"I'm the Only One" is a song by American singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge from her fourth studio album, Yes I Am (1993). It was released as the first single in September 1993, 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 the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart in January 1995. It remains Etheridge's biggest hit on either chart.

Content

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.

Music video

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. 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.

Track listings

All songs were written by Melissa Etheridge, except for Maggie May, written by Rod Stewart and Martin Quittenton. US cassette single US maxi-CD single UK 7-inch single UK CD single Dutch CD single

Credits and personnel

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Release history