“One Man Band” by Old Dominion

A one man band is a singular individual who plays various instruments at the same time, thus emulating an entire band. That standard definition of the term will become relevant again later. But more to the point of this song, the phrase is also a popular metaphor alluding to a person who decides to go things alone. 

And the singer is stating that he “don’t wanna be a one-man band”.  He is making this assertion specifically from a romantic standpoint. And the person he is singing to is his romantic interest. So basically, he is telling her that he is indeed in love. Moreover, he has spent a considerable amount of time “flying solo”, as in being on his own. But now he is ready to settle down, with her specifically in mind. 

Or succinctly put, he wants to give up the one-man band lifestyle by taking this relationship to a higher level. And whereas, once again, this sentiment is expressed from a romantic perspective, ultimately the lyrics are also intended to be symbolic of the co-dependency the members of Old Dominion have on each other.

Facts about “One Man Band”

RCA Nashville released “One Man Band” on the 18th of January 2019. It is part of the playlist of Old Dominion’s eponymous third album.

And as of late 2019, “One Man Band” remains Old Dominion’s best-faring song on the Billboard Hot 100, where the track peaked at number 28. It also scored a number two and a number five respectively on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay listings.

Additionally, this tune charted in Canada, most notably topping Billboard’s Canada Country song ranking.

“One Man Band” was written by three members of Old Dominion – M. Ramsey, T. Rosen and B. Tursi. In writing the song, the trio worked along with another writer they’ve worked with quite extensively, Josh Osborne.

And the entire band produced the tune with additional input from country-music virtuoso Shane McAnally.