The One That Got Away

by Kenny Loggins

1. STORY    

   The lyrics of the song tells a story about a father, who was imprisoned because of a crime he didn't do. And because of that, he wasn't able to see how his son grew up. He wants to ask for forgiveness and let him know how much he loves him and misses him every single day.

2. MESSAGE

• EXPLICIT

      The message clearly stated by the composer is how distance affects two people's relationship. According to the message of the song, the son don't have any idea of how his father misses and loves him. Parent's who are distant can't guide their children and this affects the child's attitude as he/she grew up. Many children thinks that their parents doesn't love them because they had no time for them.      

• IMPLICIT

      The implied message of the composer is how injustices affects the lives of the normal people who are imprisoned because of wrong accusations. The song is actually telling a story and at the same time presents a message for the readers or the listeners.

3. I grew up with my father always at my side. We always see each other everyday. I can relate to the song because it talks about a father's love. My father may not be perfect and he may not say the exact words, but his actions clearly speaks how much he cares and loves me. 

4. POEM

   The poem is a ballad. The composer emphasizes the message of the song through repetition of some of the lines in the poem. It also states the important information on the events and the scenery for the readers to imagine the story. The song also omit some details like why did the father was imprisoned, which is also one characteristic of ballads. 

    LANGUAGE

   The language or words used in the song are simple and common, intended to attract the audience and the listeners. The lyrics can be easily understood by all people and everyone can relate to the theme and message of the song.

   AUTHOR/COMPOSER

   The composer could have been experienced the same as the father or the son in the song, to compose a meaningful song like this. He could have written this song based on his own experience and to express his feelings. It is also possible that this song was composed to be dedicated for someone.