One Less Bell To Answer

Burt Bacharach

About One Less Bell To Answer

"One Less Bell to Answer" is a song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Originally written in 1967 for Keely Smith, the song was rediscovered in late 1969 by Bones Howe, the producer for the 5th Dimension, and the song was included on the group's 1970 debut album for Bell Records, Portrait. Lead vocals on the single were sung by Marilyn McCoo. "One Less Bell to Answer" was a platinum record. The song reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, behind "My Sweet Lord" by George Harrison. On other US charts, it went to number one on the Adult Contemporary chart, as well as No. 4 on the Best Selling Soul Singles chart. 


Year:
1987
3:05
30 

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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) 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 him
Cause I still love him so
I end each day the way I start out
Crying my heart out

One less man to pick up after
No more laughter, no more love
Since he went away (he went away)

(One less bell to answer) Why did he leave me
(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
(Why, why, why did he leave) And all I do is cry
(One less bell to answer) Because a man told me goodbye
(Why, why, why did he leave)
(One less bell to answer) Somebody tell me please
Where did he go, why did he go
(Why, why, why did he leave) Tell me How could he leave me

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Burt Bacharach

Burt F. Bacharach ( /ˈbækəræk/ BAK-ə-rak; born May 12, 1928) is an American pianist, composer and music producer. He is known for his popular hit songs and compositions from the mid-1950s through the 1980s, with lyrics written by Hal David, as part of the duo Bacharach and David. Many of their hits were produced specifically for, and performed by, Dionne Warwick. Following on with the initial success of this collaboration, Bacharach went on to produce hits with Dusty Springfield, Bobbie Gentry, Jackie DeShannon and others. more »

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Written by: Burt F. Bacharach, Hal David

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Royalty Network

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Composition and Lyrics
"One Less Bell to Answer" is a song written by songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David. The pair are known for their collaborations that mark a significant era in pop music history.
The 5th Dimension Version
The song was most notably recorded and popularized by the American pop group, The 5th Dimension. Their version reached the #2 position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1970.
Album
The 5th Dimension's version of "One Less Bell to Answer" first appeared on their album titled "Portrait," which was released in 1970.
Grammy Award
The song won a Grammy Award in 1971 for 'Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus'. The song is recognized as one of the 5th Dimension's biggest hits.
Theme and Meaning
The song "One Less Bell to Answer" discusses the theme of loneliness and heartbreak, with the singer expressing sadness over a departed lover. The 'one less bell' refers to the absence of a phone call from the departed lover.
Previous Recording
Prior to the 5th Dimension's recording, the song was recorded by actress and singer Keely Smith in 1967, but it didn't receive notable recognition until The 5th Dimension's version.
Television Appearance
The well-known TV show 'Glee' featured "One Less Bell to Answer" mashed up with "A House is Not a Home" (another Burt Bacharach/Hal David song) in one of its episodes.
Movie Feature
The song is also part of the soundtrack for the film "Investigating Sex" (2001) in which it was performed by actress Neve Campbell.
Barbra Streisand’s Cover
Notable singer, Barbra Streisand, covered "One Less Bell to Answer" in 1971, mashing it up with "A House Is Not a Home" and the medley peaked at number 3 on the Easy Listening chart.
Musical Style
While The 5th Dimension is known for their contributions to R&B, Pop, Soul, and Jazz genres, this particular song is recognized for its blend of pop and soulful balladry.

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