Some songs are built on a single, simple idea. “One Life” by Jonathan Anthony Burkett, featuring Ambelique, is one of them. Its title says it all: you are given one life, so live it with purpose.
This week in our His Music series, we are shining a light on this reggae song from Jonathan’s catalog, what its message means, and where you can listen.
About the song
“One Life” was released on Jonathan’s official YouTube channel, JonathanBurkettVEVO, on December 14, 2016. The video description calls it reggae music, credits the featured singer Ambelique, and lists the copyright as 2016 Upstormed Records, the music side of the company Jonathan founded.
Reggae is a fitting sound for Jonathan. As he shares in his memoir, Neglected But Undefeated, he spent his early childhood happily with his grandparents in Jamaica, the birthplace of reggae. Those were some of the brightest years of his young life, before the storms that came after he moved back to the United States at age six.
When you listen, you may hear a little of that island warmth: an easy rhythm that invites you to slow down, breathe and think about what really matters.
The message behind the title
We won’t print the song’s lyrics here, but the idea at its heart is one we can all carry: we only get one life, and every day of it is a gift.
That message means even more when you know Jonathan’s story. As a boy, he did not know a mother’s love. At fourteen, he was homeless. In 2005, he faced brain surgery for a disorder that caused seizures, and the surgery was a success. Each of those moments could have been the end of his story. Instead, he chose to keep going.
Jonathan has written, “Faith is why I’m here today and faith is why I made it through.” A song called “One Life” sounds like the natural next step for someone who has been through that much. When you understand how fragile life is, you stop waiting for “someday” to start living it well.
Three ways to live “one life” well
1. Number your days
The Bible gives us a beautiful prayer for living with purpose:
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”
(Psalm 90:12, KJV)
Numbering our days is not about fear. It is about remembering that today matters. A kind word, a phone call to a parent or a moment of prayer can’t be saved up for later.
2. Don’t let the past write the ending
Jonathan’s signature quote reminds us, “You know my name, not my story. You’ve heard what I’ve done, but not what I’ve been through.” Everyone you meet carries a story. Your own hard chapters are part of your story too, but they don’t have to be the final chapter. Through faith and forgiveness, Jonathan refused to let neglect define him.
3. Spend your life on what lasts
Money, likes and titles fade. Love, faith, family and the good we do for others last. Ask yourself this week: if I only have one life, what do I want it to be about? Then take one small step in that direction today.
Where to listen
- Watch “One Life” ft. Ambelique on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=05-6kPQpQyc
- Jonathan’s music on Spotify: Jonathan Anthony Burkett on Spotify
- His YouTube channel: youtube.com/@officialjonathanmusic
- The Upstormed playlist: Upstormed on Spotify
You can also find his music on YouTube Music and Google. If “One Life” speaks to you, try his songs “Don’t Give Up” ft. Polanca Pop and “Changes” ft. Polancapop next.
A song for the storm and after
“One Life” is a gentle reminder that the storm is not the whole story. God gives each of us one precious life, and He walks with us through every season of it. Through every storm, we rise together.
If you only had one life to live, and you do, what is one thing you want to do with it this year? Tell us in the comments below.
Learn more about Jonathan at www.jonathanburkett.com
Follow Jonathan on Instagram and Facebook
Sources: YouTube, “Jonathan Anthony Burkett – One Life ft. Ambelique” (JonathanBurkettVEVO, Dec 14, 2016; description credits Ambelique and (C) 2016 Upstormed Records); Neglected But Undefeated (published facts); Goodreads, Jonathan Anthony Burkett quotes; King James Bible, Psalm 90:12.
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