Introduction
Sheena Easton’s hit single, “Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair),” released in 1983, was a chart-topper. The song talks about the agony of being in a long-distance relationship during the time before the advent of smartphones. The lyrics describe a scenario where the protagonist desperately wants to talk to her lover but has to rely on a landline phone to hear his voice. The emotion conveyed by the song has made it timeless, and to date, it remains a favorite among Easton’s fans.
In this article, we’ll delve into the meaning behind the song and explore why it resonates with so many people decades later.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)” are a poignant account of the struggles of long-distance relationships. The protagonist, who is separated from her lover, is desperately trying to reach him through the telephone. The opening lyrics set the tone for the rest of the song:
‘It’s raining in the city
And the streets are slick with ice,
And every windowpane
Is dimpled bright with sacrifice
Inside, the lovers cling
And turn their eyes to the ceiling
And pretend that they’re somewhere exotic
And far away from the late-night cold…’
As the song unfolds, the protagonist tells her lover how much she misses him, how she longs to feel his touch, and how the distance between them feels unbearable. She sings:
‘I can’t hold back the night
You know what I’m feeling inside
Reach out and touch me
Make it a long, long ride…’
At the end of the song, the protagonist sings about the hope that someday, they’ll be reunited:
‘Someday I got a plan, my lover
We’ll go to California
Stand on the edge of the ocean
And look out across that world…’
The Music
The music of “Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)” is an upbeat blend of pop and funk, with an infectious chorus. The instrumentation is a mix of electronic keyboards, drums, and guitar riffs that add to the song’s energetic vibe.
The music video that accompanied the song was equally exciting. In the video, Easton is shown dancing and performing with her band, intercut with scenes of couples in long-distance relationships talking on telephones.
The Meaning Behind the Song
“Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)” is about the pain of being in a long-distance relationship, but it’s also about the power of love to bridge the distance. The song was released in an era before smartphones and easy access to communication. Long-distance relationships were more challenging, lonely, and isolating.
The song speaks to anyone who has been in a long-distance relationship. It speaks about how distance can make people feel disconnected and lonely. The use of a telephone instead of email or texting adds to the song’s charm and highlights the difficulties of communicating in an era before digital communication was prevalent.
At the same time, the song celebrates the power of love to keep people connected despite the distance. The protagonist in the song is clinging to the hope that her lover will be there for her, even though they are physically apart.
Overall, “Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)” is a song about hope, longing, and the power of love to endure despite the obstacles.
FAQs
1. Is “Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)” Sheena Easton’s biggest hit?
Sheena Easton had several big hits, with “Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)” being one of her most successful. However, her most successful song is “Morning Train (Nine to Five)” which was a chart-topping hit in several countries, including the US, UK, and Australia.
2. Who wrote “Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)”?
“Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)” was written by Greg Mathieson and Duane Hitchings.
3. What inspired Sheena Easton to record “Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)”?
In an interview with Billboard, Easton said that what attracted her to the song was the fact that it was a departure from the ballads she had been recording and that it had a fresh sound.
4. How was the song received when it was first released?
“Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)” was received positively by critics and was a commercial success. It reached number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number seven on the UK Singles Chart.
5. Why is the song still popular today?
The song’s poignant lyrics, upbeat music, and catchy chorus make it a timeless classic that resonates with people even today.
6. Has “Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)” been covered by other artists?
Yes, several artists have covered the song, including country singer Lorrie Morgan and R&B artist Jody Watley.
7. Was “Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)” ever used in a movie?
Yes, the song was included in the 2000 movie “Coyote Ugly” starring Piper Perabo and Adam Garcia.
8. Did the song win any awards?
The song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1984 but did not win.
9. How did the music video for “Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)” come about?
The music video was directed by Jeff Stein, and it was shot in Los Angeles over two days. The video features Easton performing the song with her band while intercut with scenes of couples talking on telephones.
10. Was “Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)” released internationally?
Yes, the song was released in several countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
11. Did the success of “Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)” lead to other hits for Sheena Easton?
Yes, “Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)” was one of several hits that Easton had during the 1980s, including “Morning Train (Nine to Five)” and “The Lover in Me.”
12. What does the song mean to Sheena Easton?
In an interview with The Scotsman, Easton said that the song was significant to her because it was a turning point in her career and helped her to break out of the ballad singer mold that she had become known for. She said that performing the song was a lot of fun and that it brought her a lot of joy.
