One

Aimee Mann's song "One" delves deep into the theme of loneliness and the emotional void left by separation. The repeated assertion that "one is the loneliest number" underscores the profound sense of isolation that comes from being alone. The lyrics suggest that while being in a pair (or a relationship) can be challenging, the solitude of being alone is far more painful. The comparison between the numbers one and two serves as a metaphor for the emotional states of being single versus being in a relationship, highlighting the stark contrast between the two experiences.

The song also touches on the sadness of rejection, with the lines "'No' is the saddest experience you'll ever know" and "Yes, it's the saddest experience you'll ever know." This duality of rejection and acceptance both leading to sadness suggests a deeper commentary on the human condition and the inherent loneliness that can accompany both scenarios. The repetition of the phrase "one is the loneliest number" throughout the song reinforces the idea that this feeling of loneliness is pervasive and inescapable.

Aimee Mann's melancholic tone and reflective lyrics capture the essence of heartbreak and the aftermath of a relationship's end. The line "It's just no good anymore since you went away" speaks to the lingering pain and the struggle to move on. The imagery of spending time "just making rhymes of yesterday" evokes a sense of nostalgia and the difficulty of letting go of the past. The song's conclusion, with the acknowledgment that "one is a number divided by two," poignantly illustrates the fragmentation and incompleteness felt after a separation, emphasizing the deep emotional impact of losing a significant other.