Mr. Telephone Man is a classic R&B hit song by the American boy band New Edition.
The track was released in November 1984 as part of the group’s self-titled album and was produced by Ray Parker Jr.
The song, which was written by Parker Jr. along with Glenn Barbee and Ollie E. Brown, became a huge success, reaching No. 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and topping the US Billboard R&B chart.
Mr. Telephone Man Lyrics
Chorus
Mr. Telephone Man
There’s somethin’ wrong with my line
When I dial my baby’s number
I get a click every time
Mr. Telephone Man
There’s somethin’ wrong with my line
When I dial my baby’s number
I get a click every time
Verse 1
When I dialed 6-1-1, Repair Service
She said “Hello, may I help you please?”
I told her something must be wrong with my phone
‘Cause my baby wouldn’t hang up on me
Chorus
Mr. Telephone Man
There’s somethin’ wrong with my line
When I dial my baby’s number
I get a click every time
Mr. Telephone Man
There’s somethin’ wrong with my line
When I dial my baby’s number
I get a click every time
Verse 2
She let the phone ring 20 times before she answered
Let me tell you what happened then (Ah)
A minute later, I got the operator
Saying “Please hang up and place your call again,” baby
Chorus
Mr. Telephone Man
There’s somethin’ wrong with my line
When I dial my baby’s number
I get a click every time
Mr. Telephone Man (Telephone Man)
Something’s wrong with my line (Wrong with my line)
I try to dial her number (Dial my baby’s number)
But, I get a click every time
Bridge
Some strange man is on the telephone (The telephone)
He keeps telling me my baby, ain’t home (That she’s not home)
She ain’t got no party line (Ooh, ooh)
Situation blowing my mind (Ooh, ooh)
Oh, I just can’t take this anymore
Spoken Interlude
Please operator
See what you can do
I dialed the right number
But I still couldn’t get through
Could you just check the line?
Just one more time if you can
I’m pretty sure her phone
Wouldn’t be answered by no man
Chorus
Mr. Telephone Man
There’s somethin’ wrong with my line
When I dial my baby’s number
I get a click every time
Mr. Telephone Man (Telephone Man)
Something’s wrong with my line (Wrong with my line)
I try to dial her number (Dial my baby’s number)
But, I get a click every time
Outro
Must be a bad connection
I give her my love and affection (She’s had it all)
I just can’t take this no more
This situation blowin’ my mind (Blowin’ my mind)
Can’t get my baby on the line (On the line)
I tried dialing information (Mr. Telephone Man)
I can’t get no cooperation (Mr. Telephone Man)
The system on the phone, tellin’ me my baby ain’t at home
Ah baby, I just can’t take it anymore
Help me out, please Mr. Telephone Man
Help me out, please Mr. Telephone Man
Facts About Mr. Telephone Man Lyrics
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Song Title | Mr. Telephone Man |
| Artist | New Edition |
| Album | New Edition |
| Release Date | November 1984 |
| Genre | R&B, Pop |
| Songwriters | Ray Parker Jr., Glenn Barbee, and Ollie E. Brown |
| Producer | Ray Parker Jr. |
| Label | MCA Records |
| Chart Performance | Reached No. 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and No. 1 on the US Billboard R&B chart |
| Music Video | Directed by Brian Grant, featuring New Edition performing on a stage and using telephones as props |
| Sampled In | “I Can’t Wait” by Nu Shooz, “Run’s House” by Run-D.M.C., “Blessed” by Schoolboy Q ft. Kendrick Lamar, among others |
| Covers | Covered by numerous artists including Erykah Badu, Lyfe Jennings, and JLS |
| Legacy | Considered one of New Edition’s signature songs and a classic R&B hit of the 1980s, it has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials, and continues to be a popular old-school jam. |
If you enjoyed learning about the lyrics of this iconic hit, be sure to check out more of my content about song lyrics for other timeless classics and modern favorites
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