The Bells
Dramatics and the Dells Lyrics

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One less bell to answer
One less egg to fry
One less woman to pick up after
I should be happy

But all I do is cry
(Cry, cry, no more laughter)
I should be happy

(Oh, why did he go)

I only know that since he left
My life's so empty
Though I try to forget
It just can't be done

Each time the doorbell rings
I still run
I don't know how in the world
To stop thinking of her

I still love her
I spend each day the way I start out
Crying my heart out
(One less bell to answer)

I should be happy
(One less egg to fry)
One less woman to pick up after
No more laughter, no more love

Since she went away
(One less bell to answer)
(One less egg to fry)
One less man to pick up after

No more laughter, no more love

Since she went away
She went away

Overall Meaning

The song "The Bells" by The Dramatics and The Dells vividly captures the emotional turmoil and heartache of a person grappling with the aftermath of a significant relationship ending. The opening lines, "One less bell to answer, one less egg to fry, one less woman to pick up after, I should be happy," paint a picture of someone trying to convince themselves that they should feel relieved or content now that their partner is no longer in the picture. The repetition of the phrase "I should be happy" underlines the internal struggle and conflicting emotions the singer is experiencing.

The juxtaposition between the outward expression of being fine and the internal anguish is evident in the lines "But all I do is cry, cry, cry, no more laughter." Despite outwardly trying to appear okay, the singer is consumed by sorrow and longing for the person who has departed. The lyrics highlight a sense of longing and emptiness that has settled in the singer's life since the departure of their partner.

The recurring theme of emptiness and the inability to forget the person is conveyed through the lines "Since he left, my life's so empty, though I try to forget, it just can't be done." The emptiness left behind by the absence of the loved one is palpable, and the singer's attempts to move on are portrayed as futile. The mention of the doorbell ringing and the reflexive action of running to answer it symbolize the lingering hope or expectation of their return, further emphasizing the deep-seated longing and attachment.

The closing verses of the song revisit the same themes of loss, longing, and heartbreak, expressing the enduring love for the departed partner despite their absence. The repetition of phrases like "one less bell to answer, one less egg to fry, one less person to pick up after" serves as a stark reminder of the void created by their departure. The final lines, "No more laughter, no more love, since she went away, she went away," encapsulate the profound impact of the breakup on the singer's life, leaving them in a state of perpetual heartache and longing for the lost love.

Line by Line Meaning

One less bell to answer
One less problem or concern to deal with

One less egg to fry
One less task to complete or obligation to fulfill

One less woman to pick up after
One less person to care for or look after

I should be happy
I should feel content or relieved

But all I do is cry
Despite the situation improving, I am still overcome with sadness

Cry, cry, no more laughter
Tears instead of joy or happiness

Oh, why did he go
Questioning the reason for the departure

I only know that since he left
Since the person departed

My life's so empty
Feeling a deep sense of loneliness and void

Though I try to forget
Attempting to move on or erase memories

It just can't be done
Realizing it is impossible to forget or move forward