Answer Phone

Tom Odell's song 'Answer Phone' delves into the themes of loneliness, self-destruction, and the yearning for connection. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man in his late twenties who finds himself stuck in a cycle of wasted days and nights. The repetition of 'Here I go again' underscores a sense of inevitability and resignation, suggesting that the protagonist feels trapped in his current state. The mention of being 'drunk' and 'a mess' dressed up like it's Halloween highlights a facade of celebration masking deeper issues of isolation and despair.

The reference to dancing alone to 'Billy Jean' by Michael Jackson is particularly poignant. 'Billy Jean' is a song about fame and its pitfalls, which aligns with Odell's own reflections on the emptiness of the party scene. The protagonist's prayer that 'somebody takes me home' and that he won't have to 'sleep alone' underscores his desperate need for human connection. The answering phone symbolizes the unfulfilled communication and the emotional distance between him and the person he longs to reach.

The song also touches on the destructive habits that the protagonist has adopted, such as wasting money and using 'cheap cocaine.' These behaviors are indicative of his attempts to fill the void and escape his reality, albeit temporarily. The repeated plea to 'smile, even if you're feeling sad' serves as a bittersweet reminder of the societal pressure to appear happy, even when one is struggling internally. Through 'Answer Phone,' Tom Odell captures the raw and often painful experience of feeling alone in a crowded world, making it a deeply relatable and emotionally charged piece.