“Only One” by Kanye West was the first song I played. It was midnight, January 1st, 2015. Fireworks washed the clouds in color, illuminating the vacant Olive Garden parking lot. As my key turned, the car engine awoke, and Kanye began to sing:

“As I lay me down to sleep

I hear her speak to me”

As I listened, I thought the song was a lullaby sung by father to daughter. In the realm of Will Smith’s “Just The Two of Us.” It didn’t register that he was singing as Donda West, his late mother. 

I didn’t play “Only One” again. It didn’t speak to me during that first listen. 

I wasn’t alone. Randall Roberts at the Los Angeles Times believed it was his worst track ever. Calling the sentiment “lovely,” but firmly decided, “There’s a reason why ghosts don’t write more songs: They can’t.”

Today, as I revisit the Paul McCartney-featured single, the idea of Donda West singing through Kanye carries a newfound emotional weight. 

The first verse is written as a reassuring reminder that storms are intermissions. This particular section stands out:

“I know you're happy, ‘cause I can see it

So tell the voice inside your head to believe it.”

The positive reinforcement continued throughout the chorus, ending with:

“No you're not perfect, but you're not your mistakes.” 

Just yesterday, I had a 21-year-old Uber driver who told me about his late mom. She died last year after a long fight with cancer. His plan in the forthcoming months is to join the Navy in hopes of becoming a man she would be proud of. 

In our short time together, he left me with a better understanding of the duty a child may feel toward a parent who passed. Duty can manifest in many forms, from the decisions they make to the songs they create. “Only One” is such a record. 

Seven years ago, I thought the lyrics were corny. Now I see the beauty of every word. Regardless of what Kanye is doing with his new album, let's remember to love our mothers. Hug them if you can. We only get one.
 

by Yoh