"One Way Or Another"
Blondie's "One Way or Another" pulses with a catchy blend of rock and disco, driven by Debbie Harry's iconic vocals. Lyrically, it's a playful stalker anthem, inspired by Harry's own unsettling experience. Despite the dark undercurrent, the song's infectious energy and danceable beat make it an enduring classic.
- CATEGORY: All Time Favorite Music
- BAND: Blondie
- GENRE: Punk rock, New wave, Power pop, Pop punk
- YEAR: 1978
Blondie's "One Way or Another" is a pulsating anthem of determination and defiance, wrapped in a catchy New Wave package. Released in 1978, the song's driving beat, Debbie Harry's iconic nonchalant vocals, and Chris Stein's choppy guitar riffs instantly captivated audiences.
Inspired by Harry's own experience with a stalker, the lyrics capture the unsettling blend of fear and resilience in the face of unwanted attention. Lines like "Seen you tonight at seven, felt your eyes burning down my back" and "Oh, you can run, you can hide, but I will find you" create a sense of unease, punctuated by the repeated refrain, "One way or another, I'm gonna find ya, I'm gonna get ya, get ya, get ya."
However, the song isn't just about fear. It's also about taking control of the narrative and asserting one's own power. Harry's nonchalant delivery and the infectious beat transform the potentially frightening lyrics into a declaration of independence. The music video, featuring Harry singing while casually stalking a man through the streets of New York City, further emphasizes this theme.
"One Way or Another" transcended its origins as a personal story to become a cultural touchstone. Its catchy melody and empowering message resonated with listeners facing various forms of unwanted attention, from creepy strangers to overbearing bosses. The song has been covered by countless artists, appeared in numerous films and TV shows, and remains a staple of Blondie's live performances.