“Telephone Line” is a classic ballad by Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), written by the band’s frontman Jeff Lynne. Released in 1976 as the third single from their album A New World Record, the song combines a melancholic tone with lush orchestration and a distinctive use of the telephone ring sound.
Lyrically, it conveys the longing of a lover attempting to reach someone who no longer answers, a metaphor for lost connection and unrequited efforts. The song was a commercial success, peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 8 in the UK Singles Chart.
It has been covered by several artists, including They Might Be Giants, and featured prominently in soundtracks such as Billy Madison. Critics and fans often regard it as one of ELO’s finest tracks, praised for its emotional depth and production quality.
Hello, how are you?
Have you been alright through all those lonely
Lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely nights?
That's what I'd say, I'd tell you everything
If you pick up that telephone, yeah, yeah, yeah
“Ring Ring” is a pop song by Swedish group ABBA, written by Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, and Stig Anderson, with English lyrics by Neil Sedaka and Phil Cody. Released in 1973 as the title track of their debut album, it marked ABBA’s first significant step toward international fame. The song’s cheerful, upbeat melody contrasts with its lyrics,
which tell the story of someone eagerly waiting for a phone call from a loved one. While it didn’t win Sweden’s Melodifestivalen1 (the national selection for Eurovision), it became a hit in several European countries, including Sweden, where it reached No. 1.
Multiple versions exist, including recordings in Swedish, English, and German, showcasing the band’s multilingual appeal. Though not as iconic as later hits like “Dancing Queen,” “Ring Ring” is celebrated for its catchy hooks and is often considered the foundation of ABBA’s signature sound.
I was sitting by the phone
I was waiting all alone
Baby by myself I sit and wait and wonder about you
It's a dark and dreary night
Seems like nothing's going right
Won't you tell me honey how can I go on here without you?
“Wichita Lineman,” performed by Glen Campbell, is a timeless country-pop classic written by Jimmy Webb. Released in 1968 as the lead single from Campbell’s album of the same name, it tells the story of a lonely telephone lineman2 working on the endless plains, longing for connection with a distant love. The song’s evocative imagery and poignant melody capture a profound sense of isolation and yearning.
It became a massive hit, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 1 on the country chart, and earning a Grammy nomination. Over the years, it has been covered by artists like Johnny Cash, R.E.M., and James Taylor, and in 2021, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Often hailed as one of the greatest songs of all time, Rolling Stone ranked it at No. 195 in their 2021 list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
I am a lineman for the county
And I drive the main road
Searchin' in the sun for another overload
I hear you singin' in the wire
I can hear you through the whine
And the Wichita lineman is still on the line
“Telephone Man” is a novelty pop song performed and written by Meri Wilson, released in 1977. The song humorously details a woman’s flirtatious interactions with a telephone repairman who comes to install her phone. Known for its playful, double-entendre-filled lyrics and Meri Wilson’s coquettish delivery, the track became a surprise hit,
reaching No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a strong following in the novelty genre. Although it didn’t achieve the longevity of traditional pop hits, its cheeky charm cemented it as a cult favorite. Wilson recorded follow-ups such as “Peter the Meter Reader” in a similar vein, though none replicated the success of “Telephone Man.”
“853-5937” is a quirky and melodic pop-rock song by Squeeze, written by the band’s primary songwriting duo, Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook. Released in 1987 as part of their album Babylon and On, the song tells the story of a man attempting to reconnect with a love interest, using a phone number as a central motif.
The track combines Squeeze’s signature clever lyrics with an upbeat, piano-driven arrangement. Though it didn’t achieve major commercial success, peaking at No. 91 on the Billboard Hot 100, it remains a fan favorite for its catchy hook and storytelling.
The song also reflects the era’s fascination with phone culture, much like other tracks involving telephone motifs. It has been included in various compilations of Squeeze’s work, showcasing its enduring appeal among the band’s catalog.
853-5893 Angela can't make itto the 'phone,
if your care to leave your name and number
she'll give you a ring when she is home.
“Party Line” is a lively rock song by The Kinks, written by Ray Davies, with co-vocal contributions from his brother Dave Davies. It opens their 1966 album Face to Face and humorously addresses the frustrations of sharing a telephone party line3, a common experience in the mid-20th century
when phone lines were often shared between households. The song blends upbeat instrumentation with Ray Davies’s wry social commentary, capturing the changing times and the quirks of modern communication. While it wasn’t released as a single,
“Party Line” set the tone for the album’s themes of observational humor and everyday life. Though it’s not as widely recognized as other Kinks hits like “Sunny Afternoon” or “Waterloo Sunset,” it is appreciated by fans and critics for its wit and insight into a bygone era.
(Hello, who’s that speaking, please? )
I’m on a party line
Wondering all the time
Who’s on the other end
Is she big, is she small
Is she a she at all
Who’s on my party line
Footnotes
- Melodifestivalen is Sweden’s annual music competition organized by Sveriges Television (SVT) to select the country’s representative for the Eurovision Song Contest. First held in 1959, it has evolved into one of Sweden’s most-watched television events, known for its extravagant productions, diverse musical styles, and high-profile participants. The competition consists of several rounds, including semi-finals, a “Second Chance” round (Andra Chansen), and a grand final, where viewers and international juries vote for the winner. Many of Sweden’s Eurovision-winning entries, such as ABBA’s “Waterloo” (1974) and Loreen’s “Euphoria” (2012), were first showcased at Melodifestivalen. It has also served as a platform for emerging Swedish artists. Beyond its Eurovision ties, the contest is celebrated as a cultural phenomenon and a showcase of Swedish pop music excellence. ↩︎
- A telephone lineman, also known as a telecommunications line worker or installer, is a professional responsible for constructing, maintaining, and repairing overhead and underground telephone and communication lines. Their duties include installing wires, poles, and cables; troubleshooting connection issues; and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of communication networks. Telephone linemen often work in various conditions, from urban areas to remote rural locations, and must handle physically demanding tasks, including climbing poles and operating heavy equipment. The role requires technical skills and adherence to safety protocols, as it involves working with high voltages and at significant heights. The profession gained cultural recognition through songs like Glen Campbell’s “Wichita Lineman,” which romanticized their dedication and isolation. ↩︎
- A telephone party line was a shared telephone service used primarily in the early-to-mid-20th century, where multiple households or users were connected to the same telephone line and shared access. Each party had a unique ring pattern to distinguish incoming calls, but any user on the line could pick up and listen to others’ conversations, leading to limited privacy. Party lines were common in rural and remote areas where individual telephone lines were too costly to install. While they facilitated communication in underserved regions, they also became a source of frustration and social intrigue, often inspiring cultural references in music, television, and film. The rise of private telephone lines and advancements in telecommunications technology rendered party lines largely obsolete by the 1980s. ↩︎
Further Reading
Sources
- Wikipedia “Telephone Line (song)” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telephone_Line_(song)
- 45 Cat https://www.45cat.com/
- Song Meanings https://songmeanings.com/
- Wikipedia “Ring Ring (ABBA song)” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring_Ring_(ABBA_song)
- Wikipedia “Wichita Lineman” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wichita_Lineman
- Wikipedia “Meri Wilson” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meri_Wilson
- Wikipedia “853-5937” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/853-5937
- Wikipedia “Party Line (The Kinks song)” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Party_Line_(The_Kinks_song)
