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The Nerves - Hanging On The Telephone

Original Release 1976

From The Nerves EP

The Nerves were a mid-’70s power pop trio based in Los Angeles, California, featuring guitarist Jack Lee, bassist Peter Case, and drummer Paul Collins. All three members composed songs and sang. They managed a national tour, including a few dates with The Ramones, but they lasted just a short time and self-released only one self-titled four-song EP in 1976, featuring the songs “Hanging on the Telephone” (Lee), “When You Find Out” (Case), “Give Me Some Time” (Lee), and “Working Too Hard” (Collins). The EP was distributed by independent Bomp! Records.

Lyrics:

I’m in the phone booth, it’s the one across the hall If you don’t answer, I’ll just ring it off the wall I know he’s there, but I just had to call Don’t leave me hanging on the telephone (2x)

I heard your mother now she’s going out the door Did she go to work or just go to the store All those things she said, I told you to ignore Oh why can’t we talk again (3x) Don’t leave me hanging on the telephone (2x)

It’s good to hear your voice, you know it’s been so long If I don’t get your call then everything goes wrong I want to tell you something you’ve known all along Don’t leave me hanging on the telephone

I had to interrupt and stop this conversation Your voice across the line gives me a strange sensation I’d like to talk when I can show you my affection Oh I can’t control myself (3x) Don’t leave me hanging on the telephone

Hang up and run to me Whoah, hang up and run to me (3x) Whoah oh oh oh run to me