"The 1" is a song by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, serving as the opening track on her eighth studio album, Folklore (2020). It was co-written by Swift and producer Aaron Dessner and is characterized as a folk and soft rock tune with indie folk elements, featuring piano, percussion, and vocal harmonies

. Lyrically, the song reflects on a past romantic relationship that ultimately did not work out. The narrator fondly looks back on what could have been "the one" - a soulmate who never fully materialized. The lyrics convey bittersweet nostalgia, introspection, and a sense of moving on while still wondering about the lost possibilities. The song captures themes of fate, destiny, mistakes, and memory, setting the tone for the entire Folklore album

. Taylor Swift has described the song as having a double meaning: it acts as an update to a former lover about her current life, while also symbolizing her own creative rebirth during the pandemic, embracing new directions and saying "yes" to new opportunities despite difficult circumstances

. Critically, "The 1" was praised for its songwriting and production, debuting at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 and receiving platinum certification

. In summary, "The 1" is a reflective song about a lost love and the "what ifs" of a relationship that almost was, blending personal narrative with broader themes of growth and acceptance