that you got everything

But I got nothing here without you

So one last time

I need to be the one who takes you home

One more time

I promise after that, I'll let you go

Baby, I don't care if you got her in your heart

All I really care is you wake up in my arms

One last time

I need to be the one who takes you home

I don't deserve it, I know I don't deserve it

But stay with me a minute, I swear I'll make it worth it

Can't you forgive me? At least just temporarily

I know that this is my fault, I should've been more careful

And I know, and I know, and I know she gives you everything

But boy, I couldn't give it to you

And I know, and I know, and I know that you got everything

But I got nothing here without you, baby

So one last time

I need to be the one who takes you home

One more time

I promise after that, I'll let you go

Baby, I don't care if you got her in your heart

All I really care is you wake up in my arms

One last time

I need to be the one who takes you home

I know I should've fought it, at least I'm being honest, yeah

But stay with me a minute, I swear I'll make it worth it, babe

'Cause I don't wanna be without ya

So one last time

I need to be the one who takes you home (takes you home, babe)

One more time

I promise after that, I'll let you go

Baby, I don't care if you got her in your heart, babe

All I really care is you wake up in my arms

One last time

I need to be the one who takes you home, yeah

One last time

I need to be the one who takes you home

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
liar /ˈlaɪər/ B2	noun - a person who tells lies
fire /ˈfaɪər/ A2	noun - flames, the phenomenon of burning
fail /feɪl/ B1	verb - to be unsuccessful in achieving something
better /ˈbɛtər/ A2	adjective - of superior quality or more suitable
everything /ˈɛvrɪˌθɪŋ/ A2	noun - all things
give /ɡɪv/ A1	verb - to offer or present something to someone
need /niːd/ A1	verb - to require something because it is essential
home /hoʊm/ A1	noun - place where one lives
promise /ˈprɑːmɪs/ B1	verb - to assure someone to do something or that something will happen noun - a declaration that one will do something
care /kɛər/ B1	verb - to feel concern or interest for someone or something noun - the provision of what is necessary for health and protection
fault /fɔːlt/ B2	noun - responsibility for a mistake or wrongdoing
forgive /fərˈɡɪv/ B2	verb - to stop feeling angry or resentful towards someone for an offense
careful /ˈkɛrfəl/ B1	adjective - making sure to avoid potential danger or mistakes
wake /weɪk/ B1	verb - to stop sleeping
worth /wɜːrθ/ B2	adjective - having a value or importance
stay /steɪ/ A2	verb - to remain in a place or condition

Key Grammar Structures

• I was a liar, I gave in to the fire

  ➔ Past Simple tense

  ➔ "was" and "gave" are past simple verbs showing completed actions in the past.

• I know I should've fought it, at least I'm being honest

  ➔ Modal verb + perfect infinitive, Present Continuous tense

  ➔ "should've fought" uses modal + perfect infinitive to express past obligation or regret; "I'm being honest" is present continuous to show current ongoing action.

• Feel like a failure, 'cause I know that I failed you

  ➔ Present simple + linking verb + because clause

  ➔ "Feel like a failure" uses present simple with a linking verb; "'cause I know that I failed you" gives reason with a subordinate clause.

• I promise after that, I'll let you go

  ➔ Simple future tense with 'will'

  ➔ "I'll let" uses the modal 'will' to express a future promise or intention.

• Baby, I don't care if you got her in your heart

  ➔ Present simple negative + conditional clause

  ➔ "I don't care" is present simple negative; "if you got her" is a conditional clause showing hypothetical situation.

• I need to be the one who takes you home

  ➔ Infinitive of purpose + relative clause

  ➔ "to be" is the infinitive expressing purpose; "who takes you home" is a relative clause describing "the one."

• I don't deserve it, I know I don't deserve it

  ➔ Negative present simple with modal-like emphasis

  ➔ "don't deserve" is a present simple negative verb phrase emphasizing a strong feeling of not being worthy.

• Can't you forgive me? At least just temporarily

  ➔ Modal verb in question form, adverb of degree

  ➔ "Can't you forgive me?" uses modal 'can' in question form to make a polite request; "just temporarily" is an adverb phrase limiting the duration.