Meaning of "What Am I Waiting For" by The O'Jays

"What Am I Waiting For" by The O'Jays captures the raw emotions of heartbreak and loss. The narrator is in a state of denial, refusing to accept that their partner has left for good. The repetition of the question "What am I waiting for?" reflects the internal struggle of hoping for a reconciliation while knowing deep down that it is unlikely. The imagery of staring out the window with tears on their face and being surrounded by the emptiness of a home once filled with love evokes a sense of loneliness and abandonment. The mention of being left only with the dog and the cat, as well as the fork and the spoon, emphasizes the narrator's solitude and the mundane nature of their existence without their partner. The sorrowful cries and the admission of not wanting to believe that the lover will not return underscore the pain and desperation of the situation. Overall, the lyrics poignantly convey the profound impact of heartbreak, the difficulty of letting go, and the lingering hope for a return that may never come.