Chords + Lyrics | The One I Love
Intro
||: Em (G A) | Dsus2 (E G F#) | Em (Em7) | Em (Em7) :||
Verse 1
| Em | Dsus2 | Em (Em7) | Em (Em7) |
This one goes out to the one I love.
| Em | Dsus2 | Em | Em (Em7) |
This one goes out to the one I’ve left behind.
| G G/F G/E | Dsus2 | C/G (A B) | C |
A simple prop, to occupy my time.
| Em | Dsus2 | Em (Em7) | Em (Em7) |
This one goes out to the one I love.
Chorus 1
||: Em (G A) | Dsus2 (E G F#) | Em (Em7) | Em (Em7) :||
Fire. Fire.
Verse 2
This one goes out to the one I love.
This one goes out to the one I’ve left behind.
A simple prop to occupy my time.
This one goes out to the one I love.
Chorus 2
Fire (she’s comin’ down on her own, now).
Fire (she’s comin’ down on her own).
Instrumental
| G G/F G/E | Dsus2 | C/G (A B) | C |
| Em | Dsus2 | Em (Em7) | Em (Em7) |
Verse 3
This one goes out to the one I love.
This one goes out to the one I’ve left behind.
Another prop, has occupied my time.
This one goes out to the one I love.
Chorus 3
Fire (she’s comin’ down on her own, now).
Fire (she’s comin’ down on her own).
Fire (she’s comin’ down on her own, now).
Fire (she’s comin’ down on her own).
End
| Em (G A) | Dsus2 Eb5 | Em |
The One I Love Chords: Exploring Minor Modes and Tension
One of the most intriguing aspects of The One I Love is how it blends minor modes.
Intro + Chorus
In the intro and chorus, the Em chord is played with an F# in the bass, indicating that the song must be in E Aeolian or E Dorian, where F# acts as the 9th. The progression looks like this:
||: Em (VI or II) (G A) | Dsus2 (V or I) (E G F#) | Em (Em7) | Em (Em7) :||
Verse
In the verse, the chords G G/F G/E suggest that Em is now functioning in E Phrygian, as F becomes a b9. Shifting between these modes builds tension, a defining trait of indie-rock.
| Em | Dsus2 | Em (Em7) | Em (Em7) |
| Em | Dsus2 | Em | Em (Em7) |
| G (V) G/F G/E | Dsus2 (II) | C/G (I/5) (A B) | C (I) |
| Em | Dsus2 | Em (Em7) | Em (Em7) |
I’ve created a TAB arrangement that weaves together the bass and electric guitar parts into a cohesive acoustic guitar version. Here’s a link to the lesson: The One I Love – Guitar Lesson with TAB.
This approach shines in the intro/chorus, making it sound great on a single acoustic guitar. Once you’ve mastered that, keep the same level of detail when playing the verse—it’s these small touches that add up to a compelling performance.
After working through the TAB, all you need for the gig is a simple chord chart. I’ve put one together for you.
The One I Love Chord Chart | PDF + iReal Pro Download
Should you want to download this chart, here’s a PDF: The One I Love chord chart PDF.
This chord chart was created using iReal Pro, here’s a link to that file: The One I Love iReal Pro.
Using this and the iRealPro app, you can change the key, although if you change The One I Love‘s chords, that bass line won’t integrate as perfectly.
The One I Love TAB | Course Preview
There’s TAB for all sections of The One I Love in the course, including how to integrate the bass line riff into your strumming.
As a preview, here’s the first line of the super simple verse—notice how the strumming is divided between high and low strings.
Did R.E.M. steal from Neil Young?
The One I Love is a perfect example of a simple yet powerful song—an essential lesson for any aspiring songwriter.
As discussed earlier, great songs often feature a twist, variation, or modulation that sets them apart. But just as important are lyrics that carry weight. By repeating the same verse three times, Michael Stipe reinforces his message, demonstrating that simplicity can be incredibly effective.
Another valuable exercise for songwriters is to compare The One I Love with Neil Young’s My My, Hey Hey (Out of the Blue). There’s a fine line between being inspired and outright stealing!
If you want to write songs, you need to study them—rewrite them, dissect them—and in time, original ideas will come to you.
Perhaps Michael Stipe’s famous quote sums it up best: The secret to R.E.M.’s success is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration!
The One I Love Chords: Continue Learning
Want to master this song? Check out the full TAB lesson here: The One I Love (R.E.M.) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
Alternatively, here are five similar tunes you might enjoy:
