The Only was written, as a conscious departure from intricate polyphonic part-writing, by a composer to whose thinking counterpoint is usually more central. This piece seeks to emulate the kind of easy lyricism which is such a fingerprint of John Rutters music, while preserving a slightly more austere, even archaic harmonic language. The rhythmic patterning of the accompanying piano part suggests a more popular idiom, and makes the carol suitable for use outside the confines of a church service.