Red Telephone

Love

About Red Telephone

"The Red Telephone" is a song written by Arthur Lee and first released by Love on their 1967 album Forever Changes.


Year:
1967
201 
#2

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Sitting on a hillside
Watching all the people die
I'll feel much better on the other side
I'll thumb a ride

I believe in magic
Why because it is so quick
I don't need power when I'm hypnotized
Look in my eyes
What are you seeing (I see)
How do you feel?
I feel real phony when my name is Phil
Or was that Bill?

Life goes on here
Day after day
I don't know if I'm living or if I'm supposed to be
Sometimes my life is so eerie
And if you think I'm happy paint me (white) (yellow)

I've been here once
I've been here twice
I don't know if the third's the fourth or if the
The fifth's to fix
Sometimes I deal with numbers
And if you wanna count me
Count me out

I don't need the times of day
Anytime with me's okay
I just don't want you using up my time
'Cause that's not right

They're locking them up today
They're throwing away the key
I wonder who it'll be tomorrow, you or me?

They're locking them up today
They're throwing away the key
I wonder who it'll be tomorrow, you or me?

They're locking them up today
They're throwing away the key
I wonder who it'll be tomorrow, you or me?

We're all normal and we want our freedom
Freedom, freedom, freedom, freedom, freedom, I want my freedom

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Love

Love is an emotion of a strong affection and personal attachment. Love is also said to be a virtue representing all of human kindness, compassion, and affection —"the unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another". Love may describe compassionate and affectionate actions towards other humans, one's self or animals. more »

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Written by: ARTHUR LEE

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Genre Classification
"Red Telephone" is part of the rock, psychedelic folk and garage rock genres. Its psychedelic and surrealistic themes and sounds echo the late '60s counterculture.
Album Details
The song is part of Love's 3rd album entitled "Forever Changes" that was released in November 1967. The album is often considered the band's best work.
Album's Acclaim
"Forever Changes" is placed at No. 40 on Rolling Stone's list of 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. "Red Telephone" contributes to the overall success and acclaim of the album.
Lyrics and Theme
The song's lyrics are seen as dark and cryptic, reflective of songwriter and frontman Arthur Lee's fears of impending death or insanity. The "Red Telephone" may symbolize a lifeline or a mode of communication one wants to resist but is irrevocably attached to.
Musical Composition
The song has a unique mix of folk-rock and orchestral arrangements, with the inclusion of a Mariachi-inspired trumpet mid-song, showcasing the experimental approach of the band.
Songwriting
"Red Telephone" was written by Arthur Lee, the band's frontman, who contributed to the writing of all the songs in the "Forever Changes" album.
Importance to Era
The song, and Love's music overall, is noted for its reflection of the 1960s counterculture and the social and political upheaval happening in the U.S. at the time. This was the time of the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement.
Arthur Lee's Later Reflection
Arthur Lee, in later interviews, spoke about the hard drugs and paranoia that contributed to the making of Love's third album. Songs like "Red Telephone," according to Lee, came out of his anticipation of an early demise.
Cultural References
"Red Telephone" has been referenced in various forms of pop culture, such as in music, books, and films depicting the late 60s era, like in the 2000 film "Wonder Boys."
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by various artists of different genres, like indie rock band, Eleventh Dream Day, and alt-country musician, Steve Wynn. This demonstrates the enduring appeal and influence of "Red Telephone" and Love's music overall.

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    "Red Telephone Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/18838882/Love/Red+Telephone>.

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