The One – English Lyrics

• By: Foo Fighters

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into the Foo Fighters' "The One," a compelling track that offers a unique insight into a challenging period for the band and a universally relatable theme of complicated love. Its straightforward, yet emotionally charged lyrics and catchy melody make it an excellent entry point for understanding rock music in English, showcasing how personal struggles can translate into powerful, popular songs.

[English]

Every one makes one mistake

One more time for old times' sake

One more time before the feeling fades

One that's born of memories

One more bruise you gave to me

One more test just how much can I take

You're not the one but you're the only one

Who can make me feel like this

You're not the one but you're the only one

Who can make me feel like shit

You're not the one but you're the only one

Who can make me feel like this

You're not the one but you're the only one

Who can make me feel like shit

Something never meant to be

Everything you meant to me

Wake me when this punishment is done

Those who try and get away

From the one who gets away

Someone's always someone else's one

You're not the one but you're the only one

Who can make me feel like this

You're not the one but you're the only one

Who can make me feel like shit

You're not the one but you're the only one

Who can make me feel like this

You're not the one but you're the only one

Who can make me feel like shit

'Til the end of time

And another life

'Til the day I die

Save it up for one more try

Save it for the last goodbye

We go on! We get off!

We get on! We get up!

We get up! We get up!

You're not the one but you're the only one

Who can make me feel like this

You're not the one but you're the only one

Who can make me feel like shit

You're not the one but you're the only one

Who can make me feel like this

You're not the one but you're the only one

Who can make me feel like this

You're not the one but you're the only one

Who can make me feel like this

You're not the one but you're the only one

Who can make me feel like

This!

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
mistake /mɪsˈteɪk/ A2	noun - an error or fault
fade /feɪd/ B1	verb - to gradually grow faint and disappear
bruise /bruːz/ B1	noun - an injury appearing as a purple mark on the skin
test /tɛst/ A2	noun - a method of examining someone's ability or knowledge
feel /fiːl/ A1	verb - to experience an emotion or sensation
shit /ʃɪt/ B2	noun - a vulgar term for feces, often used to express anger or frustration
punishment /ˈpʌnɪʃmənt/ B1	noun - a penalty inflicted for an offense
wake /weɪk/ A2	verb - to stop sleeping
try /traɪ/ A1	verb - to attempt to do something
away /əˈweɪ/ A1	adverb - at a distance from a particular place
meant /mɛnt/ A2	verb - past tense of 'mean': to intend to express or refer to
save /seɪv/ A2	verb - to keep something safe or reserve it for future use
goodbye /ˌɡʊdˈbaɪ/ A1	noun - a farewell greeting
end /ɛnd/ A1	noun - the final part of something
life /laɪf/ A1	noun - the existence of an individual
up /ʌp/ A1	adverb - toward a higher place

Key Grammar Structures

• Every one makes one mistake

  ➔ Simple present (third‑person singular)

  ➔ The verb "makes" is the third‑person singular form of "make" used with the subject "every one".

• One more time before the feeling fades

  ➔ Time clause with "before" + simple present

  ➔ "before the feeling "fades"" is a time clause; the verb "fades" stays in the simple present because the clause refers to a future moment relative to the main action.

• One that's born of memories

  ➔ Relative clause with "that"

  ➔ "that's" = "that is"; the relative pronoun "that" introduces a clause describing "one".

• You're not the one but you're the only one who can make me feel like this

  ➔ Relative clause with "who" + modal verb "can"

  ➔ "who can make me feel like this" is a relative clause; "who" refers to "the only one" and the modal "can" expresses ability.

• Wake me when this punishment is done

  ➔ Time clause with "when" + passive voice

  ➔ "when this punishment "is done"" is a subordinate clause; "is done" is the passive present of "do".

• Those who try and get away

  ➔ Relative clause with "who" + coordinated verbs

  ➔ "who try and get away" modifies "those"; the verbs "try" and "get away" are linked by the conjunction "and".

• Something never meant to be

  ➔ Passive infinitive adjective "meant to be"

  ➔ "meant to be" is a past‑participle phrase functioning as an adjective meaning "intended".

• We go on! We get off! We get on! We get up!

  ➔ Phrasal verbs (go on, get off, get on, get up)

  ➔ Each expression combines a verb with a particle; the meaning changes from the base verb (e.g., "go" → "go on" = continue).