One Call Away

Album: Nine Track Mind (2015)
Charted: 26 12
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This heartfelt song was inspired by a pal of Puth's. The singer told MTV News: "My friend was talking to me about his long distance relationship and how it breaks his heart that he can't see his girlfriend every day, so I wanted to make an anthem for everyone in a long distance relationship or just someone they haven't seen in awhile is just one call away."
  • The song has a gospel flavor, which is not surprising as Puth grew up playing in a church. He recalled to Billboard magazine: "I have perfect pitch. I'd go to church every Sunday and hear the same songs. When the church organist didn't show up, I played the whole mass from memory, and they all praised me for it, and I realized, 'Oh, s--t, I know how to play piano, and I can probably write songs.'"
  • This song was written at a songwriter's camp with contributions from six writers: Puth, DJ Frank E, Shy Carter, Maureen "Mozella" McDonald, Breyan Isaac and Matt Prime. "Charlie is like my little brother," Isaac told Songwriter Universe. "It was one of those nights where everybody had gotten together, and we were sitting by a campfire. It was one of those legitimate campfire songs where the guitar comes out around the fire, with marshmallows roasting. Then the idea started with DJ Frank E coming up with the chords, and everybody kind of pitched in on that song. It turned out to be amazing... I'm really happy about it."

Comments: 2

  • Palesaenhle Marope from MafikengCharlie puth is my Fav singer
  • Olivia from I Dont Have Onei love the song one call away it makes me cry
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Melanie

MelanieSongwriter Interviews

The singer-songwriter Melanie talks about her spiritual awakening at Woodstock, "Brand New Key," and why songwriting is an art, not a craft.

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' Albums

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' AlbumsSong Writing

With the rise of Kindie rock, more musicians are embracing their inner child with tunes for tots - here, we look at pop stars who recorded kids' albums.

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Lori McKenna

Lori McKennaSongwriter Interviews

Lori's songs have been recorded by Faith Hill and Sara Evans. She's performed on the CMAs and on Oprah. She also has five kids.

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie Combination

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie CombinationSong Writing

In 1986, a Stephen King novella was made into a movie, with a classic song serving as title, soundtrack and tone.