Calling America

Electric Light Orchestra

About Calling America

"Calling America" is a song by the rock music group Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) released as a single from their 1986 (see 1986 in music) album Balance of Power. The single reached number 28 in the UK and peaked at number 18 on the Billboard singles chart, making it their 20th and final Top 40 hit single in the United States.


Year:
2001
3:30
48 

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Somebody told her that there was a place like heaven
Across the water on a 747
Yeah, we're living in
In a modern world

And pretty soon she's really got the notion
Of flying out across the big blue ocean
Yeah, we're living in
In a modern world

Talk is cheap on satellite
But all I get is static information
I'm still here re-dial on automatic

Calling America (can't get a message through)
Calling America (that's what she said to do)
Calling America (that's where she has to be)
Calling America (she left a number for me)
Calling America

But I'm just talking to a satellite
Twenty thousand miles up in the sky each night
Yeah, we're living in
In a modern world

All I had to do was pick up the phone
I'm out in space, trying to talk to someone
Yeah, we're living in
In a modern world (in a modern world)

She left a number I could call
But no one's there, no one at all
There must be something going wrong
That number just rings on and on

Calling America (can't get a message through)
Calling America (that's what she said to do)
Calling America (that's where she has to be)
Calling America (she left a number for me)
Calling America

Said she'd call when she'd been gone a while
Guess she's missing me across the miles
Yeah, we're living in
In a modern world

Calling America (can't get a message through)
Calling America (that's what she said to do)
Calling America (that's where she has to be)
Calling America (she left a number for me)
Calling America
Calling America
Calling America
Calling America
Calling America
Calling America

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Electric Light Orchestra

Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) are a British rock group from Birmingham, England who released eleven studio albums between 1971 and 1986 and another album in 2001. ELO were formed to accommodate Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne's desire to create modern rock and pop songs with classical overtones. After Wood's departure following the band's debut record, Lynne wrote and arranged all of the group's original compositions and produced every album. more »

7 fans

Written by: JEFF LYNNE

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Year of Release
"Calling America" was released in the year 1986.
Album Name
The song is from the Electric Light Orchestra album titled "Balance of Power."
The band’s popularity
At the time of the song's release, the Electric Light Orchestra was one of the biggest and most successful bands in the world.
Chart Performance
"Calling America" reached #28 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and #10 on the UK Singles Chart.
Video location
The music video for the song was shot in Paris, France and showcased the iconic Eiffel Tower.
Lead Producer
The song was produced by Jeff Lynne, who was also the lead vocalist of the band.
Lyrics and Theme
The lyrics of the song refer to a man in love who is trying to contact his girlfriend in North America by calling her on a transatlantic phone line.
Final Single
"Calling America" was the last UK top 40 hit by the Electric Light Orchestra before they disbanded in 1986.
Significance of the Song
The song is symbolic of the band's transition from its earlier progressive and art rock styles to a more radio-friendly and contemporary sound.
Reception and Appreciation
The song received overall positive reviews from music critics, with many praising its catchy melody and high-production quality.
Composition
It is composed in the synth-pop genre, which was popular during the mid-80s.
Impact and Legacy
Despite not being one of their biggest hits, "Calling America" is still fondly remembered by fans and is considered a classic Electric Light Orchestra track. It continues to receive airplay on various classic rock and oldies radio stations.
Live + Compilation Appearance
This track was also featured on the band's 2000 compilation album "Flashback" and has been performed live in their concerts.

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    Calling America

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1986

    Billboard #18


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