Darin was a very special and talented entertainer. He was a Grammy award winning singer ('Mack The Knife'), a respected member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ('Dream Lover', 'Splish Splash', 'If I Were A Carpenter') a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, a successful record producer, an Oscar nominated actor and a strong supporter of the American Heart Association. Bobby was married to actress Sandra Dee from 1960-1967. They had one son, Dodd, born in December 1961. As a result of complications from a rheumatic heart, Bobby's life was tragically cut short in 1973.
Darin's mother, Vanina Cassotto, had given birth to him when she was 16, and as a result, her parents raised Darin as though he were their son while Vanina was presented off as his elder sister. Darin did not learn the truth about his parentage until he was 32.
For more on Bobby Darin, watch "Beyond the Sea," in which Kevin Spacey portrays the entertainer.
If a Man Answers
Bobby Darin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, there's gonna be some screamin' that ain't all
'Cause if I'm here callin' you
Then who's the who I'm talkin' to ?
Why any fool could see
That for sure it ain't me
If a Man Answers your phone then honey we're through!
Till I became a third party
When there ain't no party line
You-hear-me-talkin'
Gonna hang this phone up now and dial again
Oh and their better be a soprano on the other end
'Cause if the voice is baritone
When you told me you'd be home alone
Well,then I'm wastin' my time
Not to mention my dime
So,If a Man Answers your phone then honey I'm gone!
The lyrics to Bobby Darin's "If a Man Answers" express the frustration and suspicion of the singer towards his lover. He is calling her on the phone, but if a man answers, he suspects that there may be something going on between them. It is clear that the singer is jealous and distrustful, and he is ready to end the relationship if he finds out that his lover is with someone else.
The line "everything between us used to be fine till I became a third party, when there ain't no party line" suggests that the singer may have reason to suspect that his lover is cheating on him. The phrase "party line" refers to a shared telephone line, which was common in the past. The singer feels like he is an outsider in this "party" and that there may be someone else on the line.
The repeated line "If a Man Answers your phone then honey we're through!" emphasizes the importance of trust and communication in a relationship. The singer feels like he cannot trust his lover if she is with someone else, and he is ready to end the relationship if his suspicions are confirmed.
Overall, the lyrics to "If a Man Answers" express the emotions of jealousy, suspicion, and distrust that can arise in a romantic relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
If a Man Answers your phone when I call
If someone else picks up your phone when I call
Oh, there's gonna be some screamin' that ain't all
I will be angry and there will be consequences
'Cause if I'm here callin' you
I am calling you directly
Then who's the who I'm talkin' to ?
Who am I really talking to if someone else answers your phone?
Why any fool could see
This is obvious to anyone
That for sure it ain't me
I know it's not me on the line
If a Man Answers your phone then honey we're through!
Our relationship is over if someone else frequently answers your phone
Now everything between us used to be fine
Our relationship was good until this became a problem
Till I became a third party
I became an outsider in our relationship
When there ain't no party line
When there's no clear communication between us
You-hear-me-talkin'
Listen to what I'm saying
Gonna hang this phone up now and dial again
I will hang up and try again
Oh and their better be a soprano on the other end
I hope to hear a woman's voice
'Cause if the voice is baritone
If I hear a man's voice
When you told me you'd be home alone
When you said you would be alone at home
Well,then I'm wastin' my time
I'm wasting my time if you're not alone as you said you would be
Not to mention my dime
I am also wasting my money on this call
So,If a Man Answers your phone then honey I'm gone!
If someone else answers your phone, I am leaving our relationship
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CARLIN AMERICA INC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BOBBY DARIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Agata F
Darin splendid singer, musician, songwriter, composer, dancer, actor and entertainer. What an immense talent.
Terry Harrison
Love the singer, the song, and the movie. Loved Sandra Dee the most.
GusMcC
damn, this is the first proper stereo version ive heard of this 'classic' - many thanks
suzieQ195
Love the song, loved the movie!!
TheGuillermo519
Great song from a great movie.
Go Retro
I love this song and the movie.
Alaina Abolail
Hands down cutest movie ever!
Raymond Malcuit
This Song Went To Number 32 On The Billboard Hot 100 Chart In 1962.
Phil Silverman
My fave BD! Multiplication is #2. Thanx.
Dave Bodley
I've always thought the solo was played by James Burton.