Search by Title

A	B	C	D	E	F	G
H	I	J	K	L	M	N
O	P	Q	R	S	T	U
V	W	X	Y	Z	#

Browse Categories Random Songfact Random Category Add to Songfacts Take the Quiz SongFAQ Get the Newsletter E-Mail Us Message Boards Full Interviews Lyrical Pursuit Song Fallacies

Songfacts:  You can leave comments about the song at the bottom of the page.

This was written by Harry Nilsson, a popular songwriter who had hits as a singer with "Everybody's Talkin'" and "Without You."

This is about loneliness. It was used in the film Recess: School's Out when the character of TJ is lonely and bored after all his friends go to summer camps. (thanks, Brett - Edmonton, Canada)

This was the first song on Three Dog Night's first album. It was one of 21 US Top-40 hits for the group, who did very well with songs written by other artists. Other hits by Three Dog Night include "Joy To The World" (written by Hoyt Axton), "Mama Told Me (Not To Come)" (written by Randy Newman) and "The Show Must Go On" (written by Leo Sayer).

Aimee Mann covered this for the 1999 film Magnolia. It was used in the title sequence, and became part of a soundtrack that put Mann back in the spotlight. In the '80s, she was lead singer of the group Til Tuesday.

The Beta Band did a cover of this (titled "Won") on their album Hot Shots II, which had nothing to do with the movie Hot Shots Part Deux. (thanks, Tom - Jenkintown, PA)

In episode 6, "Mistaken Identity" of season 1 of the sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Will and Carlton are locked in with a criminal who sings this song at the end of the show. (thanks, Stephen - Cupertino, CA)

This song was used on the Family Guy episode "Brian Wallows And Peter's Swallows," were it was played at a laser show. (thanks, Sean - Surrey, BC, Canada)

Comments:

This has been my Favorite song since it came out. I guess I am and always a loner on the inside. Such a great tune.
- Sal, Brentwood, NY

Even though "One" started out being my favorite--TDN had so many more good songs, I'm surprised there are so few on songfacts. "Out In the Country" and "Easy to Be Hard" will always be my personal picks. This is one of the few bands my husband will listen to!
- Debra, Lee's Summit, MO

This is a great song and a very good version. I personally like the author, Harry Nilsson's version better. He sings it slower and with much more feeling. It is a sad song and he sings it that way. Harry Nilsson sings a lot of his songs with great feeling.
- Peter, seabrook, TX

Great breakup song!!! love it
- Tony, Chicago, IL

Amiee Mann's cover of this song was also in the 2001 film Just Can't Get Enough. The theme of the song parallels perfectly with the movie's central character Steve.
- Nicholas, Austin, TX

This song is mistakenly thought to be by The Beatles, occasionally. This is an excellent song, I want everyone to know that it is by a great band.
- andrea, toronto, ON

Correction for Clint in KC MO...One was NOT in the HAIR soundtrack...it was another Three Dog Night song...Easy To Be Hard
- Bruce, La Verne, CA

This was originally in the first rock musical "Hair"
- Clint, Mount Vernon, MO

Three Dog Night's best song
- Mike, Hueytown , AL

This song sounds so good, it's a shame that the lyrics are crap. I can't believe Nilsson wrote this.
- Henry, Kingston, NY

I like Aimee Mann's cover a lot. Probably even better than the original.
- Jon, Oakridge, OR

The band Filter recorded this tune and released it as a B-side to "Welcome To The Fold" off their LP "Title Of Record".
- Jim, Dayton, OH

I really like the singing. and the guitar.
- Johnny, Los Angeles, CA

A song of isolation. A song of loneliness. It's the song that put Three Dog Night on the musical map. Also memorable is the voice at the end who hed the word "One!"
- Howard, St. Louis Park, MN

In my opinion, the second most udnerrated band ever, behind only Steve Miller. Great song, and no shortage of others like it from these guys.
- John, Millersville, MD

John Farnham's version of the song was released in the same year.
- Confusing, Sydney, Australia

I thought this song would have more comments too. Its so good, I especially love the elody. I don't really know why though. However I agree with the rhyming of the word one with itself
- Clare, Hmilton, Canada

I completely love this song. I heard it awhile in a movie (but don't remember what it was), and then yesterday I heard it on 'House' and remembered how much I love it. It's very simple but sad.
- Lisa-Beth, Tampa, FL

I love this song, I've known it forever but could never find who actually did it. I thought this song would have more comments about it...weird.
- Shana, Detroit Rock City, Canada

One of the most brilliant lyrics ever, referencing the fact that you can be just as lonely when you're with someone as when you're by yourself, viz. "Two can be as bad as one / It's the loneliest number since the number one." I won't comment about rhyming the word, "one" with itself. :)
- NickC, Ft. Wayne, IN