Perhaps best known for bringing the term "main man" into popular culture, it was number one for two weeks, before being knocked off the top by "Son of My Father" by Chicory Tip (which also kept "American Pie" by Don McLean from reaching #1).
The lyrics feature numerous figures such as Bobby (who is a natural born poet who is just outta sight), Golden Nose Slim (who knows where you been), Jungle Faced Jake (make no mistake) and Purple Pie Pete. It also contains these lines Marc Bolan wrote to refer to himself: Me I funk / but I don't care/ I ain't no square / with my corkscrew hair, a line which industrial rock band KMFDM would borrow for their song, Me I Funk. The riff is similar in character to their massive hit from the previous year, "Get It On". The songs slashing guitar chords and slurred vocal style prefigure punk rock. Telegram Sam wasn't as successful as "Get It On" worldwide, and it only peaked at #67 in the Billboard Hot 100.
"Telegram Sam" was the first single to be issued by Marc Bolan's own T.Rex Wax Co. label, and was released on 21 January 1972. The b-side featured two songs in the UK, "Cadilac" (as printed on the EMI label of the original single) and "Baby Strange", the latter also included in the album "The Slider".
In 1980, it was covered by the gothic rock band Bauhaus as a single.
Telegram Sam
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" by T. Rex is a song about a charismatic and flirtatious man who is the singer's "main man." The first verse mentions a few other individuals with intriguing nicknames, such as "Golden Nose Slim" and "Purple Pie Pete," with Pete's "lightning" lips being particularly alluring to women. The chorus repeats that "Telegram Sam" is the singer's "main man" and reinforces his magnetic personality. The second verse brings in "Bobby," who is "alright" and a "natural born poet," and "Jungle Faced Jake," who is not to be underestimated. The final lines mention "automatic shoes," which allow for "three D vision" and seem to contribute to the singer's irreverent, playful attitude.
The song is a celebration of the sort of confident, larger-than-life personality that can easily draw people in with a combination of charm and mystery. Telegram Sam, Golden Nose Slim, and Purple Pie Pete all have intriguing names and, in the case of Pete, a physical characteristic that sets him apart. The repetition of "Telegram Sam" throughout the song further emphasizes how captivating this figure is. The mention of automatic shoes and three D vision adds a futuristic element to the song, further suggesting that the singer and his associates are up for anything and unafraid to embrace new technology or ideas. Overall, "Telegram Sam" is a catchy, upbeat song that celebrates a certain kind of enigmatic yet magnetic personality.
Line by Line Meaning
Telegram Sam Telegram Sam
Addressing someone named Telegram Sam twice
You're my main man
Signifying the importance of Telegram Sam
Golden Nose Slim Golden Nose Slim
Mentioning someone named Golden Nose Slim twice
I know's where you've been
Acknowledging knowing the whereabouts of Golden Nose Slim
Purple Pie Pete Purple Pie Pete
Naming someone named Purple Pie Pete twice
Your lips are like lightning
Complimenting the electrifying looks of Purple Pie Pete
Girls melt in the heat
Narrating the effect of Purple Pie Pete's charm on girls
Telegram Sam
Referring to Telegram Sam again
You're my main man
Reiterating the importance of Telegram Sam
Telegram Sam
Again referencing to Telegram Sam
You're my main man
Reiterating the significance of Telegram Sam
Bobby's alright Bobby's alright
Acknowledging the name Bobby twice
He's a natural born poet
Complimenting Bobby's poetic skills
He's just outta sight
Describing how impressive Bobby is
Jungle faced Jake Jungle faced Jake
Naming someone identified as Jungle faced Jake twice
I say make no mistake
Asserting the importance of Jungle faced Jake
About Jungle faced Jake
Continuing emphasis on Jungle faced Jake
Automatic shoes
Referring to automated shoes
Automatic shoes
Mentioning automated shoes twice
Give me three D vision
Desiring three-dimensional vision with the automated shoes
And the California blues
Associating California with the blues
Me I funk but I don't care
Implying that the artist is indifferent to criticism about their behavior
I ain't no square with my corkscrew hair
Describing their appearance, which includes curly hair
Telegram Sam, Telegram Sam
Addressing Telegram Sam twice again
I'm a howlin' wolf
Comparing oneself to a howling wolf
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group
Written by: Marc Bolan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kellyreade6355
Absolutely fantastic treat to see this 50 years later! Half a century on, and Marc and his band still rockin' like nobody else. xo Lovely to see more of Bill, Steve, and Mickey (all looking so cool!), and wonderful, clear colour. THANK YOU! How rare it is to find anything "undiscovered" of Marc and his band. This is very much appreciated. xxoo
@iggy9955
Yes!!! What a rhytam. Steve is rare fantastyc fingerpicker in glam rock he is heavy and melodic in same time. Great support Marc's guitar. Bill play simple but strong and Mickey conga's is fantastyc support sound of T. Rex.
@Donna-jc9yh
Mark passed away at 29 years.
@michaelbonner68
You n me both buddy
@elwaytorrance6057
This was filmed 50 years ago today...truly an icon. Marc Bolan & T-Rex will live forever!
@user-iu3yj2dl8j
Yes, Marc forever. So glad we have his music!
@DevinRyanVitek
It’s a testament to Marc’s art and legacy that we’re still here listening.
@horrortackleharry
Was too young at the time, but have been watching a few documentaries about Bolan lately and man, that guy was IT for a while back in the early 70s. Ahead of the curve musically & culturally, and cool af with it. Still sounds great today!
@kellyreade6355
That was incredible! What a fantastic treat ... 50 years later we get to see Marc and his band, new film footage - in glorious colour! THANK YOU!! xoxo
@antoniettapedata8097
❤🎩 very special song, happy anniversary TELEGRAM SAM❤ thanks Marc, thanks T.Rex❤