Written by: Aaron Tate
Appears on: Long Line of Leavers
Lyrics:
I come from a long line of leavers
Out of the garden gate with an apple in their hands
I expect and I believe
You’re gonna run out of love
You’re gonna give me the shove
‘Cause that’s the thing that lovers do Then there’s you
You found me cynical and jaded
You lifted my mask and lightened me up
And when my black eyes have faded
I found they were not gouged
Had the coal in my mouth
I’ve never seen the old age new
And then there’s you
You’re the only one
Who knows my secrets
You’re the only one
Still you’re the only one
Who never leaves
And I wake up to this mystery
I betrayed you with a little kiss
I thought you’d find someone better
And you forgave me even for this
Came to the upper room
You dragged me from the tomb
There is none both good and true
Then there’s you
See also: MusicBrainz, iTunes.
From the Author: “This song is about my fear of being left, and about the mysterious staying power of unconditional love. There are a few things more profound than to be completely known and still completely loved.”
Aaron also says this of the song,
“I come from a divorced family. And it’s not just that my parents are divorced, but nearly everyone in my family that has been married has been divorced. The funny thing about “The Only One” is that when I wrote it, I wrote it rather light-heartedly. I wasn’t very serious about it. It was mostly fun. But since I wrote it, in the last six months, that song has become more intense for me. Part of it is having a son, and thinking about my own family’s heritage. And even though my parent’s divorce was very peaceful, and I don’t blame anyone for anything, it does have an impact on you. And when I observe how many people my age have already been left by their wives, it scares me to death. Everyone leaves everyone. Seems like as soon as someone finds an imperfection in their spouse, they take off. And it all combines for me, and I realize that my deepest fear is the fear of being left. So, in light of all that, it’s so astounding when there is a love that never leaves. Especially when that love comes from the only One who knows you thoroughly.”
What it Means:
“I come from a long line of leavers, out of the garden gate with an apple in their hands”…this is a reference to the line of sin descending from Adam and Eve, who were kicked out of the Garden of Eden for eating the fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. It also references that there have been many divorces in Aaron’s family.
“I betrayed you with a little kiss”…refers to Judas, who betrayed Jesus with a kiss.
Good day,
I’ve been a fan of Back Home (and Mockingbird) for so many years and want to branch out to more of your stuff. While cleaning out the garage the other day I had your tunes rolling, and I recently (re)discovered ‘The Only One’. At first I thought you were singing, “I come from a long line of believers…” and I had a subtle satisfaction that indeed God has long been at work through the generations of my family. But after a few repeats I caught on to the “long line of LEAVERS” and experienced the conviction that I’m as guilty as anyone who’s ever left God. Needless to say, I then experienced a rush of God’s grace, and I’m thankful that your song facilitated it.
Reading Aaron’s explanation above, I see it’s actually about the security of unconditional love, which will fit perfectly as the intro to the sermon on Sunday for 500 people. God bless you guys as you continue to bless people through your music. I hope God makes all grace abound to you (and financial provision for your families, too!).
~ Daryl DeKlerk, pastor, First Christian Reformed Church, Barrie, Ontario (just north of Toronto)