A restless eye across a weary room
a glazed look and I was on the road to ruin
the music played and played as we whirled without end
no hint, no word her honour to defend

I will, I will, she sighed to my request
and then she tossed her mane while my resolve was put
to the test
then drowned in desire, our souls on fire
I led the way to the funeral pyre
and without a thought of the consequence
I gave in to my decadence

one slip, and down the hole we fall
it seems to take no time at all
a momentary lapse of reason
that binds a life for life
a small regret, you won't forget
there'll be no sleep in here tonight

was it love, or was it the idea of being in love?
or was it the hand of fate, that seemed to fit just
like a glove?
the moment slipped by and soon the seeds were sown
the year grew late and neither one wanted to remain
alone

one slip, and down the hole we fall
it seems to take no time at all
a momentary lapse of reason
that binds a life to a life
the one regret, you will never forget
there'll be no sleep in here tonight
one slip...one slip...



Lyrics submitted by Demau Senae

Track duration: 05:28


One Slip song meanings
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26 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment:I've taken a very different look on this album because I feel there is another emblem that could be introduced. What if this whole album is about a nuclear war and following winter? When I heard this song today, i almost realized that it would fit if the song "one slip" talked about how close we were to destroying each other. Since it came out in the 80's, the cold war was still a huge deal then. I looked at the names and each song and I realized that each individual song could be drawing a picture for a nuclear disaster and the song "Sorrow" talks about it as if it happened? I personally find it to be an interesting subject. Although, I'm sure I'm just digging fool's gold.
    Flag SammoHayaon March 22, 2013   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:i alwyas think of picking up a chick at a bar
    Flag jdc1990on September 17, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:In no way is this song about unplanned pregnancy. Gilmour had a cocaine problem in the 80's. The song is about how quickly you can become addicted. Lack of judgement, even for a brief moment, can lead to something very dangerous. The whole album is about the different vices you can inherit and how they effect your life.
    Flag satanaesinagogaon July 22, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Interesting. When I heard this song on a satellite radio station, I only thought of my most recent ex boyfriend and I's recently ended relationship, but he said when I posted the title to my MSN Messenger that it startled him. I can see why you all might think it is about unplanned pregnancy, though. I think good songs are meant to be open to interpretation... to make it your own and identify with it in your own individual way.
    Flag CaperGrrlon November 18, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:It's a song about the anguish of an accidental pregnancy and everything that comes with it. A defining moment in a lot of peoples lives. Love this song.
    Flag deemicon November 01, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:This song is either about getting tempted into fidelity, or just a comment on how "love" starts and next thing the couple are trapped together simply because neither wants to be alone.

    "One slip, and down the whole we fall" - can be a whimsical comment on how easy it can be to fall in love. i.e. you let your guard down for a minute and you're struck by the falling piano of love (my favourite description of the process!). On the other hand, you give in slightly to your carnal desire and next thing you're in bed!

    "the hand of fate that seemed to fit just like a glove" - is just for rhyming, it's almost like fate MEANT he was to make this mistake, Gilmour et al needed an extra bit to the line to make it rhyme. He's NOT a very good lyricist people, let's face it (check out most of "On an Island").

    "no word, her honour to defend" - at the time, the point of her honour or being chivalrous was not in question, it was just about getting it on and nothing else mattered.

    Surely to God lads, the line "there'll be no sleep in here tonight" means that they've gone to the funeral pyre not to sleep, but to have hot sex all night?! COME ON!
    Flag broddoon March 04, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I always viewed this song as more than just have sex but about rushing into a marriage but not thinking things through. (i.e. not really thinking what “til death do us part” really means)

    "no word her honour to defend"
    Implies to me getting married simply because it seemed like the right thing to do.. Maybe because of ill gotten pregnancy but I don’t think so.

    "I will, I will, she sighed to my request"
    will you marry me? She responds yes

    "she tossed her mane while my resolve was put to the test"
    A mane is the headpiece to a wedding dress. So, the wedding was over. Now the guy's resolve to be a responsible husband was put to the test.

    "then drowned in desire, our souls on fire I led the way to the funeral pyre and without a thought of the consequence I gave in to my decadence"
    The marriage, founded on lust not love. It was consummated without really thinking about being parents.

    "a momentary lapse of reason that binds a life for life"
    After you get married and have a child regardless if the marriage works, you will be bound to that person for life.

    "there'll be no sleep in here tonight"
    The marriage is falling apart and they argue all night. (been there)

    "was it love, or was it the idea of being in love?"
    One night stands are never based on love so I can’t see how anyone can see this as being about an affair. Failed marriage are often formed based on the idea of being in love but one or both spouses don't have what it takes. If you’ve been married for a period of time, I don’t care who you are you will begin to doubt your decision during rough years. I’ve asked myself this question before.

    "was it the hand of fate, that seemed to fit just like a glove?"
    How many couples have stated they were destined to be together?

    "the moment slipped by and soon the seeds were sown"
    The honeymoon is over and they have a child.

    "the year grew late and neither one wanted to remain alone"
    The spouses don't want to be together but both are afraid to end the marriage.
    Or
    They were married but felt they were married to a stranger and therefore alone in their marriage and wanting to get out.
    Could read it either way.
    Flag deanmeon December 28, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:i think it can be perceived in so many ways... sambennalick made an excellent interpretation of it, and the infidelity one is good too.
    but to me, it feels more like its about strong love and passion, how this childish (using the word in a playful and not demeaning manor) rush of emotion makes them feel wonderful and happy
    Flag madmikeeon September 28, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:It's interesting how everyone has a different take on this. I believe it is a cumulation of what most of you have said.

    Without going into detail, I can relate to this song on so many levels.

    It may be about an affair (momentary lapse of reason) and unplanned pregnancy (seed being sown). She becomes pregnant and his wife finds out (if it is an affair). Their marriage is over and he and the other woman continue to see each other because they have nothing else except this child and don't want to be alone (down the hole we fall). If it is an affair then the reference to no sleep in here tonight probably has to do with many sleepless nights due the guilt etc. of the affair.
    Flag klodholzon July 23, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Hmm, very interesting analysis, FriendlyImperial. One thought I'm drawn to is that "one slip, and down the hall we fall" is a reference to falling in love. There's a certain bit of irony in how some things in life that are important can really seem so random. Also, you're right on the money plasmaHD >:)
    Flag phasetransitionon July 11, 2007   Link

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