Hanging on the Telephone

Blondie, Debbie Harry

About Hanging on the Telephone

"Hanging on the Telephone" is a song written by Jack Lee. It was first performed by his short-lived US West Coast power pop band The Nerves; later in 1978, it was recorded and released as a single by the American rock band Blondie after they realised the song's potential via a cassette tape compilation which Jeffrey Lee Pierce had given the band.


Year:
1999
2:22
405 
#1

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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
Whoa, hang up and run to me
Whoa, hang up and run to me
Whoa, hang up and run to me
Whoa oh oh oh run to me

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Blondie

Blondie is an American rock band, founded by singer Deborah Harry and guitarist Chris Stein. The band was a pioneer in the early American New Wave and punk scenes of the mid-1970s. Their first two albums contained strong elements of these genres, and although successful in the United Kingdom and Australia, Blondie was regarded as an underground band in the United States until the release of Parallel Lines in 1978. Over the next three years, the band achieved several hit singles including "Call Me", "Atomic" and "Heart of Glass" and became noted for its eclectic mix of musical styles incorporating elements of disco,pop,rap, and reggae, while retaining a basic style as a New Wave band. more »

8 fans

Written by: Jack Lee

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


15 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Hanging on the Telephone" was originally performed by power pop band The Nerves who were a trio from Los Angeles. They included it in their self-titled EP in 1976.
Cover Version
The song gained international fame when it was covered by American rock band Blondie. Their cover version was included in their third studio album "Parallel Lines" released in 1978.
Songwriter
"Hanging on the Telephone" was written by Jack Lee, one of the members of The Nerves.
Chart Performance
The Blondie cover of the song marked their first top 10 hit in the UK, reaching #5 on the singles chart.
Live Introductions
Blondie often introduced the song during their live performances as a song from a ‘fabulous new wave band from the late 70’s The Nerves’.
Music Video
The music video for the song features Blondie's lead vocalist, Debbie Harry, performing the song in front of a telephone. The video was directed by David Mallet.
Genre
The song is typically categorized as new wave, punk rock, and power pop.
Demise of The Nerves
Despite the song's success, The Nerves disbanded in 1978, the same year that "Hanging on the Telephone" was covered by Blondie.
Song Theme
The song's lyrics revolve around the theme of desperation and waiting for someone to answer their phone.
Legacy
"Hanging on the Telephone" has been covered by multiple artists since its initial release, demonstrating its timeless appeal.
Film Appearance
The song was featured in the soundtrack for the 2000 movie "American Psycho."
Album Success
"Parallel Lines," the album where Blondie's cover was included, is their most successful album, with over 20 million copies sold worldwide.
Additional Covers
Other artists that have covered "Hanging on the Telephone" include Cat Power, Def Leppard, and L7.
Acclaim
Pitchfork Media placed Blondie's version at number 39 in their list of The 200 Greatest Songs of the 1970s.
The Nerves' EP Shortage
The Nerves' EP which included the original song was a limited edition pressing and so it became a collector's item, with copies selling on eBay for over $200.

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