Lyrics: Bad Connection

Bad Connection, image from the inner sleeve of Upstairs at Eric's
Bad Connection, image from the inner sleeve of Upstairs at Eric's

Bad connection

Morning this morning the curtains are shut
I’ll ring you in the morning but the phone’s been cut
Can you hear me
I’ve been calling all day
Can you hear me
The radio reporter said the line’s all dead
He told me that I oughta write a letter instead
Can you hear me
I’ve been calling all day
Can you hear me

[chorus]
I’d wish they’d fix the wires cause my baby don’t know
That I’m leaving in the morning and I’m ready to go
Can you hear me
Can you hear me at all
Gotta get the operator make a telephone call

And if I write a letter it won’t get there on time
I’ll only reach you baby on the telephone line
Can you hear me
I’ve been calling all day
Can you hear me
My car’s all ready and my bag’s all packed
I’m late already and I won’t be back
Can you hear me
I’ve been calling you all day
Can you hear me

[woman’s voice on telephone]

[chorus]
Ooo can you hear me

[credit: Clarke]

 Note: ‘Bad Connection’ taps into an emotion not often heard of anymore in the age of mobiles – desperation over a cut telephone cable. For the rest, this is a pretty straightforward song about a last goodbye to your lover before leaving.

‘Bad connection’ is set to a catchy tune that somewhat contrasts with the rather downbeat lyrics, the only such oddity on ‘Upstairs at Eric’s’.

Video on Youtube (remix from the Reconnected EP)