Ted Leo and the Pharmacists (sometimes written Ted Leo/Pharmacists, Ted Leo… Read Full Bio ↴Ted Leo and the Pharmacists (sometimes written Ted Leo/Pharmacists, Ted Leo + Pharmacists, or TL/Rx) are an American rock band formed in 1999 in Washington, D.C. and currently recording for Matador Records. They have released five full-length studio albums and have toured internationally. Though the group's lineup has fluctuated throughout their career, singer/guitarist Ted Leo has remained the band's main songwriter, creative force, and only constant member. The group's music combines elements of punk rock, indie rock, traditional rock, and occasionally folk music and dub reggae. Their most recent album, The Brutalist Bricks, was released in March 2010.

Dial Up
Ted Leo & The Pharmacists Lyrics

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Pack up what you own, and you dial up who you can phone, and you save up all your pennies, and we hope but, oh -- is there any -- and we wonder, oh, how can he put you out tonight? Go back in your mind, twenty years in time, and we'll go a-walking through your garden; see the trees you planted in your yard then. All your work, it didn't seem so hard then, but it's hard tonight. Five years further on, from the stage it looked like we'd won, but how many of those who heard you play have gone their insouciant ways? And the streets run bloody to this day, and to your house tonight. And we, still so touched, can we offer you that much more than those who you fought and who left you with nought, and who lied to you? They lied to you, but this you always knew. So pack up your bulls and smalls, and we'll tack up your paintings on our walls, and we'll write down all our songs then, and we'll right up all our wrongs then, and we'll tear up the streets a million strong then, in your name tonight.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Ted Leo & The Pharmacists' song Dial Up tell a story of a person who is packing up their belongings and preparing to leave their current situation behind. They reach out to those they can contact for support, but there is a feeling of uncertainty and hopelessness. The lyrics then take the listener on a journey through the person's past, reflecting on the good times they had, the hard work they put in, and the obstacles they faced. Despite feeling touched and grateful for the support they have received, there is still a sense of bitterness towards those who have lied and abandoned them. The song ends with a call to action, a promise to right wrongs and take action in the name of the person who is leaving.

The lyrics seem to be a nod towards the struggles of artists and activists who face opposition and betrayal despite their hard work and passion. The reference to "the streets run bloody to this day" could be interpreted as a commentary on social and political injustice. The song also has moments of hopefulness, with the promise to "tear up the streets a million strong then" suggesting the power of collective action.

Line by Line Meaning

Pack up what you own, and you dial up who you can phone, and you save up all your pennies, and we hope but, oh -- is there any -- and we wonder, oh, how can he put you out tonight?
You're packing up and calling anyone you can in a desperate attempt to save yourself. You've saved every penny, but even then, we're not sure if it's enough to help you avoid being put out tonight.

Go back in your mind, twenty years in time, and we'll go a-walking through your garden; see the trees you planted in your yard then. All your work, it didn't seem so hard then, but it's hard tonight.
Let's reminisce about your backyard from twenty years ago, when life seemed simpler and your hard work didn't feel so difficult. Now, it's a struggle.

Five years further on, from the stage it looked like we'd won, but how many of those who heard you play have gone their insouciant ways? And the streets run bloody to this day, and to your house tonight.
Despite feeling like we won five years ago, many who witnessed your performances have moved on without a second thought, leaving behind a world of chaos and bloodshed that now comes to your doorstep tonight.

And we, still so touched, can we offer you that much more than those who you fought and who left you with nought, and who lied to you? They lied to you, but this you always knew.
We want to offer you more support and care than those who opposed you and left you with nothing, people who also deceived you. You always knew that they were dishonest.

So pack up your bulls and smalls, and we'll tack up your paintings on our walls, and we'll write down all our songs then, and we'll right up all our wrongs then, and we'll tear up the streets a million strong then, in your name tonight.
We'll pack your belongings, hang your artwork on our walls, and use music to make our apologies for any wrongs we have done. Then, we'll mobilize a huge crowd and make changes in your honor.

Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

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