The song "One Less Bell to Answer" by Gladys Knight & The Pips tells the story of a woman who is heartbroken and alone after her lover leaves her. The lyrics convey her sorrow and longing for him to come back. The song speaks of the emptiness she feels since he left, as symbolized by one less bell to answer and one less egg to fry. These lines imply that there used to be happiness and routine in her life when he was with her, but now that he's gone, everything feels incomplete. The protagonist tries to forget and move on, but she fails every time the doorbell rings, hoping that it might be him returning. She doesn't know how to stop thinking about him, as she still loves him deeply. Each day ends in tears, representing her ongoing emotional pain. The repetition of the phrase "one less bell to answer" and the question of why he left emphasize the confusion and longing she experiences. She seeks understanding and explanation for his departure, longing to know where he went and why he chose to leave. Overall, the song depicts a heartbroken woman who is struggling to cope with the loss of her loved one. It emphasizes the deep emotional impact and longing she continues to feel, even though she tries to convince herself that she should be happy without him.
