Sylvia
Dr. Dave Lyrics
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Sylvia's mother says "Sylvia's trying, to start a new life of her own"
Sylvia's mother says "Sylvia's happy so why don't you leave her alone?"
And the operator says
"Forty cents more, for the next three minutes"
Please Mrs. Avery, I've just got to talk to her
I'll only keep her a while
Goodbye
Sylvia's mother says "Sylvia's packing, she's gonna be leaving today"
Sylvia's mother says "Sylvia's marrying, a fellow down Galveston-Way"
Sylvia's mother says "Please don't say nothing to make her start crying and stay"
And the operator says
"Forty cents more, for the next three minutes"
Please Mrs. Avery, I've just got to talk to her
I'll only keep her a while
Please Mrs. Avery, I just want to tell her
Goodbye
Sylvia's mother says "Sylvia's hurrying she's catching the nine o'clock train"
Sylvia's mother says "Take your umbrella, 'cause Sylvia it's starting to rain"
And Sylvia's mother says "Thank you for calling and sir won't you come back again"
And the operator says
"Forty cents more for the next three minutes"
Please Mrs. Avery, I've just got to talk to her
I'll only keep her a while
Please Mrs. Avery, I just want to tell her
Goodbye
Tell her goodbye
Please, tell her goodbye
The song “Sylvia” by Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show is a story about a man who is desperately trying to reach out to a woman named Sylvia. It is implied that Sylvia and the man have a close relationship that he wants to keep, but Sylvia’s mother constantly answers the phone, making it impossible for him to talk to her. Her mother informs him that Sylvia is busy trying to start a new life and that she’s happy. Later, Sylvia’s mother reveals to the man that Sylvia is packing and getting ready to leave town to marry someone in Galveston, Texas. The man is heartbroken and begs to speak with Sylvia one last time, but her mother insists that he shouldn’t say anything to upset her.
The lyrics of “Sylvia” are very emotional and convey a sense of loss, regret, and longing. The man’s desperation to speak to Sylvia reflects the pain of separation and the desire to keep alive a relationship that is threatened by distance and circumstances. The lyrics of the song are a poignant reminder that love is complex and that sometimes it is hard to let go. Despite the fact that the lyrics are tinged with sadness, the song is an enduring classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.
Line by Line Meaning
Sylvia's mother says "Sylvia's busy, too busy to come to the phone"
Sylvia's mother is telling the singer that Sylvia is too busy to come to the phone.
Sylvia's mother says "Sylvia's trying, to start a new life of her own"
Sylvia's mother is informing the singer that Sylvia is trying to start a new life on her own.
Sylvia's mother says "Sylvia's happy so why don't you leave her alone?"
Sylvia's mother is telling the singer that Sylvia is happy and wants to be left alone.
And the operator says
"Forty cents more, for the next three minutes"
The operator is informing the artist that they need to pay an additional 40 cents for the next three minutes of conversation.
Please Mrs. Avery, I've just got to talk to her
I'll only keep her a while
Please Mrs. Avery, I just want to tell her
Goodbye
The artist is pleading with Mrs. Avery to let them talk to Sylvia to say goodbye, assuring her that they won't keep her for long.
Sylvia's mother says "Sylvia's packing, she's gonna be leaving today"
Sylvia's mother is informing the singer that Sylvia is packing and leaving today.
Sylvia's mother says "Sylvia's marrying, a fellow down Galveston-Way"
Sylvia's mother is informing the singer that Sylvia is getting married to someone from Galveston.
Sylvia's mother says "Please don't say nothing to make her start crying and stay"
Sylvia's mother is asking the artist to not say anything that might make Sylvia cry and stay instead of leaving.
And the operator says
"Forty cents more, for the next three minutes"
The operator is once again informing the artist that they need to pay an additional 40 cents for the next three minutes of conversation.
Sylvia's mother says "Sylvia's hurrying she's catching the nine o'clock train"
Sylvia's mother is informing the artist that Sylvia is in a hurry to catch the nine o'clock train.
Sylvia's mother says "Take your umbrella, 'cause Sylvia it's starting to rain"
Sylvia's mother is reminding the singer to take their umbrella because it's starting to rain, and telling Sylvia the same.
And Sylvia's mother says "Thank you for calling and sir won't you come back again"
Sylvia's mother is thanking the artist for calling and inviting them to come back again.
And the operator says
"Forty cents more for the next three minutes"
The operator is, for the final time, informing the singer that they need to pay an additional 40 cents for the next three minutes of conversation.
Please Mrs. Avery, I've just got to talk to her
I'll only keep her a while
Please Mrs. Avery, I just want to tell her
Goodbye
Tell her goodbye
Please, tell her goodbye
The singer is pleading with Mrs. Avery to be allowed to say goodbye to Sylvia, repeating their earlier statements, ending with the final plea to tell her goodbye.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: SHEL SILVERSTEIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind