Playing Telephone

摘要

Apop musician recently reminded me that hit songs aren't only catchy tunes; they are also a barometer of culture. I never expected to refer to Lady Gaga with anything other than casual references to her music or her edgy style (I've heard it called "21st-century Madonna"), but one of her recent songs gave me some pause. The song, "Telephone," has been controversial for its risque video, but its lyrics are a valuable insight into current culture. In it, the protagonist laments her busy social life ("sometimes I feel like I live in Grand Central Station" and "Irncannot text you with a drink in my hand"), while referring to a boy trying to reach her ("blowin' up my phone"), while she's trying to dance.