About the Song
"Telephone Line" is a song by English rock band Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). It was released in May 1977 through Jet Records and United Artists Records as part of the album A New World Record. It was commercially successful, topping the charts of Canada and New Zealand and entering the top 10 in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Meaning Behind the Lyrics
The themes in "Telephone Line" can be read as a reflection on longing and the complexities of communication in relationships. Many listeners interpret the song as capturing the sense of isolation that can come when the desire to connect feels unfulfilled. The imagery of a telephone serves as a powerful symbol of the barriers between individuals, emphasizing feelings of distance and hope. For those who resonate with such sentiments, the track evokes a poignant blend of nostalgia and yearning, making it relatable and enduring in its emotional depth.
Did You Know?
- Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) are an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1970 by multi-instrumentalists Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood and drummer Bev Bevan.
- Their music is characterised by a fusion of pop and classical arrangements with futuristic iconography.
Music Details
These details come from the iTunes song listing used for the artwork and metadata match.
- Album/collection: All Over the World: The Very Best of Electric Light Orchestra
- Genre: Rock
- iTunes release date: September 11, 1976
- Track runtime: 4:40
Video Snapshot
- Video title: Electric Light Orchestra – Telephone Line (Official Video)
- YouTube channel: The New
Quick Facts
- Artist: Electric Light Orchestra
- Song: Telephone Line
- Album/collection: All Over the World: The Very Best of Electric Light Orchestra
- Genre: Rock
- Reference page: Telephone Line (song)

