Telephone Busy Lyrics – 5 Seconds of Summer

Telephone Busy Lyrics Meaning

[Intro: Ashton, Luke]
The intro sets the mood of the song, showing someone trying to get the attention of the person they care about. They notice that the other person feels awkward or uncomfortable being close, which creates a sense of tension and hesitation right from the start. It’s playful but also shows there’s a gap between them emotionally.

[Verse 1: Ashton]
In this part, the singer talks about moving on from past relationships and hoping the next one will be better. They reflect on their experiences with love, trying to understand what went wrong before, and even use tarot cards as a way to seek guidance. It shows a mix of hope and patience, a belief that good things will come if they wait, but also a restless energy of wanting to find something real soon.

[Pre-Chorus: Calum, Luke]
Here, the singer expresses frustration because nothing seems to be going their way. They are trying to communicate with the other person but feel blocked or misunderstood. They notice that the other person struggles to accept someone who is genuinely good for them and sees it as just part of their nature. The other person seems unwilling to change, which leaves the singer feeling confused, helpless, and a little frustrated.

[Chorus: All, Calum, Luke, Ashton]
The chorus captures the main emotional struggle. The singer is thinking constantly about the other person and wishes they could connect, but every attempt is blocked because the person is busy or distant. They wonder if the other person remembers them fondly and if they feel the same desire to be close. The repetition of “do you wanna kiss me?” shows longing, uncertainty, and vulnerability. It’s a mix of hope and anxiety, with the singer trying to understand the other person’s feelings while battling their own doubts.

[Verse 2: Ashton, Ashton & Luke]
This verse shows the messy side of their relationship. The singer engages in reckless behavior, like smoking and drinking, as a way to cope with waiting for the other person. They also reflect on past mistakes that hurt the other person, realizing that some scars are already made. There’s honesty in admitting they’ve messed up, and at the same time, a sense of urgency and not holding back, showing both regret and impulsiveness.

[Pre-Chorus: Calum, Luke]
The pre-chorus repeats the frustration and tension of not being understood. The singer notices the other person’s discomfort with genuine affection and again hears that they won’t change because of who they are. This creates a feeling of inevitability and conflict. The singer is stuck between wanting to connect and being faced with someone’s resistance to closeness, which makes the situation emotionally complicated and draining.

[Chorus: All, Calum, Luke, Ashton]
The chorus comes back with the same longing and questioning. The singer keeps thinking about the other person and wants to know if the feelings are mutual. They are frustrated by the distance but still hopeful, trying to reach out even though it’s not working. The repeated questioning shows how strongly they want reassurance, intimacy, and connection, while also feeling confused and hurt by the lack of clear communication.

[Bridge: Luke, All]
The bridge emphasizes determination. The singer declares that they won’t change, showing they are committed to being themselves no matter how complicated the relationship gets. It’s about staying true to their personality even when it causes tension, signaling self-awareness and confidence, but also stubbornness.

[Chorus: All, Luke, Calum]
The final chorus focuses on the same feelings of longing and desire to reconnect. The singer is still reaching out, wondering if the other person misses them or wants the same closeness. The repetition of questions highlights their vulnerability and confusion, showing the emotional push and pull of the relationship.

[Outro: Ashton]
The outro is simple and reflective, leaving the emotions unresolved and letting the feeling of lingering thoughts and longing hang in the air.