Meaning of "Then And Only Then" by Connie Smith

The lyrics of "Then And Only Then" by Connie Smith describe the profound loneliness and heartache of waiting for someone who has left with a promise to return. The narrator is consumed by sorrow and longing, unable to find peace until their loved one comes back. The act of counting the hours in a lonely room highlights the agonizing passage of time and the emptiness left by their absence. The repetition of "for then and only then" underscores the belief that only the return of their partner will bring an end to their pain and bring joy back into their life. The imagery of holding onto a tiny thread of hope emphasizes the fragile nature of their optimism and the desperate desire for reconciliation. Overall, the lyrics capture the universal experience of waiting for a loved one to come back, holding onto the belief that their return will bring healing and happiness.