"White Telephone" is a song by Charlotte Gainsbourg, a French-British singer, and actress. The song was released in 2006 as part of her album called "5:55." The lyrics depict a sense of loneliness and longing for connection. The song starts by describing a white telephone and picking up the receiver, waiting for a tone. The word "droning" is repeated, suggesting a monotonous and empty feeling. The narrator realizes that there is no one on the line, highlighting the absence of communication and connection. The next verse refers to a rotary phone, where the finger is put into the hole and then pulled back, indicating the act of dialing a number. However, despite the ringing, no one answers, emphasizing the lack of response or interaction. The chorus introduces the metaphor of words going into the wire like a ghost. This suggests that the words spoken or intended for someone disappear into the void, much like a ghost dissolves into thin air. The fleeting nature of light in an empty room is compared to the fleeting connection and communication the narrator is experiencing. The last lines express a sense of searching and longing as the narrator describes themselves as fleeting like light in a room, crawling into darkness after the person they desire to connect with. The plea for help in explaining this feeling indicates a deep desire for understanding and resolution. Overall, "White Telephone" conveys the feelings of isolation, longing, and the difficulty of establishing meaningful connections with others.
