The Meaning Behind The Song: The One That You Love by Air Supply
Air Supply’s “The One That You Love” is a love ballad that hit the airwaves in 1981. The lyrics, coupled with the catchy melody, continue to tug at the heartstrings of many. The song has become a classic, a testament to the longevity of Air Supply’s music and its impact on fans worldwide. In this article, we will delve into the meaning behind the song, including its lyrics, instruments, and vocal performance.
The Lyrics Behind The Song
“The One That You Love” is a love song about longing, heartbreak, and hope. It opens with a question: “This one goes out to the one I love, I know I’m not alone.” The narrator is addressing his lover, acknowledging that even though they might not be physically together, his love for them is unwavering. The chorus throws us directly into his heartache:
“Here I am, the one that you love
Askin’ for another day
Understand the one that you love
Loves you in so many ways.”
Through this verse, the narrator expresses his undying love for his partner and begs for another chance at happiness. The song’s lyrics also inform listeners of a possible mistake made by the couple, which caused their separation in the first place. Despite this, the narrator is hopeful that things can be different with another chance. The song ends with the narrator imploring his lover, “Give me just one more chance to make you understand.”
The Instrumentation
The song’s instrumentation gave it a unique sound in its time. Graham Russell, one of the two founding members of Air Supply, was responsible for writing the song and playing the acoustic guitar. The track’s opening bars grab the listener’s attention, with a melody that blends in seamlessly with Russell Hitchcock’s vocals. The song also features a saxophone solo, which adds a distinctive flavor to it.
The Vocal Performance
Air Supply’s Russell Hitchcock is known for his tenor voice, which carries weight with emotive lyrics like those found in “The One That You Love.” The song’s chorus relies on Hitchcock’s soaring high notes that inspire images of love lost and regained. His vocal performance has often been described as powerfully emotional, a perfect match to the song’s message.
FAQs
1. What is the meaning behind “The One That You Love?”
As a love ballad, “The One That You Love” deals with themes of heartbreak, longing, and hope. The lyrics speak to a lost love, hope for another chance, and the undying love the protagonist feels for their partner.
2. Who wrote and played the guitar in “The One That You Love?”
Graham Russell wrote “The One That You Love” and played the acoustic guitar on the track.
3. Who sings “The One That You Love?”
Russell Hitchcock, one of Air Supply’s founding members, sings “The One That You Love.”
4. Why did the saxophone solo play a significant role in the song?
The saxophone solo adds a distinct flavor to the song and elevates it from just another love ballad to a classic. The solo’s use was a unique stylistic choice for the time, and it remains one of the song’s most memorable elements.
5. Did “The One That You Love” enjoy popular commercial success?
Yes, “The One That You Love” was widely successful and climbed to the top of several music charts worldwide.
6. Can listeners relate to the song’s message today?
Yes, the theme of heartbreak and hope continues to be a universal sentiment felt by many, making “The One That You Love” and its message timeless.
7. Has “The One That You Love” been used in films or other media?
Yes, the song has appeared in several movies, TV series, and commercials.
8. Did “The One That You Love” win any awards?
The song was nominated for various awards, including a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
9. What other songs were popular during the same time as “The One That You Love?”
Other popular songs released during the same period as “The One That You Love” include “Bette Davis Eyes” by Kim Carnes, “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” by Christopher Cross, and “Endless Love” by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie.
10. Can “The One That You Love” be considered a classic?
Yes, the song’s continued popularity and its impact on fans worldwide make it a classic.
11. Did Air Supply do further work with a saxophone in their other songs?
Yes, Air Supply experimented with the saxophone on several tracks, including “Making Love Out of Nothing at All” and “Even the Nights Are Better.”
12. How does the use of an acoustic guitar add to the song’s meaning?
The use of an acoustic guitar, especially in the opening bars of “The One That You Love,” creates a nostalgic mood that draws listeners in. It also complements the song’s lyrics, which are reflective in nature.
