National Telephone Day is April 25: This aesthetic image of a payphone invites reflection of a phone’s basic function as we ponder the message in “Bless the Telephone.”[/caption]

Labi Siffre (SIF-ree), an accomplished English musician, singer-songwriter, and poet, has written and performed many powerful and touching songs. His music ranges across genres from funk to folk, reggae, and soul. While his funky electric songs like “I Got The” (famously sampled by Eminem in “My Name Is”) strikes a chord, there’s something uniquely touching about Siffre’s acoustic folk songs.

In BBC’s “Sounding Out” episode (published in February 21, 1972) Siffre explains that he prefers to play guitar without a plectrum (pick) because he feels it creates a barrier between him and the instrument. He prefers to feel the strings and be close to the music.

Likewise, Siffre’s lyrics and voice seem unobstructed. He writes and delivers in such a way that the audience easily gets the message. Siffre’s undeniable authenticity, heartfelt lyrics, and finger-style guitar playing first caught my ear when I heard “Bless The Telephone.”

“Bless the Telephone,” from the album The Singer & the Song (1971), is a sweet and simple folk song about the powerful effect that a short phone call with a lover seems to have. Siffre sings about both the joys of hearing his love’s voice and the mysteriousness of how good it makes him feel. The first A section goes like this:

“It’s nice to hear your voice again/I’ve waited all day long/even wrote a song for you.

It’s strange the way you make me feel/with just a word or two/I’d like to do the same for you.”

The arrangement of the song is as simple as the delivery. Siffre finger-picks the guitar while nearly speaking the song. Each A section varies lyrically, poetically articulating different reasons why Siffre appreciates these calls. The form follows an AABA pattern.

The B section, or bridge, varies in melody, harmony (chords), and rhythm creating a tasteful variation as we reach the song’s peak. He repeats the word “strange” again, further appreciating the mystery of the wonderful effect he feels.

“Strange how a phone call can change your day/take you away/ away from the feeling of being alone/bless the telephone.”

While I needn’t mention that National Telephone Day is April 25 (a day we’ve all been waiting for) “Bless the Telephone” reminds me of the good ol’ days of waiting by the landline for my best friend or crush to call. Or the sweet surprise in my grandmother’s voice when I call her. Or how my mother and I always seem to start our phone calls in a British accent. Or the laughing fit my stepdad and I had when I called the other night.

Labi Siffre reminds us that we don’t have to be close to feel close. Strange how a simple little song can remind us of what matters most.