The Meaning Behind The Song: The One Thing by INXS

Publish date: 2024-05-06

Table:

TitleThe One Thing
ArtistINXS
Writer/ComposerMichael Hutchence & Andrew Farriss
AlbumShabooh Shoobah (1982)
Release DateJuly 1982
GenreRock, New Wave
ProducerMark Opitz

INXS, the Australian rock group, released “The One Thing” in July 1982 as the lead single from their third studio album, Shabooh Shoobah. The album, which was released in October of the same year, marked a shift in INXS’s sound towards a more mainstream rock sound with new wave influences.

The lyrics of “The One Thing” convey a sense of desire and attraction towards someone who captivates and seduces the singer. The opening lines, “Well, you know just what you do to me, The way you move, soft and slippery,” depict the magnetic effect the subject of the song has on the singer. The metaphor of cutting through the night like a razor suggests the intensity and danger that comes with this connection.

The chorus, consisting of the repeated line “It’s the one thing, you are my thing,” emphasizes the singular importance of this person in the singer’s life. They are the one thing that truly matters, the one thing that brings fulfillment and meaning.

The lyrics also touch upon the power of the subject’s voice, which is described as a love song, reminiscent of a cat call from the past. This suggests a nostalgia and longing, as well as a sense of longing for times when romance was more straightforward and uninhibited.

As the song progresses, it becomes apparent that the subject of the song is someone who is constantly pursued and desired by others. The lines, “You’ve got a dozen men behind you, You’ve got dead flowers on the floor,” paint a picture of a woman who is both alluring and elusive. Despite her beauty, she is too pretty in the daylight, which keeps her suitors coming back for more.

INXS’s “The One Thing” resonates with many listeners for its catchy melody and relatable themes of desire and longing. Personally, this song holds a special place in my heart as it reminds me of a time in my life when I found myself captivated by someone who seemed to possess an undeniable charm.

Listening to the song takes me back to that period of intense emotions and longing, where every interaction and word held a certain significance. The lyrics perfectly encapsulate the allure and danger of such a connection, where the object of desire becomes the focus of one’s world.

INXS’s combination of rock and new wave elements in “The One Thing” creates a sound that is both energetic and memorable. The saxophone solo further adds to the song’s appeal, giving it a unique and distinctive flavor.

Overall, “The One Thing” by INXS is a song that explores the depths of desire and the power of attraction. Its infectious melody, relatable lyrics, and captivating sound continue to resonate with fans to this day. Whether it’s the captivating voice, the seductive movement, or the elusive nature of the subject, this song captures the essence of longing and desire in a way that is both timeless and memorable.

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