Hey Cowboy the Phone's for You
Grandaddy Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Yeah is where I never lie
Especially those times that I
Told you how I felt inside
Back when my door was open wideahhhh ahhh ahhh ahhh
Back before I locked it up
You knew I loved you very much
But something in me had enough
And suddenly the door just shut
Now I can't care whos at the door
And they can knock forever more
But I wont open up unless
Ive straightened up my every mess
So put your head against the boards
Youll hear the echo of the words




I used to say to you
Before I disappeared behind the door.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the Grandaddy song 'Hey Cowboy the Phone's for You' narrate the story of someone who regrets closing themselves off emotionally to a loved one, perhaps after a painful experience. The singer admits that they used to be someone who was honest, open and truthful about their feelings, even if it was difficult. They made themselves vulnerable and allowed their loved one to see inside their heart. But then, something changed, something inside them snapped and they felt compelled to distance themselves from the one they loved. As a result, they locked up their heart, refusing to show their true feelings and emotions to anyone, regardless of who they were.


The singer appears to regret this decision, as they mention that they will not open the door until they've 'straightened up their every mess.' They admit that they can hear people knocking at the door, but they remain resolute in their decision not to let anyone in. They encourage the listener to put their head against the door, a symbol of the emotional barrier the singer has erected, to hear the echo of the words they used to say to their loved one before shutting themselves off.


Overall, the lyrics of 'Hey Cowboy the Phone's for You' are poignant and introspective, addressing the pain and complexity of human relationships and how we can sometimes push others away to protect ourselves against harm.


Line by Line Meaning

Yeah is where I never lie
I always tell the truth when I say 'yeah'


Especially those times that I
I'm specifically honest during those moments


Told you how I felt inside
I openly expressed my emotions to you


Back when my door was open wide
In the past, I was more welcoming and receptive


ahhhh ahhh ahhh ahhh
A non-verbal expression of nostalgia


Back before I locked it up
Before I became closed off


You knew I loved you very much
You were aware of how strongly I felt about you


But something in me had enough
I reached my limit due to certain circumstances


And suddenly the door just shut
My emotional and mental guard went up immediately


Now I can't care whos at the door
I no longer feel any obligation to answer the door


And they can knock forever more
People can keep trying to get in touch with me, but it won't make a difference


But I wont open up unless
I won't let anyone in until


Ive straightened up my every mess
I've resolved all my personal and mental issues


So put your head against the boards
If you put your head to the door


Youll hear the echo of the words
You'll hear a faint reminder of what I used to say


I used to say to you
The things I used to express to you


Before I disappeared behind the door
Before I retreated further into myself




Contributed by Micah E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Susana Bolin

I recently woke up,and wasn't in love with either emotionally distant,silent treatment guys any more.
My current,and my ex,I went to register for therapy.

Lloyd Zarathoustra.

Pretty Rare Song that i have as a b-side. So Beautiful.

Kreso Caren

Thank you Jason.....!!!!!🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌

Susana Bolin

I love the ending,life goes on .
😄

Jang Mertens

Evermore hihi i hope its burtch and lytle in covid times together..

Lloyd Zarathoustra.

No, this song was written around 2002-2003, a long time before COVID.

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