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