Be the One

"Be the One" is a song about a plea for romantic redemption and the expression of unwavering self-belief in the face of a partner's skepticism. Lyrically, it delves into a relationship where one person is begging their partner for another chance, trying to convince them to overcome their past hurts and trust in the potential of their love. The song's narrator sees a future for them, but the partner is clouded by past experiences, creating a communication breakdown. This is highlighted in lines like, "I see the moon, I see the moon, I see the moon / Oh, when you're looking at the sun."

Dua Lipa herself has described the song as being about "self-belief, perseverance, and fighting for what you want." While on the surface it is about a relationship, she extends this meaning to a broader life philosophy of pursuing one's goals with determination. The song is a powerful anthem about vulnerability, putting oneself on the line, and the hope that love and persistence can conquer fear and doubt. It's a direct and honest appeal for a chance to prove one's worth and commitment.

The song unfolds as a heartfelt plea from the narrator to her romantic partner, urging him to look past his doubts and give their relationship a genuine chance. She perceives a fundamental difference in how they view the world and their connection; where she sees clarity and potential, symbolized by seeing the moon while he sees the sun, or seeing the color blue when he sees red, he is trapped in a state of suspicion and past hurt. This disconnect is causing him to shut down and push her away.

She implores him to let her get to know the real him, asking for just one more opportunity to prove her commitment and show that she won't be the one to abandon him or cause him pain. The core of her message is a desperate yet confident assertion: "I could be the one." She sees herself as the potential source of stability and true affection that can heal his past wounds, if only he would let his guard down.

The narrator is persistent, seeing through his defensive lies and acknowledging the pain he's trying to hide. She isn't naive to his struggles but remains steadfast, believing that her love and perseverance can bridge the gap between them. The recurring request to "be the one" serves as both a mantra of self-belief for her and a direct appeal to him. It's a declaration of her intent to fight for the relationship, to be the person who finally breaks through his walls and proves that a lasting, trusting love is possible for him. The song is a beautiful and raw expression of fighting for someone you love, even when they are struggling to love you back.

"Be the One" was released on October 30, 2015, as the second single from Dua Lipa's self-titled debut studio album (2017). Interestingly, it is one of the few songs on the album that Lipa did not co-write. The track was written by English songwriter Lucy "Pawws" Taylor and Nicholas Gale, who is professionally known as Digital Farm Animals, along with Jack Tarrant. Digital Farm Animals also handled the production.

The song originated from a personal experience of songwriter Lucy Taylor, concerning miscommunication in a relationship she was in. Taylor, a friend of Lipa's, played her the demo, and Lipa immediately fell in love with its melodies and persistent lyrics. However, Lipa was initially hesitant to record a song she hadn't written, concerned it wouldn't be seen as authentic. She admitted it was a matter of pride, but after pressure from her management and singing it herself, she formed a strong personal connection to it and felt she made it her own. The song was recorded at Sony/ATV Recording Studios, with vocals recorded at TaP Studio / Strongroom 7 in London. It was initially intended for promotion on blogs and online outlets but became a sleeper hit after being picked up by German radio stations, which led to a wider re-release in 2016.

"Be the One" is built on a mid-tempo 4/4 time signature with a tempo around 88 beats per minute (or 176 if counted in double time). This steady, driving rhythm gives the song a persistent, almost hypnotic feel, mirroring the lyrical theme of perseverance. The rhythmic structure is straightforward, dominated by a prominent synth-bass and an electronic drum pattern that propels the song forward without overpowering the vocals.

The rhyme scheme is generally simple and effective, typical of pop songwriting, which contributes to its catchiness. In the chorus, a pattern of AABB is used ("know you"/"show you" and "run"/"one"), providing a satisfying and resolved feeling. The verses employ a more varied scheme, but often rely on near rhymes and assonance to connect lines, maintaining a conversational flow. The interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the musical beat is seamless; Lipa's vocal phrasing often syncs perfectly with the main synth lines, creating a cohesive and polished sound.

Musically, "Be the One" is a quintessential example of mid-2010s synth-pop with dream pop influences. Its production is characterized by an airy, atmospheric quality, built upon a foundation of layered synths, a steady, programmed drum loop, and a tropical R&B beat. The arrangement is clean and spacious, allowing Lipa's distinct, sultry alto vocals to take center stage. Her vocal delivery is a key stylistic element, conveying a mixture of desperation, confidence, and sensuality that perfectly matches the song's lyrical theme.

Lyrically, the song heavily relies on repetition to create its anthemic and pleading quality. The chorus hook, "Oh, baby come on, let me get to know you / Just another chance so that I can show / That I won't let you down... 'Cause I could be the one," is a prime example of a direct, memorable refrain. The repetition of phrases like "I see the moon" and the central plea "Be the one" reinforces the song's central message and makes it incredibly catchy. The narrative voice is direct and confessional, speaking plainly and earnestly to her lover, which enhances the song's emotional impact.

"Be the One" was a crucial single in establishing Dua Lipa's career, particularly in Europe and Australia, before she achieved global superstardom with "New Rules". Initially released in 2015 with little fanfare, the song became a sleeper hit after gaining traction on German radio. Its subsequent success led to a re-release and significant chart performance, reaching the top 10 in numerous countries, including a #9 peak on the UK Singles Chart, becoming her first solo top 10 hit there. The track was certified double platinum in the UK.

The song was critically acclaimed, praised for its anthemic quality and Lipa's emotive vocals, and is often cited as a standout track from her debut album. Two music videos were made for the song; the second, released in 2016, starred actor Ansel Elgort and was a collaboration with Lexus, aiming to show a darker, more conceptual side of the song's theme of miscommunication. "Be the One" showcased Lipa's "dark pop" style and laid the groundwork for her eventual status as a global pop icon.

The lyrics of "Be the One" employ celestial and color-based metaphors to symbolize the communication breakdown and differing perspectives between the two partners.

• Moon and Sun: The line "I see the moon, oh, when you're looking at the sun" is a powerful metaphor for their complete opposition in viewpoint. While they are both looking at the sky, they are seeing entirely different, incompatible things. It represents a fundamental disconnect in their perception of their relationship and reality.
• Blue and Red: Similarly, the lyric "I see blue, oh, and you see everything in red" uses color to symbolize their emotional and perceptual differences. Blue often represents calmness, sadness, or clarity, while red can symbolize passion, anger, or danger. This contrast illustrates the chasm between the narrator's hopeful perspective and her partner's possibly more turbulent or cynical one.

The act of "being the one" itself becomes a recurring symbol of salvation and stability. The narrator isn't just asking to be a partner; she is positioning herself as the definitive solution to his past pain and mistrust—the one person who will not let him down.

The most significant recurring phrase in the song is the title itself, "Be the One." It acts as the central lyrical hook and the thematic core of the entire track. Repeated throughout the chorus and outro, this phrase encapsulates the narrator's entire argument and plea: she wants to be the definitive person for her partner, the one who breaks the cycle of disappointment. Its repetition makes it a powerful, anthemic declaration of intent.

Another key recurring motif is the imagery of opposing perceptions: "I see the moon / ...you're looking at the sun" and "I see blue / ...you see everything in red." This repeated lyrical structure serves as a constant reminder of the central conflict in the relationship—a fundamental inability to see eye-to-eye. Its recurrence emphasizes the depth of the disconnect that the narrator is desperately trying to overcome.