Red Telephone
Love
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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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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.
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Album DetailsThe 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.
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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.
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Lyrics and ThemeThe 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.
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Musical CompositionThe 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.
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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.
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Importance to EraThe 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.
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Arthur Lee's Later ReflectionArthur 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.
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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."
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Cover VersionsThe 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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Citation
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"Red Telephone Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 27 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/18838882/Love/Red+Telephone>.
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