After releasing two more albums, We’re Not Talking (2018) and Mirror II (2021), The Goon Sax announced that they would be splitting up in July of 2022.
Téléphone
The Goon Sax Lyrics
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Because I felt the same
And all these people come to see all the things that are wrong with me
But that's ok we can agree
I'm not quite what I used to be
Cause I don't need a telephone
Just to feel OK
They hurt me everyday
And if you call me today
I think I'll go insane
Because I hate those telephones
In every single way
Maybe sometime I'll grow my hair out long and lose all the weight that I've put on
I never feel very comfortable with my body
No sometimes I feel like my clothes are wearing me
And sometimes I don't know if you even know me
I only ever do anything cause I'm thinking about you
Cause I don't need a telephone
Cause I don't need a telephone
Just to feel OK
Cause I hate those telephones
They hurt me everyday
And if you call me today
I think I'll go insane
Because I hate those telephones
In every single way
Cause I don't need a telephone
Cause I don't need a telephone
Just to feel OK
Cause I hate those telephones
They hurt me everyday
And if you call me today
I think I'll go insane
Because I hate those telephones
In every single way
The Goon Sax's "Telephone" is a song that grapples with self-doubt and the pressure of external judgment. The song begins with the singer acknowledging their own insecurities and understanding how others might not feel comfortable around them because of it. The singer then goes on to talk about the constant criticism they face from those around them and how they've come to accept it.
However, the overarching theme of the song is the singer's aversion to telephones. They say that they don't need a telephone to feel okay, and in fact, they hate them and the anxiety they cause. The telephone symbolizes their anxiety towards external communication, and how the judgement of others only heightens their insecurities. Even the thought of receiving a phone call could send the singer spiraling into a state of anxiety.
The second verse delves into the singer's body image issues, expressing a desire to change themselves to feel more comfortable. But at the same time, they feel like they are defined by their relationship to other people, especially the person they are addressing in the song. In the end, they reiterate their disdain for telephones, and how they cause them more harm than good.
Overall, "Telephone" is a poignant examination of the emotional struggles of youth, dealing with self-doubt, body image issues, and the fear of being judged by others. It's a song that perfectly captures the vulnerability and anxiety of growing up in a world that seems to constantly demand perfection.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't always feel OK with me so I can understand why you wouldn't be
Sometimes I feel unhappy with myself, so I can understand why you may feel the same way about me
And all these people come to see all the things that are wrong with me
There are a lot of people who seem to focus on my flaws and shortcomings
But that's ok we can agree
Despite our differences, it's alright that we can understand each other's struggles
I'm not quite what I used to be
I've changed a lot over time and may not be the same person you remember
Cause I don't need a telephone
Just to feel OK
Cause I hate those telephones
They hurt me everyday
And if you call me today
I think I'll go insane
Because I hate those telephones
In every single way
I don't need constant communication with others in order to feel content, in fact, it often causes me pain and anxiety. If you were to call me, it could have a negative effect on my mental health.
Maybe sometime I'll grow my hair out long and lose all the weight that I've put on
Perhaps someday I will try to improve my physical appearance by growing my hair and losing weight
I never feel very comfortable with my body
I often feel self-conscious and insecure about my physical appearance
No sometimes I feel like my clothes are wearing me
Occasionally, my clothing feels like it's wearing me rather than the other way around
And sometimes I don't know if you even know me
There are moments where I feel like you may not truly understand me
I only ever do anything cause I'm thinking about you
The main reason I do anything is because I'm thinking about you and how you may perceive me
Contributed by Brayden F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.