Lyrics
Guess I should accept the call
Feeling hesitant to answer the call
But I really don't know what to say
Uncertain about what to say
The operator won't let me talk at all
The operator is preventing communication
And she says you want me to pay
Implying a request for payment for communication
Oh well it ain't nothin' new
Nothing surprising, consistent with expectations
It fits right with my picture of you
Aligns with one's perception or image of the person
But tonight you're gonna find out
Implying an upcoming realization or understanding
What these tears are all about
Preparing for the experience of sadness
'Cause This Old Flame went out
Expressing the end of a romantic relationship
You never thought you'd be the one
Unexpectedly finding oneself in a difficult situation
In the darkness now
Metaphorical reference to a state of emotional darkness
I think you know what I'm talkin' about
Belief that the other person understands the situation
This Old Flame went out
Reiteration of the end of the relationship
You went to get cigarettes
Reference to an event from the past
That was last July, you didn't get home yet
Highlighting a prolonged absence
And now you expect me to hear you out
Expectation of listening without interruption
You call me collect, there ain't no doubt
Indication of collect call being made without uncertainty
'Cause This Old Flame went out
Restating the termination of the relationship
You never thought you'd be the one
Surprise at being in a difficult situation
In the darkness now
Metaphorical reference to emotional distress
I think you know what I'm talkin' about
Belief in mutual understanding
This Old Flame went out
Reiterating the end of the relationship
What do you mean, how can I do this to you?
Questioning how the other person feels hurt
Let's not forget who walked out on who
Reminding the other person of their actions
'Cause This Old Flame went out
Reiteration of the end of the relationship
You never thought you'd be the one
Surprise at being in a difficult situation
In the darkness now
Metaphorical reference to emotional distress
I think you know what I'm talkin' about
Belief in mutual understanding
This Old Flame went out
Reiterating the end of the relationship
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