"I'll Be The Lonely One" by Gilbert O'Sullivan is a heartfelt song about longing and loneliness when a loved one is away. The lyrics express the narrator's feelings of loneliness and yearning for their partner who is going overseas. The song begins by wishing the loved one a safe journey into the path of the sun, but also asking them to spare a thought for the narrator, as they will be the lonely one in their absence. The narrator acknowledges that their time together has been significant, but emphasizes that until their partner returns, they will continue to feel lonely. The chorus repeats the phrase "I'll be the lonely one," emphasizing the narrator's feelings of isolation and longing. They plead for their partner to come away with them, hoping to hear their voice in the distance. However, they realize that the voice they hear is only their own, highlighting their deep-rooted loneliness. In the second verse, the narrator expresses their resignation to the fact that their attempts to reach their partner will be futile. They acknowledge that their calls won't be returned, and even if they leave a message, it won't be acknowledged. This further emphasizes the narrator's feelings of being ignored and disconnected. The song concludes with a repetition of the opening lines, emphasizing the longing and loneliness that will persist while their partner is away. The narrator hopes that their partner will think of them during their journey, as they will continue to be the lonely one until they are reunited. Overall, "I'll Be The Lonely One" explores themes of distance, longing, and the emotional toll that separation can have on a relationship. The song captures the bittersweet emotions of missing someone deeply and the desire for their presence in one's life.
