Some digits are simply too personal to give out to just anyone. Your weight, your address, your cellphone number. Yet, there are some classic rock songs in the history of the genre that simply just give out personal phone numbers to anyone listening for eternity.
Here below, we wanted to explore four such songs that do the insane. A quartet of tracks that indiscriminately share personal digits for all the world—or at least anyone who bought a record or can now stream the tune—to hear. These are four classic rock songs that share personal phone numbers.
[RELATED: No Skips: 4 Classic Rock Albums You’ll Never Have to Fast-Forward]
“867-5309/Jenny” by Tommy Tutone from Tommy Tutone 2 (1981)
Certainly the most famous song to include a telephone number, this track from Tommy Tutone turned the digits into a sticky, catchy hook. The track, which hit No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, sparked an underground movement of people dialing the number and asking for the track’s title character, Jenny. Who knows just how many people had to change their phone lines thanks to this hit single. Though disputed over time, the song’s co-writer Alex Call (ironic name, no?) said Jenny wasn’t real and he just made the number up. Either way, Tommy Heath sings on the iconic offering,
Jenny, Jenny, who can I turn to?
You give me somethin’ I can hold on to
I know you think I’m like the others before
Who saw your name and number on the wall
Jenny, I got your number
I need to make you mine
Jenny, don’t change your number
867-5309
867-5309
867-5309
867-5309
“Don’t Push” by Sublime from 40oz. to Freedom (1992)
This track from the Southern California band’s debut rock-rap-reggae LP 40oz. to Freedom highlights a lot of the themes that would be at play in future tracks, from their love of Bob Marley to having fun to drinking to pop culture and music. But near the end of the song, lead singer Bradley Nowell shares a telephone number (his number?), telling the listener if they want to laugh—want a little friendship—just ring him up. He sings,
I want a lover, but I can’t find the time
I want a reason, but I can’t find the rhyme
And I want to start some static, but I can’t afford
To get slammed to the ground like I fell off my skateboard, hey
Nowadays, as clear as you please
Get strapped with protection, or strap with disease
Laughter, it’s free
Any time, just call me
4-3-9, 0-1-1-6
When you’re down with Sublime, you get
Funky fresh lyrics
You get ‘nough rhythms
“6060-842” by The B-52’s from The B-52’s (1979)
From the quirky rock band’s debut LP, this song is about a woman in a public bathroom who discovers the telephone number of another on the wall. A common occurrence, sure. But when she dialed the number there was no response. What a letdown! Maybe the person was already in some romantic embrace and just couldn’t come to the phone. The band’s frontman Fred Schneider sings,
Tina went to the Lady’s room
Saw written on the wall
“If you’d like a very nice time
Just give this number a call”
It was 6060-842
606 and I’m waitin’ for you
606 and I’m waitin’ for you
“634-5789” by Tina Turner (with Robert Cray) from Tina Live in Europe (1988)
This song, which was first recorded by Wilson Pickett for his 1966 album The Exciting Wilson Pickett, was later included on Tina Turner’s 1988 live album, Tina Live in Europe. That live cut featured singer Robert Cray as a guest vocalist. The amorous song was an entry by one to another for a little loving. If in the mood, the lead singer says, just dial up the number. Together Turner and Cray sing to a screaming audience,
If you need a little lovin’
Call on me…(alright)
If you want a little huggin’
Call on me baby…(mmhmm)
Oh I’ll be right here at home.
All you gotta do is pick up the telephone and dial now
6-3-4-5-7-8-9 (that’s my number!)
6-3-4-5-7-8-9
And if you need a little huggin’
Call on me…(that’s all you gotta do now)
And if you want some kissin’
Call on me baby…(all right!)
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