The invention of the telephone did a wondrous thing for human communication so you can betcha there’s going to be some great songs about the telephone and the actions and emotions associated with it. I mean, seriously what would you do without it? And, I’m talking about the basic reason the telephone was invented – a way to communicate with people who are not standing next to you – not texting or photo swapping or voting for reality show contestants. Of course though, all these other things have become such a cultural norm that they will crop up in songs about the telephone too.
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Telephone – Lady Ga Ga Feat. Beyoncé
On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
Now, I am an old fuddy-duddy so I really can’t say I’m down with the kids and know what is hip and happening on the music block but I know what I like and this is one of the songs about the telephone I love. And I believe this was quite a hit! No seriously, it’s a great song, great video and it deserves the critical acclaim it received.
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Hanging on the Telephone – Blondie
On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
I could have picked Call Me but I love this more! It’s brilliant how the attitude of the delivery by Debbie Harry really conveys how desperate she is to talk to her man. The lyrics are simple but totally unambiguous. ‘Nuff said.
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Telephone Man – Meri Wilson
On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
While I was checking my picks for songs about the telephone this cropped up and although it is a pretty dreadful song – if truth be told – I just had to include it. It is also one of those annoying songs that for some reason, hooks you in and even though you protest and hate it, your feet tap and you find yourself singing along. It’s a double entendre novelty song and was a HUGE hit that got far more airplay in 1977 than it deserved. Singin' hey lolly, lolly … Hey lolly, lolly … Hey lolly, lolly … oh no! It’s back in my head again.
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Ring, Ring – Abba
On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
The Swedish popsters are famous for taking the world by storm after winning the Eurovision Song Contest with Waterloo but, did you know that before this monumental success in 1974, Abba had entered the contest to represent Sweden in the previous year with Ring, Ring and had failed to be chosen. Ring, ring set the scene for everything that followed; beautifully simplistic lyrics to a perfect melody, delivered in harmonious perfection. Even if you’re not a fan of pure pop music, you cannot deny the appeal of ABBA.
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6060-842 – B52’s
On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
The Kings of Kitsch made my bell ring with this little ditty. It’s a quirky number (^_^) and I’ve never been sure if there was a deeper meaning behind the lyrics which is a story of a girl finding a telephone number on a restroom wall and ringing it, only to find the number has been disconnected. Would love to hear your theories on this one. Does she recognize the number? Is it a past love?
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If you would take, you must first give, this is the beginning of intelligence.
Sylvia’s Mother – Dr. Hook
On iTunes at itunes.apple.com
This is one of the most poignant songs about a telephone call. It may be a 70’s song but its message is timeless. It is the songwriter’s autobiographical account of an attempt to revive a failed relationship. How many of us know exactly what it is like to call the object of your affection to be told by a relative they aren’t there (when you know they are) or that they won’t come to the phone? So relatable, even 40 years on from its original release.
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Call Me when You’re Sober –Evanescence
On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
Okay – hands up! Who can relate to this? Drunk phone calls, drunk texting, drunk social media updating? Who’s guilty of it? And, who has been on the end of it? I bet it sounds familiar to so many of you. I don’t think I need say anything more – Evanescence say it all.
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Telephone Line – E.L.O
On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
Known for their rock/pop/symphonic productions, the Electric Light Orchestra’s Telephone Line is one of my most favorite songs about the telephone. The signature heavy orchestral sounds are toned down because we have to hear Jeff Lynne’s plaintive musings about a telephone call to his love that doesn’t take place because she doesn’t pick up.
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Pennsylvania 6-5000 – the Glenn Miller Band
On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
So, let’s end on a song from an era when a telephone was merely a telephone. This was also the time (1940s) when there was no such thing as an MP3, so ask your granddad to dig out the gramophone and 78s and hear this in its original form. Failing that you can listen to it on You Tube/iTunes. Like most songs about a telephone call, its message is simple – call me because I want to take you out for a good time!
Must go now, the telephone’s ringing. Over to you. What are your favorite songs about telephone calls?
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