Who's that calling on the telephone
No number's shown
I'm not home
It's someone telling me what I've done wrong
Or what I ain't done
I'm gonna play dumb

I'm fixing to remember who I told to
What I said and where I'd be
I'm in a cab five minutes away
I have to see the doctor today
He says I'm too sick to play

City lies
On your telephone, telephone unknown, hidden from your eyes
It's a price
When you realize, realize this thin disguise
City lies
On your telephone, telephone unknown, hidden from your eyes
Don't let it ring
Till you gotta think I am not in

I listen to that voice on the answering machine
It's awful mean
It's vented spleen
My sensitive valve won't let me go near
It's not just fear
I'm being sincere

A forceful reprimand from someone in authority
Could be the death of me
God damn it, I did it again
Don't want it, never wanted it then
Let down every one of my friends

City lies
On your telephone, telephone unknown, hidden from your eyes
It's a price
When you realize, realize this thin disguise
City lies
On your telephone, telephone unknown, hidden from your eyes
Don't let it ring
Till you gotta think I am not in

Not at home, answer phone
Sorry, sir, stay right there
We appreciate your call
In the meantime listen to the music

City lies
On your telephone, telephone unknown, hidden from your eyes
It's a price
When you realize, realize this thin disguise
City lies
On your telephone, telephone unknown, hidden from your eyes
Don't let it ring
Till you gotta think I am not in

City lies
On your telephone, telephone unknown, hidden from your eyes
It's a price
When you realize, realize this thin disguise
City lies
On your telephone, telephone unknown, hidden from your eyes
Don't let it ring
Till you gotta think I am not in