Call and Answer by Barenaked Ladies

Album: Stunt (1999)

Charted: 52

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Songfacts®:

This song is about a relationship that didn't work the first time, and now they're trying again. The singer wants his girl to know that if she calls, he'll answer the phone. Not the most romantic sentiment, but at least he's not making her leave a message.
Steven Page sings lead on this track. He wrote the song with Stephen Duffy, who later became Robbie Williams' songwriting partner. Duffy and Page also wrote the Stunt tracks "I'll Be That Girl" and "Alcohol."

Comments: 3

Eric .h.This song pops in my head from time to time. I really feel it. And Steve Page is amazing. Yes a bad relationship. But with who. BNL is great but Page really completes them. Granted it's a new generation now, so even if reunited would? it matter
Junopuff from MississippiI think this song is extremely underrated for a B side. Arguably it could be about a romantic relationship, but if you put it in the context of any close relationship, it describes a pattern that they all often follow.

It starts with how much I would always be there for you, reason aside and devolves into our misguided understanding of each other.

It then explores how those relationships have a tendency to crumble under the weight of familiarity (possibly through blame and misguided assumptions) but how much that doesn't deter the foundation of the relationship in the promise to be forever present regardless of the circumstances (re: the chorus) within reason (i.e. the bridge) and hope, that in a lasting relationship, repair conversations are made to get back to.... the beginning of the song. Like....I think I'm safe in this relationship enough to be myself and the support I extend is expected in return until things strain again.... and hopefully we each own our part and rebuild (re: extro)

Maybe?
Hadley from Auburn, MeI think this song is a heartbreaker...obviously, the woman has screwed him over, and he is willing to take her back to work it out. Of course, there is the caveat that if she does crazy stuff again, he will crucify her.

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