Telegram Sam
Bolan Marc & T. Rex Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're my main man
Golden Nose Slim Golden Nose Slim
I know's where you've been
Purple Pie Pete Purple Pie Pete
Your lips are like lightning
Girls melt in the heat
Telegram Sam
You're my main man
Telegram Sam
You're my main man
Bobby's alright Bobby's alright
He's a natural born poet
He's just outta sight
Jungle faced Jake
Jungle faced Jake
I say make no mistake
About Jungle faced Jake
Automatic shoes
Automatic shoes
Give me three D vision
And the California blues
Me I funk but I don't care
I ain't no square with my corkscrew hair
Telegram Sam, Telegram Sam
I'm a howlin' wolf
"Telegram Sam" is a classic glam rock song by T. Rex frontman Bolan Marc, released in 1972. Bolan Marc was said to have been inspired by a telegram delivery man, hence the title "Telegram Sam". The song is famous for its infectious and upbeat melody, heavily distorted guitars, and quirky lyrics that stretch one's imagination.
The song itself is composed of several verses describing the characters of various individuals with monikers such as Golden Nose Slim, Purple Pie Pete, Bobby, and Jungle Faced Jake - who are all linked to the energetic and irresistibly charming Telegram Sam. The lyrics are fascinating because, despite their oblique meanings, convey a sense of character and personality for each person mentioned. Telegram Sam is the central figure in the song, and it's clear that he has a fantastic positive influence on everyone around him, with the whole world feeling electric, energetic, and funky.
Some interpret the central theme of the song to be about an ecstatic delivery man (Telegram Sam) who delivers love, presents, and uplifting messages to various eccentric characters in the song; however, the lyrics are open to interpretation. Bolan Marc often penned abstract and imaginative lyrics that had more to do with capturing the vibe and spirit of the times than anything else, as this song demonstrates.
Line by Line Meaning
Telegram Sam Telegram Sam
Addressing the person called Telegram Sam, emphasizing his name
You're my main man
Telegram Sam is someone important to the singer, possibly a close friend or even a romantic partner
Golden Nose Slim Golden Nose Slim
Referring to a person called Golden Nose Slim, emphasizing his name
I know's where you've been
The singer is familiar with Golden Nose Slim's activities and whereabouts
Purple Pie Pete Purple Pie Pete
Referring to a person called Purple Pie Pete, emphasizing his name
Your lips are like lightning
Purple Pie Pete is charming and attractive to women
Girls melt in the heat
Women are easily attracted and seduced by Purple Pie Pete's presence and charisma
Telegram Sam
Repeating the name of the person being addressed
You're my main man
Restating that Telegram Sam is important to the singer
Telegram Sam
Reiterating the name of the person being addressed
You're my main man
Again reaffirming Telegram Sam's significance in the singer's life
Bobby's alright Bobby's alright
Referring to a person called Bobby and repeating his name
He's a natural born poet
Bobby is talented at poetry and writing
He's just outta sight
Bobby's skills are impressive and noteworthy
Jungle faced Jake Jungle faced Jake
Referring to a person called Jungle faced Jake, repeating his name
I say make no mistake
Emphasizing that Jungle faced Jake is someone not to underestimate
About Jungle faced Jake
Continuing to refer to the importance of Jungle faced Jake
Automatic shoes Automatic shoes
Referring to shoes that are automatic, possibly high-tech or futuristic
Give me three D vision
The singer wants advanced technology that can give him three-dimensional visual experiences
And the California blues
Possibly referring to a sense of restlessness or longing associated with California
Me I funk but I don't care
The singer may be feeling down or depressed but doesn't seem to mind
I ain't no square with my corkscrew hair
The singer is not conventional and has unusual, curly hair
Telegram Sam, Telegram Sam
Repeating the name of the person being addressed
I'm a howlin' wolf
Possibly implying that the singer is a lone wolf or someone who lives life independently
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group
Written by: Marc Bolan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lindagraham4206
Wow just wow!....I’m 63 now and crying I loved T.Rex Marc you were amazing ❤️❤️🎸
@kerrypenelopearnold6433
❤❤❤❤
@theresamarilyn6688
🎧🎶🎶❣️🤘
@Mrsbehavin59
Yes - love this - Marc Bolan never had ANYBODY ever coming close to his tune.....this was a great era to was a teenager......the world was awesome and so were the music......now not so much...
@michaelplatter3281
Released in 1972 - Who is rocking to this in 2022 ?
@user-pv2wm8dl6b
何年たってもかっこ良いの一言です。いつも感動してます。最高です！
@stephenvine3104
A great live version of a great song by a great artist backed by a very underated rythm section great drumming by bill legend ! What a great musical legacy by Marc RIP x
@paulmcmorrow9640
Handled the microphone so well, a true performer.
@twisttrax
His songs still stand the test of time! Brilliant and more influential than could ever know!
@edyrose8458
Yes he was a great his music gave me much joy I was 20 when he died its a shame he let his girl friend drive who had been drinking and another shame he never had children with JUNE I WORE ALL TREX records out when I was a teen my all time fave is still SLIDER