Telephone
Twin Peaks Lyrics


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I heard the ringing on the telephone
Set aside a dream and we were on our own
I can't seem to understand
A word came through from the other end
And now I would lie to you alone

I heard the ringing on the telephone
I heard you ringing on the telephone
I can't seem to understand
A word you've said since you've been gone
But I keep hanging on, oh oh

I went out to the wasteland, had no means or end
I got brains, but the quake man, need love to lend a hand
I went out to the wastes, man




Looking for a friend and when you leave for your own plans
I hope that this don't end…

Overall Meaning

In "Telephone," Twin Peaks reflects on the difficulty of communication in a relationship that is falling apart. The ringing of the telephone represents the attempt at connection between the two parties, but ultimately it is unsuccessful, leaving the singer feeling alone and unable to fully understand the other person. The lyrics "Set aside a dream and we were on our own" suggest that the dream of a perfect relationship has been abandoned and they are left to navigate the harsh reality on their own.


The chorus repeats the motif of the ringing telephone, emphasizing the distance and inability to communicate. The line "But I keep hanging on" suggests that the singer is still holding onto the hope of making things work, even though it seems unlikely.


The second verse describes the singer going out to the "wasteland" of the world, searching for someone to connect with. The line "I got brains, but the quake man, need love to lend a hand" acknowledges the intelligence and capability of the singer, but also their need for emotional support and love. The final line "I hope that this don't end" shows that despite the difficulties, the singer is still clinging onto the hope that the relationship will survive.


Line by Line Meaning

I heard the ringing on the telephone
The singer received a call on their phone


Set aside a dream and we were on our own
The singer had to put their current aspirations aside to deal with the phone call and is now separated from others


I can't seem to understand
The singer is having trouble grasping the situation


A word came through from the other end
The artist heard something from the person on the other side of the call


And now I would lie to you alone
The artist is now left to deal with the aftermath of the call by themselves


I heard you ringing on the telephone
The singer heard the person they were hoping to hear from calling them


A word you've said since you've been gone
The singer hasn't been able to hear from the person on the other end for a while


But I keep hanging on, oh oh
Even though the artist is struggling to understand the situation, they are determined to hold on and keep going


I went out to the wastes, man
The artist ventured out into a barren and empty area


Looking for a friend and when you leave for your own plans
The artist is searching for companionship, but those around them are setting off on their own paths


I hope that this don't end…
The singer is worried about the possibility of their search coming to an end




Contributed by Reagan I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

maggie

twin peaks is easily one of the most underrated bands- they deserve more attention than so many "indie" bands are getting

Gnarly Charly

Very true, but you can say that for a lot of underground bands... and TP are getting more and more recognition

One01Zero

Best band on the planet imo

Tim Geldof

I'll never get tired of this song

Gem

I was at their show, later that night. They opened for the Orwells. Super cool dudes, amazing performance that was rich and authentic.

rmfcjr1

This is great- but you MUST see these guys live ! They seemed pretty sedate in this set. I am serious,  remember watching Mudhoney ? That is what these guys are like visually . Anyone who has seen Mudhoney remembers the first time they saw them-and thats the way these guys perform-just balls out fun. They are really nice guys to-the drummer Connor is super cool to. 

Nícholas Cassano

Everytime I listen it gets better!

Gnarly Charly

Been listening for like 2 years now and that solo still gets me moist...

Millie McDougall

Amazing... wow.

VaZ X

these dudes look like they're 16! LOL...love it. You got a bright future boys...keep that shit up

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