The Line That Rings Back

Verse 1

Nine rings to the flat above the bakery six rings for the years the radiator ticked one coin, and the slot keeps giving it back like the town never learned to be sick

Chorus

The message never arrives the message never arrives I keep dialling the same number the message never arrives

Verse 2

They taped a notice to the starred glass the removal comes in spring but the dial tone hums the same old hum and the coin keeps doing its thing

Chorus

The message never arrives the message never arrives I keep dialling the same number the message never arrives

Bridge

(spoken, level) I can't tell you what I wanted to say it won't fit in the ringing it won't fit in the nine rings it won't fit

Verse 3

Some evenings the line holds its breath like a room with a person inside I say the sentence I always say and the exchange lets it ride

Chorus

The message never arrives the message never arrives I keep dialling the same number the message almost arrives

Outro

(level, fading) the number still works mine does same time goodnight