"I'm the Only One" is a song by American singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge from her fourth studio album, Yes I Am (1993). It was released as the album's first single in September 1993 by Island Records, reaching No. 12 in Canada and No. 26 in the Netherlands. In the United States, it was slow to gain momentum, but after the success of "Come to My Window", it was re-released, peaking at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart in January 1995. It remains Etheridge's biggest hit on either chart and earned her a nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song in 1995.
Content Like many songs on her first album, Melissa Etheridge, "I'm the Only One" deals with non-monogamous relationships. In the verses, the singer tells how much she suffers because her partner desires someone else. In the chorus, the singer reminds her partner that even if her partner is in a new relationship, that the singer will always be the only one who really loves them with passion.
Accolades Year Award Category Result Ref. 1995 Grammy Award Best Rock Song GLAAD Media Award Outstanding Music Video 1996 ASCAP Pop Music Award Most Performed Songs
Music video The music video for "I'm the Only One" shows Etheridge performing at a club, with several close-up shots of her face, while couples dance sensually. It was directed by David Hogan, marking their first collaboration on a video, and won the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Music Video. Hogan, who became friends with Etheridge, later helmed several other of her videos, including "Your Little Secret" in 1995 and "I Want to Be in Love" in 2001.
Track listings All songs were written by Melissa Etheridge, except for "Maggie May", written by Rod Stewart and Martin Quittenton.
US cassette single "I'm the Only One" (album version) – 4:54 "Maggie May" (live) – 6:18
US maxi-CD single "I'm the Only One" (album version) – 4:54 "Maggie May" (live) – 6:18 "Ain't It Heavy" (live) – 4:13 "I'm the Only One" (live) – 5:26
UK 7-inch single A. "I'm the Only One" (edit) – 4:15 B. "I'm the Only One" (live) – 5:30
UK CD single "I'm the Only One" (edit) – 4:15 "Bring Me Some Water" – 4:22 "I'm the Only One" (live) – 5:30 "Yes I Am" (live) – 5:02
Dutch CD single "I'm the Only One" (edit) – 4:15 "I'm the Only One" (live) – 5:30 "Yes I Am" (live) – 5:02
Credits and personnel Vocals and acoustic guitar by Melissa Etheridge Drums and percussion by Mauricio Fritz Lewak Electric guitar by Waddy Wachtel Keyboards by Scott Thurston Bass by Pino Palladino Engineering by Hugh Padgham Assistant engineering by Greg Goldman, John Aguto, and Mike Baumgartner Mixing by Hugh Padgham Mastering by Bob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1993–1995)PeakpositionAustralia (ARIA) 58Canada Retail Singles (The Record) 10Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 40) 25Quebec (ADISQ) 7US Cash Box Top 100 5
Year-end charts Chart (1993)PositionCanada Top Singles (RPM) 96 Chart (1994)PositionUS Billboard Hot 100 92 Chart (1995)PositionUS Billboard Hot 100 44US Adult Contemporary (Billboard) 16US Top 40/Mainstream (Billboard) 38US Cash Box Top 100 44
Release history RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)United StatesSeptember 7, 1993IslandAustraliaOctober 18, 1993United KingdomNovember 1, 1993
References
Melissa Etheridge – Greatest Hits: The Road Less Traveled – Bonus DVD
External links musicmoz.org