Finneas O'Connell, known professionally as Finneas, has garnered acclaim for his exceptional production skills and profound songwriting. Among his repertoire, the composition "Only A Lifetime" stands out as an exploration of life's intricacies and the inexorable passage of time. The lyrical content of this piece delves into existential contemplation and self-reflection, inviting listeners to scrutinize the choices they make and assess the value they ascribe to different facets of their lives.
The introductory lines of the song pose a fundamental inquiry: "How do you know if you've done everything right?" This inquiry establishes the thematic underpinning of the song—a meditative exploration of life's decisions and their ensuing consequences. Finneas skillfully navigates the dichotomy between love and materialism, prompting reflection on whether genuine fulfillment arises from interpersonal connections or the accumulation of wealth during the nocturnal hours.
As the lyrics progress, the artist intensifies the introspection, posing the query, "Did every second really count, or were there some you should've spent?" This lyrical turn compels listeners to scrutinize the qualitative significance of their time, challenging the pervasive notion that each moment invariably contributes meaningfully to the overarching tapestry of life.
The recurrent refrain reinforces the transitory nature of existence, cautioning against the heedless dissipation of the invaluable time at one's disposal. "Don't waste the time you have, waiting for time to pass. It's only a lifetime, that's only a while," intones Finneas, driving home the imperative that life's brevity necessitates cherishing every fleeting moment.
In the subsequent verse, Finneas redirects his thematic focus toward societal expectations and the concomitant pressure to conform. He expresses his disdain for those who endorse pain for trivial gains, querying the sacrifices made for the sake of others' names. This forthright admission underscores the artist's vulnerability, infusing an additional layer of emotional depth into the composition.
The latter segment of the song accentuates the intrinsic value of familial and platonic bonds. Asserting, "It's family and friends, and that's the truth," Finneas underscores the irreplaceable importance of these relationships. The symbolic reference to a fountain serves to underscore the futility of attempting to reclaim lost youth through material possessions.
In conclusion, "Only A Lifetime" emerges as a poignant reflection on life's ephemeral nature, the nuanced choices that shape our existence, and the profound significance of love and connections. The song's compelling lyrics serve as a catalyst for listeners to embrace an attitude of gratitude, prioritize meaningful relationships, and resist succumbing to the societal pressures that often dictate our pursuits. Through Finneas's introspective and sincere musical narrative, a timeless message resonates, encapsulating the shared human experience.
