The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Guess who calls you up sometimes and then hangs up the phone
You wonderin' if you did wrong to someone you know
I only call you when I think you won't be home
But when I hear your voice I hang up the telephone
In my imagination I know what to say
Deep in my mental antisocial games I play
I want to talk to you but I can't get past your sweet hello
And when I hear your voice I hang up the telephone
It would be quite advantageous if I could be more courageous
So many things I want to tell you, maybe someday I may just
I always call you when I'm feelin' all alone
But when I hear your voice I hang up the telephone
What do I do when I call you up? (Hang up!)
What do I do when I call you up? (Hang up!)
What do I do when I call you up? (Hang up!)
What do I do when I call you up? (Hang up!)
What do I do when I call you up? (Hang up!)
I pretend I'm talkin' and my voice sounds like a dial tone
Can't deal with it or without it, my excuse is dry as bone
I go to pieces and my blood turns into fire - ha
I'm burnin' up inside consumed by my own desire
I wanna get with you but you'll never love a liar
I am the loser - the abuser of the wire
I'm holdin' on to you by hangin' on your stiffing drone
But when I hear your voice I fall into a silent hole
I only call you when I think you won't be home
But when I hear your voice I hang up the telephone
What do I do when I call you up? (Hang up!)
What do I do when I call you up? (Hang up!)
What do I do when I call you up? (Hang up!)
What do I do when I call you up? (Hang up!)
What do I do when I call you up? (Hang up!)
Hello?
You wonderin' if you did wrong to someone you know
I only call you when I think you won't be home
But when I hear your voice I hang up the telephone
In my imagination I know what to say
Deep in my mental antisocial games I play
I want to talk to you but I can't get past your sweet hello
And when I hear your voice I hang up the telephone
It would be quite advantageous if I could be more courageous
So many things I want to tell you, maybe someday I may just
I always call you when I'm feelin' all alone
But when I hear your voice I hang up the telephone
What do I do when I call you up? (Hang up!)
What do I do when I call you up? (Hang up!)
What do I do when I call you up? (Hang up!)
What do I do when I call you up? (Hang up!)
What do I do when I call you up? (Hang up!)
I pretend I'm talkin' and my voice sounds like a dial tone
Can't deal with it or without it, my excuse is dry as bone
I go to pieces and my blood turns into fire - ha
I'm burnin' up inside consumed by my own desire
I wanna get with you but you'll never love a liar
I am the loser - the abuser of the wire
I'm holdin' on to you by hangin' on your stiffing drone
But when I hear your voice I fall into a silent hole
I only call you when I think you won't be home
But when I hear your voice I hang up the telephone
What do I do when I call you up? (Hang up!)
What do I do when I call you up? (Hang up!)
What do I do when I call you up? (Hang up!)
What do I do when I call you up? (Hang up!)
What do I do when I call you up? (Hang up!)
Hello?
Lyrics submitted by Elimination
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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Ah, I like Ron Thal's sense of humour :) Gotta love the ending. This song is self-explanatory...so generally, it's about lack of self confidence, I think.