Saturday, May 10, 2008

Something you've known all along

There's so much good telephone stuff out there in the music world that I could not even click myself into creative telephone mode for Sunday Scribblings #110. The lyrics of a historical Blondie hit from 1979 follow below. I call it historical because the fundamental situation presented ("I'm in the phone booth, it's the one across the hall") is a historical one. Nowadays we all carry our private phone booths around with ourselves.

I particularly love the cheeky line "I want to tell you something you've known all along" (from which the title of this post derives) – isn't that the gist of many phone conversations?

Here goes (I'm also posting the Youtube video below, which is fun to watch – if only because of Deborah Harry's funny eye and finger work):

Hanging on the Telephone

I'm in the phone booth, it's the one across the hall
If you don't answer, I'll just ring it off the wall
I know he's there, but I just had to call
Don't leave me hanging on the telephone
Don't leave me hanging on the telephone

I heard your mother now she's going out the door
Did she go to work or just go to the store
All those things she said I told you to ignore
Oh why can't we talk again
Oh why can't we talk again
Oh why can't we talk again
Don't leave me hanging on the telephone
Don't leave me hanging on the telephone

It's good to hear your voice, you know it's been so long
If I don't get your call then everything goes wrong
I want to tell you something you've known all along
Don't leave me hanging on the telephone

I had to interrupt and stop this conversation
Your voice across the line gives me a strange sensation
I'd like to talk when I can show you my affection
Oh I can't control myself
Oh I can't control myself
Oh I can't control myself
Don't leave me hanging on the telephone

Hang up and run to me
Whoah, hang up and run to me
Whoah, hang up and run to me
Whoah, hang up and run to me
Whoah oh oh oh run to me

(Written by Jack Lee; from Parallel Lines)

9 comments:

Granny Smith said...

Back at the beginning of the 20th century before their were even automatic switchboards there was a popular song called "Hello Central" - words: hello Central, give me heaven for my mother's there...

Aren't you glad times have changed?

Anonymous said...

I waa in love with Debbie Harry in the 70's and you've just reminded me why!

World So Wide said...

I know that song - it's by the Carter Family.

Thanks for visiting and commenting, Granny Smith!

World So Wide said...

Thanks, Keith. Glad I reminded you!

I still like Blondie very much.

Steve said...

who wants to live in a telephone box?

Thamks for visiting my Rainbow blog.

GreenishLady said...

What a great choice of material for that prompt. I love that Blondie energy! Lyrics were fine to read, but having the video to watch was better. Thank you!

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

Ahh, yes. Now THAT is the sort of classic music that deserves to live forever.

Pirate Princess said...

I remember telephone booths... even if I was only 8 in '79 - my kids have no idea! Throughly enjoyed every aspect of your entry this week! :)

Anonymous said...

ah, blondie... debbie harry she was way ahead of everybody else... oh, i cant control myself dont leave me hanging on the telephone... thanks for the look back...