One of These Things First

Song Meaning

The lyrics present a wistful inventory of past possibilities. The speaker reflects on a myriad of identities and roles they "could have been." This creates a sense of profound, almost overwhelming, potential left unfulfilled. The core emotional tension emerges from the contrast between these vivid "could have been" scenarios and the speaker's present state. The repeated question, "I would be, I should be, but how?", highlights a deep-seated paralysis. It's not just about what wasn't chosen, but the inability to choose or act in the present moment. The lyrical craft shines in the diverse, almost random, lists of potential selves. From "a sailor, could have been a cook" to "a signpost, could have been a clock," the speaker imagines roles both active and passive, human and inanimate. This eclectic mix, including the desire to be "as simple as a kettle, steady as a rock," suggests a longing for a clear, grounded identity that remains elusive. The effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their quiet exploration of regret and the weight of unchosen paths. The shift in Verse 2, where the speaker imagines being "your pillar" or "your friend," adds a relational dimension to this wistfulness, suggesting missed connections alongside personal identities. The constant refrain of "One of these things first" underscores a persistent, nagging feeling that a crucial beginning was somehow missed.