One is a song by Irish rock band U2. It is the third track from their 1991 album Achtung Baby, and it was released as the album's third single in March 1992. While recording Achtung Baby, conflict arose between band members over the direction of U2's sound and the quality of of their material. Tensions almost prompted the band to break up, until guitarist The Edge composed a chord progression that inspired the group to improvise the song. The mix for the songa ballad was worked on for the remainder of the album's sessions. The lyrics, written by lead singer Bono, describe struggles to maintain relationships with others, but they have been interpreted in other ways.