The Meaning Behind The Song: Phone by Lizzo

The Meaning Behind The Song: Phone by Lizzo

When it comes to catchy and relatable songs, Lizzo has definitely carved a name for herself in the music industry. With her powerful voice and empowering lyrics, she has become a force to be reckoned with. One of her popular songs, “Phone,” delves into the dependence and disconnect caused by technology in our lives.

“Phone” is the second single from Lizzo’s debut extended play, entitled ‘Coconut Oil,’ released on September 19, 2016. In this song, Lizzo reflects on how the world has become engulfed in the allure of technology, specifically smartphones, and how it has caused us to forget their true purpose.

Exploring the Lyrics

The song starts with Lizzo questioning the whereabouts of her phone, emphasizing the frustration many of us feel when we can’t immediately locate our devices. She looks around, searching for her friends, who have also seemingly disappeared. The repetition of the lines “Where the hell my phone? Where the hell my phone?” emphasizes the desperation and panic that ensues when we feel disconnected from our devices.

As the song progresses, Lizzo highlights the dichotomy between the superficial aspects of our lives and our true needs. She walks home with sore feet, questioning the purpose of the expensive shoes she’s wearing. She reflects on a night out at the club, where she was getting attention and feeling confident, only to lose herself in the process.

The True Purpose of a Phone

The underlying message of “Phone” lies in its exploration of the true purpose of a phone, which is often overlooked in today’s society. Instead of using our phones solely for communication and connection, we find ourselves consumed by social media, gaming, and various other distractions. Lizzo’s song serves as a reminder to reevaluate our relationship with technology and to remember the importance of genuine human connection.

As someone living in this digital age, I can’t help but relate to the sentiments expressed in “Phone.” I often find myself mindlessly scrolling through social media or being sucked into the rabbit hole of internet distractions. It’s easy to lose track of time and forget the people and experiences that are right in front of me.

Listening to “Phone” urges me to take a step back and reevaluate my priorities. It reminds me to put down my phone and engage with the world around me, to have meaningful conversations with friends and loved ones, and to appreciate the present moment.

The Process of Creating “Phone”

In a 2019 interview with Zachary Campbell, Lizzo revealed that “Phone” was written in just 10 minutes. The idea for the song came about when Lizzo was looking for her phone and frustratedly asked those around her, “Where the f*ck is my phone?” That simple question sparked the creation of this catchy and relatable anthem.

Evan Bogart, one of the writers on the song who has also worked with artists like Beyoncé, shouted out ideas for Lizzo to incorporate into the lyrics, resulting in a freestyle-like structure. The song was born from a moment of frustration and evolved into a powerful message about the impact of technology on our lives.

Conclusion

“Phone” by Lizzo serves as a reminder to step away from our devices and reconnect with the world around us. It explores the dependence and disconnect caused by technology, urging listeners to reevaluate their relationship with their phones. As someone living in the digital age, I can’t help but relate to the lyrics and use this song as a personal reflection tool. So, the next time you find yourself searching for your phone, maybe take a moment to consider its true purpose and the experiences waiting for you outside of the digital realm.