Lyrics: Ring Ring
I was sitting by the phone I was waiting all alone Baby by myself I sit and wait and wonder about you It's a dark and dreary night Seems like nothing's going right Won't you tell me honey how can I go on here without you? Yes I'm down and feeling blue And I don't know what to do, oh-oh Ring, ring, why don't you give me a call? Ring, ring, the happiest sound of them all Ring, ring, I stare at the phone on the wall And I sit all alone impatiently Won't you please understand the need in me So, ring, ring, why don't you give me a call? So, ring, ring, why don't you give me a call? You were here and now you're gone Hey did I do something wrong? I just can't believe that I could be so badly mistaken Was it me or was it you? Tell me, are we really through? Won't you hear me cry and you will know that my heart is breaking Please forgive and then forget Or maybe darling better yet, oh-oh Ring, ring, why don't you give me a call? Ring, ring, the happiest sound of them all Ring, ring, I stare at the phone on the wall And I sit all alone impatiently Won't you please understand the need in me So, ring, ring, why don't you give me a call? So, ring, ring, why don't you give me a call? Oh-oh, ring, ring, why don't you give me a call? So, ring, ring, why don't you give me a call? [fade]
Loneliness and Longing: The Mood of the Song
“Ring Ring” beautifully captures the feelings of loneliness and anticipation that come from waiting for a loved one to reach out. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of sitting alone, staring at the phone, and hoping for a call that never seems to come. The repeated refrain of “ring, ring, why don’t you give me a call?” emphasizes the protagonist’s yearning for connection and reassurance. Through simple yet heartfelt words, the song expresses how the absence of communication can lead to uncertainty and sadness.
Unanswered Questions and Heartbreak
As the song unfolds, it delves into the doubts and questions that arise after a sudden separation. Lines like “You were here and now you’re gone / Hey did I do something wrong?” show the vulnerability and confusion of someone left behind. The singer wonders if the end of the relationship was their fault and pleads for forgiveness or even a second chance. This emotional openness gives the song its relatable and enduring appeal.
The Universal Appeal of Waiting
One of the reasons “Ring Ring” resonates with so many listeners is its depiction of a universal experience: waiting for someone who means everything. The anticipation, impatience, and hope that the phone will ring are feelings that transcend time and place. The melody and upbeat arrangement contrast with the lyrics’ melancholy, creating a bittersweet effect that is both catchy and moving.
Song Credits
Songwriters: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Stig Anderson
Release Year: 1973
Label: Polar Music