From the recording Ryland
“Only Happens Once” blends soaring electric guitars and gentle acoustic strums with a cinematic build that feels both euphoric and bittersweet. Ryland Fisher delivers a big, emotional chorus rooted in country-rock storytelling, capturing the urgency of a moment you know you’ll never get back. Subtle electronic elements and heartfelt lyricism give the track a modern edge, making it a powerful anthem about timing, memory, and what we hold onto.
Lyrics
They say you’re more likely to be struck by lightning
But It ain’t for a lack of trying
Easy come,
But that wind keeps blowing
Guess it brought you right here to me
Feels like I’m right where I need to be
The lucky ones-
So let’s take this in slow motion
I'm gonna breathe every kiss like it's all I got
Falling deep into you, ready or not
Cus if it only happens once
I'm gonna love you second to none
You got my soul, I ain’t messing around this time
We might have 60 more years to go
Baby, even when we’re 80 years old
I’ll look at you and thank God for one hell of a ride
Well, it don’t always come around but when it does
It only happens once
I’ve done the breaking and I’ve been the broken
At the time I didn’t even know it
I was on my way
Just another heart in training
Teaching me how to put you first
To mean every word, for better or worse
Cus if it only happens once
I'm gonna love you second to none
You got my soul, I ain’t messing around this time
We might have 60 more years to go
Baby, even when we’re 80 years old
I’ll look at you and thank God for one hell of a ride
Well, it don’t always come around but when it does
It only happens once
When all those pieces fall together
Become somebody else’s treasure
And all you can think about is getting on with forever
And even then, forever won't be enough when you realize
That it only happens once
If it only happens once
I'm gonna love you second to none
You got my soul, I ain’t messing around this time
I might have 60 more years to go
Baby, even when we’re 80 years old
I’ll look at you and thank God for one hell of a ride
Well, it don’t always come around but when it does
No, it don't always come around but when it does
It only happens once
It only happens once