A minute and 40 seconds to change your day.

I turn on Labi Siffre’s “Bless the Telephone” when I want to get a quick cry in.

Under 2 minutes long, it’s proof that honest lyrics and the sound of a gentle guitar is a nostalgic potion that needs no time to take effect. Siffre is the best at it, and it works on me every damn time.

The picking pattern transports me to sitting beside a car window. Driving through a neighborhood or a country road or alongside the ocean, the flickering dance of shadows and highlights between tree branches flash on and off the dash in shy, blush-filled touches.

The lyrics are what really get me though. The simplicity of them. The leveled-ness about them.

It’s nice to hear your voice again

I’ve waited all day long

Even wrote a song for you

It’s strange, the way you make me feel

With just a word or two

I’d like to do the same for you

It’s nice to hear you say hello

And “how are things with you - I love you”

But very soon it’s time to go

An office job to do

While I’m here writing songs for you

This is a love song, but it’s not a rollercoaster. It’s not overwhelming or overly-devout as so many love songs can be. It feels like an affection that’s sustainable, steady, and secure.

Strange how a phone call can change your day

Take you away

Away from the feeling of being alone

Bless the telephone

It’s nice the way you say my name

Not very fast or slow

Just soft and low

The same as when you tell me how you feel

I feel the same way too

I’m very much in love with you