Party Line

Imagine my surprise when they came down the drive With that big spool of electric wire I didn't understand exactly what they meant But they said when they're finished we can talk with all our friends Right inside our own house without going out Seemed like nothing new but who am I to doubt The magic power of an electric wire Now we're all on the party line I can't hardly get a word in edgewise Everyone's on that party line But no one ever comes to call Why don't you call? We used to chew the fat. Do you remember that? Back when time moved slow as the pine tree sap Seeping up through the boards right here on my back porch You know you used to love the smell of the magnolias in the morning Now you telephone and this don't feel like home Without your foot tapping while I put the coffee on And I can't see your smile through an electric wire Now we're all on the party line I can't hardly get a word in edgewise Everyone's on that party line But no one ever comes to call Why don't you call?