You Only Live Once

The Strokes

About You Only Live Once

"You Only Live Once" is the opening track and third single from First Impressions of Earth, the third album from American rock band the Strokes. They have performed this song on several programs, including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Late Night with Conan O'Brien. A cover of Marvin Gaye's "Mercy Mercy Me" was recorded as a B-side and features Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam sharing vocals with Julian Casablancas, while Josh Homme (of Queens of the Stone Age, Them Crooked Vultures and Eagles of Death Metal) plays drums alongside Fabrizio Moretti. When the song was released as a single, the Strokes launched Operation You Only Live Once prompting all of their fans to call and request the single on radio stations. Their goal was to try to get out the word of the new single as fast as possible, by spreading the song by word of mouth. The Strokes' Myspace page asked all users to put the song in their profile in an attempt to spread the single among the online community. 


Year:
2006
3:09
1,057 
#3

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Some people think they're always right
Others are quiet and uptight
Others they seem so very nice nice nice nice (oh-ho)
Inside they might feel sad and wrong (oh no)

Twenty-nine different attributes
Only seven that you like
Twenty ways to see the world (oh-ho)
Twenty ways to start a fight (oh-ho)

Oh don't don't don't get up
I can't see the sunshine
I'll be waiting for you, baby
Cause I'm through
Sit me down
Shut me up
I'll calm down
And I'll get along with you

Oh men don't notice what they got
Women think of that a lot
One thousand ways to please your man (oh-ho)
Not even one requires a plan (I know)

Countless odd religions, too
It doesn't matter which you choose (oh no)
One stubborn way to turn your back (oh-ho)
This I've tried and now refuse (oh-ho)

Oh don't don't don't get up
I can't see the sunshine
I'll be waiting for you, baby
Cause I'm through
Sit me down
Shut me up
I'll calm down
And I'll get along with you
Alright

Shut me up
Shut me up
And I'll get along with you

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


The Strokes

The Strokes are an American rock band from New York, consisting of Julian Casablancas (lead vocals), Nick Valensi (guitar, backing vocals), Albert Hammond, Jr. (guitar, backing vocals), Nikolai Fraiture (bass guitar) and Fabrizio Moretti (drums, percussion). more »

4 fans

Written by: Julian Casablancas

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Release Date
"You Only Live Once" was released on July 26, 2006, as part of The Strokes' album "First Impressions of Earth."
Chart Performance
Despite not charting in the United States, the song performed well in other countries, peaking at number 30 in the UK Singles Chart.
Music Video
The music video for "You Only Live Once" has a unique concept, featuring the band performing at the bottom of a landfill as garbage gradually fills the space around them.
Directorship
The music video was directed by noted filmmaker Samuel Bayer, best known for his work with Green Day and Nirvana.
Lyric Composition
The lyrics of the song express a laid-back view of life, encapsulating the phrase "You Only Live Once" – a motto often abbreviated as YOLO today, which encourages people to embrace life and seize opportunities.
Critical Reception
The song received positive reviews from critics. It has been hailed as one of the best rock songs of the 2000s.
Lead Vocals
Julian Casablancas, the band's lead vocalist, is credited with singing the song's memorable lines.
Acoustic Version
An acoustic version of "You Only Live Once" was also recorded and released on the internet as a promotional single.
Cover Versions
Various artists, including Regina Spektor, have covered "You Only Live Once," further enhancing its popularity.
Album Position
Despite being the third single from "First Impressions of Earth", "You Only Live Once" opens the album, setting the tone for the tracks that follow.
Legacy
The song's phrase "You Only Live Once" was adopted into popular culture, partly thanks to this song, and was later popularized into an acronym (YOLO) by rapper Drake.
Cinematography
The music video was notable for its unique cinematography, with extreme close-ups and wide shots to depict the band's performance and the rising mound of garbage.
Influence
The song is still influential today, with many musicians describing it as an inspiration for their work.

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