The song 'Only 1 (Interlude)' by Metro Boomin featuring Travis Scott is a brief but emotional piece about the aftermath of a failed relationship. Travis Scott expresses feelings of betrayal, disillusionment, and heartbreak as he reflects on the experiences shared and the harsh realization that he was not the only one in his partner's life. The heavy, melancholic piano in the production underlines the sorrowful theme, evoking a sound that nods to Kanye West's influential '808s & Heartbreak' album.
At the outset of 'Only 1 (Interlude)', the emotional journey begins with a sense of familiarity and repetition as Travis Scott mentions that he has 'heard this shit before,' signaling a pattern of broken promises. This opening line sets a tone of weariness and exasperation that someone might feel in the vicious cycle of a tumultuous relationship. The mention of trying things to make the partner stay hints at failed attempts to salvage the bond, emphasizing effort despite emerging hopelessness.
Travis Scott then delves into intimate moments by discussing the contrasts of their relationship where passion and conflict were intertwined. The penthouse, a symbol of luxury and privacy, becomes a battleground of emotions, leading to a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. Here, Scott shares a raw look into personal experiences, ones that are filled with intense emotion but ultimately left unresolved, adding to the weight of the memories.
In a colder turn, he confronts the emotional betrayal with raw vulnerability, questioning the partner's actions and their reasons. He wonders whether substance abuse could've played a part in their downfall, all while metaphorically drowning in his pain and lost love. The underlying agony of being replaced and dismissed is palpable, as Travis Scott exposes his scars and the deep-seated impact of the betrayal.
Concluding the journey, Travis Scott admits a reluctant acceptance of his non-exclusivity in the partner's life, yet the repetition of 'Only one, only one' voices a desperate clinging to the desire to have been the singular choice. The song captures a somber graduation from disbelief and hurt to a bitter acknowledgment of the reality, drawing the listener through a complex landscape of emotional turmoil.
"I tried some things that make you want to stay"
This highlights the desperation and attempts to make the relationship work, despite knowing deep down that it was fated to fail.
"In that penthouse, all we did was fight and fuck"
A stark illustration of the chaotic dynamics of the relationship, where physical intimacy and conflict were closely knit.
"Was it the pills? Was it the drugs?"
Travis Scott grapples with understanding the root cause of the partner's infidelity and the breakdown of their relationship, contemplating if external factors like substance abuse were to blame.
"I knew I wasn't the only one, only one, no"
This is Travis coming to terms with his non-exclusive role in his partner's life, the repetition conveying the difficulty in accepting this truth.