Meaning of "The Only One" by Tracy Chapman

"The Only One" by Tracy Chapman is a poignant reflection on loss, grief, and longing for a loved one who has passed away. The lyrics convey a deep sense of emptiness and purposelessness that accompanies the absence of the person who was the narrator's "flesh and blood." The repeated question of whether heaven has enough angels yet speaks to a desire for reunion and a sense of incompleteness without the departed. The narrator's feelings of coldness and inability to piece together their fractured life without the loved one further emphasize the depth of their sorrow. Despite acknowledging that they can no longer be together in this life, there remains a flicker of hope and yearning for a reunion in the afterlife. Overall, the song captures the raw emotions of grief, the struggle to find meaning after loss, and the enduring bond between souls even after physical separation.