The 5th Dimension - Wikipedia

About the Song

Marilyn McCoo & The 5th Dimension’s “One Less Bell to Answer” is a quintessential example of the group’s ability to blend intricate harmonies with soulful emotion. Released in 1970, the song quickly climbed the charts, becoming a signature tune that showcased the group’s extraordinary vocal talents.

McCoo’s powerful and expressive lead vocals are the heart of the song, conveying a sense of longing and heartbreak with raw authenticity. The harmonies provided by the other members of the group create a rich and textured soundscape that complements McCoo’s performance perfectly. The song’s lyrics, filled with imagery of loneliness and separation, resonate deeply with listeners, creating a powerful emotional connection.

Beyond its commercial success, “One Less Bell to Answer” has become a timeless classic, beloved by music fans of all ages. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to the group’s exceptional musicality and the universal appeal of its message. It’s a song that continues to touch hearts and inspire new generations of listeners, solidifying its place as one of the greatest vocal performances of all time.

5th Dimension couple sings Beatles songs with civil rights twist

Now, let’s explore the soul-stirring melodies of “One Less Bell To Answer” by watching the video below.

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Lyrics: One Less Bell To Answer

One less bell to answer
One less egg to fry
One less man to pick up after
I should be happy
But all I do is cry(Cry, cry, no more laughter)
Oh, I should be happy
(Oh, why did he go)
I only know that since he left
My life’s so emptyThough 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 him
‘Cause I still love him so
I end each day the way I start out
Crying my heart outOh, one less man to pick up after
No more laughter
No more love
Since he went, oh he went away (he went away)(One less bell to answer)
Why did he leave me
(Oh why, why, why did he leave)
(One less bell to answer)
Now I’ve got one less egg to fry
One less egg to fry
(Oh why, why, why did he leave)
And all I do is cry
(One less bell to answer)
Because my man told me goodbye
(Oh why, why, why did he leave)
(One less bell to answer)
Somebody tell me please
Where did he go, why did he go
(Ohy, why, why did he leave)
Tell me, how could he leave me

 

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Billy Joe Shaver first caught Waylon Jennings’ eye at Willie Nelson’s Dripping Springs Reunion back in 1972 while passing a guitar around backstage and picking “Willy the Wandering Gypsy and Me.” Waylon immediately stopped in his tracks, learned the chords on the spot, and promised to record the material. Instead of a quick cut, Shaver found himself stuck in Nashville for six months trying to collect on that promise while dealing with empty pockets and a songwriter dodging his calls. A sympathetic DJ eventually smuggled him right into one of Waylon’s studio dates. Still trying to brush him off, Waylon handed over a hundred-dollar bill with strict instructions to clear out. Shaver was broke enough to desperately need the cash, yet his pride won out. He fired the money right back with a harsh insult, prompting a furious Waylon to storm out into the hallway surrounded by a crowd. Shaver stood his ground and told him straight: listen to the songs, or catch a beating right there in front of God and everybody. Waylon finally sat down and listened. One track led to another until Jennings scrapped his own plans and built an entire record around Shaver’s writing. Released in 1973, Honky Tonk Heroes packed nine of Billy Joe’s compositions and turned into a crown jewel of the outlaw movement. The recording room stayed just as volatile, with Shaver loudly arguing over arrangement choices and accusing Waylon of altering his vision. Yet that exact friction gave the record its teeth. Waylon had just fought RCA for total creative freedom, and Billy Joe Shaver proved stubborn enough to demand that exact same respect for the words on the page.