"I'm the Only One" is a song by American singer-songwriterMelissa Etheridge from her fourth studio album,Yes I Am (1993). It was released as the album's first single in September 1993 byIsland 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 theBillboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on theBillboardAdult Contemporary chart in January 1995. It remains Etheridge's biggest hit on either chart and earned her a nomination for theGrammy Award for Best Rock Song in1995.[1]
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.
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,[4][5] and won theGLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Music Video.[2] 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.[4]
^Flick, Larry (September 4, 1993). "Nirvana, Meilencamp Ready Sept. Sets".Billboard. Vol. 105, no. 36. p. 12.'I'm The Only One' goes to album-rock and alternative radio Sept. 7.
^"New Release Summary – Product Available from : 18/10/93: Singles".The ARIA Report. No. 193. October 17, 1993. p. 19.
^"Single Releases".Music Week. October 30, 1993. p. 27.
Melissa Etheridge –Greatest Hits: The Road Less Traveled – Bonus DVD
