16 Songs about Phone Calls That Will Keep You Hanging On

Phone calls have been a ubiquitous aspect of our daily lives for decades, enabling us to connect with others regardless of distance. It’s no surprise that phone calls have become a staple subject in music, with countless artists writing songs about the joys and pains of communication over the phone. From love connections to missed calls, phone calls have inspired some of the most iconic lyrics in music history.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 16 songs about phone calls that will keep you hanging on. These songs span various genres and decades, and each one offers a unique perspective on the experience of talking on the phone. Whether you’re feeling nostalgic for the days of landlines or simply love a good phone-themed tune, this list is sure to have something for everyone. So, pick up the receiver and dial in, because these songs are worth the wait.

1. Telephone Line – Electric Light Orchestra

“Telephone Line” is a 1976 hit by Electric Light Orchestra that perfectly captures the longing and frustration of a lover on the other end of the phone line. The song features a beautifully orchestrated arrangement that blends together rock, pop, and classical elements to create a timeless sound. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is desperately trying to reach his lover, only to be met with a busy signal or no answer. The song’s melancholic melody and lush harmonies create a bittersweet and emotional tone that perfectly captures the feelings of being separated from someone you love.

2. Memphis, Tennessee – The Beatles

“Memphis, Tennessee” is a classic rock and roll song by The Beatles from their 1963 album “Please Please Me”. The song tells the story of a man trying to reach his daughter, who is living with her mother in Memphis, Tennessee. Despite his repeated attempts to reach her by phone, he is unable to get through and resorts to writing a letter. The song features a lively rockabilly sound with catchy guitar riffs and a driving rhythm section. The lyrics are delivered with a youthful energy and sense of urgency that captures the frustration and longing of the protagonist. “Memphis, Tennessee” remains a beloved classic and showcases The Beatles’ early rock and roll sound.

3. Call Me – Blondie

“Call Me” by Blondie is an upbeat, new wave classic that showcases lead singer Debbie Harry’s sultry vocals. The song was originally written by Italian disco legend Giorgio Moroder for the soundtrack of the film American Gigolo, but was later re-recorded by Blondie and became a massive commercial success. The song’s lyrics are about someone asking their lover to call them anytime they need them, with Debbie Harry confidently declaring “Anytime, anyplace, anywhere, any way!” The song’s infectious hook and catchy guitar riff helped make it one of Blondie’s most popular songs and a staple of ’80s music.

4. Star 69 – R.E.M.

“Star 69” by R.E.M. is a song from the band’s 1994 album “Monster”. The song’s title references the caller ID feature “Last Call Return” or “Star 69” in North America. The song is about the narrator receiving an unwanted phone call from someone they used to know, and the mixed emotions that come with hearing from a past acquaintance. The song features distorted guitars and Michael Stipe’s characteristic mumble-singing, creating a raw and angsty sound that reflects the song’s lyrics. “Star 69” showcases R.E.M.’s experimentation with more aggressive and distorted instrumentation, departing from their earlier folk and alternative rock sound.

5. Wrong Humber Again – Aaron Neville

“Wrong Number Again” is a soulful R&B song by Aaron Neville, released in 1961. The track features Neville’s distinctively smooth vocals over a steady beat and a grooving bassline. The lyrics tell the story of a man repeatedly calling a woman, only to realize he has dialed the wrong number each time. Neville’s emotive delivery captures the frustration and longing of the protagonist, making for a poignant and catchy tune.

6. Der Telefon Anruf – Kraftwerk

“Der Telefon Anruf” is a synth-pop track by the pioneering German electronic band Kraftwerk, released in 1987. The song’s title translates to “The Telephone Call,” and the lyrics describe a conversation between two people on the phone, discussing their feelings and desires. The track features Kraftwerk’s signature minimalist sound, with simple, repetitive melodies and robotic vocals. The use of electronic instruments and effects adds a futuristic edge to the song, which remains a standout track in Kraftwerk’s extensive discography.

7. Long Distance Call – Muddy Waters

“Long Distance Call” is a classic blues song by Muddy Waters, released in 1951. The song is a tribute to the technology of long-distance phone calls and features Waters’ powerful, soulful voice backed by a bluesy guitar riff. The lyrics talk about a long-distance call to a lover and the loneliness and pain of being apart. The song is a powerful testament to the human need for connection and the struggle to maintain it over great distances.

8. Hanging on a Telephone – Blondie

“Hanging on a Telephone” is a punk rock classic by Blondie, released in 1978. The song features Debbie Harry’s distinctive vocals backed by a catchy, driving guitar riff. The lyrics describe the desperate act of hanging on a telephone waiting for a lover’s call. The song’s energy and urgency capture the anxiety and excitement of waiting for a call, and the chorus is a powerful sing-along anthem for anyone who has ever been in that situation. The song has become an iconic representation of the early punk and new wave era and a classic example of Blondie’s unique style.

9. Payphone – Maroon 5 ft. Wiz Khalifa

“Payphone” by Maroon 5 featuring Wiz Khalifa is a catchy pop song that tells the story of a man who is trying to reach his lover through a payphone, but the call keeps getting disconnected. The song expresses the frustration and heartache of trying to hold onto a relationship that seems to be slipping away. With its upbeat tempo and memorable chorus, “Payphone” became a chart-topping hit in several countries and remains a popular song today.

10. Your Wire’s Been Tapped – Pigmeat Markham

“Your Wire’s Been Tapped” is a classic comedy routine by Pigmeat Markham, originally released in 1966. The song tells the story of a man who discovers that his phone line has been tapped and decides to play a practical joke on the person listening in. With its catchy beat and humorous lyrics, “Your Wire’s Been Tapped” became a hit record and helped to popularize Pigmeat Markham’s brand of comedy.

11. Talk to Me Baby – Elmore James

“Talk to Me Baby” is a blues song by Elmore James that was originally released in 1959. The song features James’ signature slide guitar playing and soulful vocals, as he pleads with his lover to talk to him and try to work out their problems. With its raw emotion and powerful instrumentation, “Talk to Me Baby” has become a blues classic and has been covered by numerous artists over the years.

12. Le Jeu Du Téléphone – Natacha Snitkine

“Le Jeu Du Téléphone” is a French song by Natacha Snitkine that tells the story of a phone game where one person whispers a message to another, and it gets passed along until it reaches the last person, who says it out loud. The lyrics speak to the miscommunication that can happen during this game, with the final message often being vastly different from the original. The upbeat melody and catchy chorus make it a fun and danceable tune that can appeal to both French-speaking audiences and those who enjoy world music.

13. How Come You Don’t Call Me Anymore? – Prince

“How Come You Don’t Call Me Anymore?” is a soulful ballad by the late Prince that showcases his raw and emotive vocal style. The lyrics speak to the feeling of abandonment when a lover stops calling, leaving the narrator feeling isolated and confused. The song features a sparse arrangement with minimal instrumentation, which allows Prince’s vocals to take center stage. Despite being a lesser-known track in his vast catalog, “How Come You Don’t Call Me Anymore?” is a fan favorite that has been covered by various artists over the years, including Alicia Keys.

14. Hung Up – Madonna

Hung Up – Madonna: “Hung Up” is a dance-pop track that samples ABBA’s “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight).” The song is about moving on from a past relationship and embracing a new start. The music video features Madonna dancing in a disco-inspired setting and has become one of her most iconic videos. “Hung Up” was a commercial success and topped the charts in many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

15. Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen

Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen: “Call Me Maybe” is a pop song that became a viral sensation in 2012. The song is about a girl who is attracted to a boy and gives him her number, hoping that he will call her. The song’s catchy melody and relatable lyrics helped it become a massive hit. The music video features Jepsen trying to get the attention of a boy who lives across the street from her. “Call Me Maybe” topped the charts in many countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

16. As Soon as I Hang Up the Phone – Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn

As Soon as I Hang Up the Phone – Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn: “As Soon as I Hang Up the Phone” is a country duet about two former lovers who reconnect over the phone. The song explores the emotions of regret and nostalgia that come with looking back at a past relationship. The song was a commercial success and topped the country charts in the United States. The track was one of many successful collaborations between Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn.