The Telephone Call

Hello, it's me, I just called to say, we're having a party, bring over some of your old Motown records...

A celebration, so bring your good times and your laughter too...

They don't write 'em like that anymore...

Those were the days, my friend. We had joy. We had fun When this old world starts getting me down, I've found a paradise, that's trouble proof. Those oldies but goodies remind me of a simpler place and time.

I'm only looking for a fantasy, not in the mood for reality. Party, party, party. Makin' a scene with the record machine. Everybody's chillin' as I set up the groove, spill the wine...

People have the right to party, and you don't let them have their fun. In bed, throw the covers on your head, pretend like you are dead, but I know it, before this night is through, oh baby, the rhythm is gonna get you.

Give me the music. Let the music take control. All we need is music, sweet music; swinging, swaying, records playing; doesn't matter what you wear, just as long as you are there. It's just an invitation; a chance for folks to meet. They'll be laughter, singing...

Every generation blames the one before, and all of their frustrations come bleeding on your door. Stilted conversations, I'm afraid that's all we got; can't get agreement in this present tense, we all talk a different language, talking in defense. Music is a world within itself, a language we all understand, with an equal opportunity for all to sing, dance and clap their hands. There's music in the air and lots of loving everywhere, so come out tonight, and we'll lead the others on a ride through paradise.

I think it's so groovy now, that people are bound to get together; being together on this special day, sing our message loud and clear. If I had the chance, I'd ask the world to dance. Are we looking for a better way of life? Here's a chance to dance our way out of our constrictions. One nation under a groove; we are part of the rhythm nation.

Why oh why must it be this way? War. What is it good for? A friend only to the undertaker. Free your mind, the rest will follow. Don't hesitate, 'cause the world seems cold, you will find peace of mind, if you look way down in your heart and soul.

I wish that for just one time that you could stand inside my shoes; this is the rhythm of my life: I've got to dance to keep from crying. All my life, I've been singing this sad song, trying to get my message to you. You may say that I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. What's in your heart puts you in a groove, you've got to get the message, a soul message, darlin'. A love for each other will bring fighting to an end; all we are saying, is give peace a chance.

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussin' and fightin' my friend. Listen to the music; what the people need is a way to make them smile. We can work it out and get it straight, or say good night.

I pray for peace and love, amen. See ya, wouldn't wanna be ya. Auf wiedersehen, tootle-loo, au revoir, shalom, ciao, bye bye, hasta la vista, fare thee well, adios, so long.

Thank you for reading The Telephone Call. The one sided dialogue was created using bits of lyrics from popular songs. Listed below are the song titles and artists that recorded them, in the order the line appeared. Some tunes however, were quoted more than once and out of sequence to how they may have appeared in the song.

"Hello, It's Me" Todd Rundgren
"I Just Called To Say I Love You" Stevie Wonder
"Having A Party" Sam Cooke
"Motown Song" Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood
"Celebration" Kool and the Gang
"The Breakup Song (They Don't Write 'Em" Greg Kihn Band
"Those Were The Days" Mary Hopkins
"Seasons In The Sun" Terry Jacks
"Up On The Roof" the Drifters
"Those Oldies But Goodies (Remind Me of You) Little Caesar & The Romans
"Midnight Train To Georgia" Gladys Knight and the Pips
"Tonight I'm Yours (Don't Hurt Me)" Rod Stewart
"Let Me Party With You (Party, Party, Party)" Bunny Sigler
"Dancin' Party" Chubby Checker
"Get The Party Started" Pink
"Spill The Wine" Eric Burdon & War
"Go Away" Gloria Estefan
"Rhythm Is Gonna Get You" Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine
"Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance)" CC Music Factory
"Dancing in the Streets" Martha and the Vandellas
"The Living Years" Mike and the Mechanics
"Sir Duke" Stevie Wonder
"Give Me The Night" George Benson
"Reach Out of The Darkness" Friends and Lovers
"That's The Way of the World" Earth, Wind & Fire
"Dancing With Myself" Billy Idol
"One Nation Under a Groove" Funkadelic
"Rhythm Nation" Janet Jackson
"Free Your Mind" En Vogue
"War" Edwin Starr
"Positively 4th Street" Bob Dylan
"The Rhythm of the Night" Corona
"I've Gotta Dance To Keep From Crying" the Miracles
"Fa, Fa, Fa, Fa, Fa (Sad Song)" Otis Redding
"Imagine" John Lennon & The Plastic Ono Band
"Stoned Love" Supremes with Diana Ross
"Give Peace a Chance" Peace Choir
"We Can Work It Out" Beatles
"Listen The Music" Doobie Brothers