When it comes to timeless classics, Todd Rundgren’s “Hello It’s Me” is one of the most recognizable songs in music history. Released in 1972, this track has continued to resonate with people of different ages and cultures, despite being a song that is over four decades old.
Table of Contents
In this article, we’ll be exploring the meaning behind “Hello It’s Me” by Todd Rundgren. From the voice that speaks from loneliness, love, and heartbreak, to the message that Todd Rundgren wanted to convey through his music, we’ll be diving into the song that has become a staple of American music.
Verse 1
“Hello, it’s me; I’ve thought about us for a long, long time; Maybe, I think too much, but something’s wrong”
The opening lines of “Hello It’s Me” introduce us to a voice that is reaching out to an old flame, speaking from a place of loneliness and longing. Todd Rundgren sings about how he’s been thinking about this person for a long time, suggesting that this love is one that has never quite gone away.
In addition, the line “Maybe, I think too much, but something’s wrong” indicates that the speaker is struggling with something and is trying to find solace in their past.
Chorus
“Hello, it’s me; I’ve thought about us for a long, long time; Maybe, I think too much, but something’s wrong; There’s something here that doesn’t last too long; Maybe I shouldn’t think of you as mine”
The chorus of “Hello It’s Me” repeats the opening lines of the song but adds a new layer to the meaning behind the song. The line “There’s something here that doesn’t last too long” suggests that the speaker is aware that this love cannot be sustained forever.
Furthermore, the line “Maybe I shouldn’t think of you as mine” shows that the speaker acknowledges that this love cannot be theirs alone. This line also suggests that the speaker is aware that they need to move on from this love, but they’re unable to do so.
Verse 2
“Seeing you, or seeing anything as much as I do you; I take for granted that you’re always there; I take for granted that you just don’t care”
In the second verse of “Hello It’s Me,” Todd Rundgren sings about the impact this love has had on his viewpoint, and how he now takes things for granted. Specifically, he mentions that he takes for granted that this person will always be there, and that they just don’t care.
This line suggests that the speaker is aware that this person may not feel the same way about them, and this one-sided love is causing the speaker to struggle with their feelings.
Chorus
As in the previous chorus, Todd Rundgren repeats the opening lines of the song with a new layer of meaning and the same refrain. The speaker is still struggling with the idea that they can’t let go of this love and needs to move on.
Bridge
“Why should it matter to me if they don’t approve; Why should it matter to me if you believe; When you see nothing don’t make me a liar; I’d wait for ever if I only could”
The bridge section of “Hello It’s Me” shows the speaker reaching a point of self-acceptance. However, Todd Rundgren still yearns for this person, indicating that it doesn’t matter if others don’t approve of their love. The speaker is determined to hold on to this love, even if it means waiting indefinitely.
Chorus
The final chorus of “Hello It’s Me” repeats the opening lines of the song, bringing us full circle in the story of unrequited love that Todd Rundgren created with this track.
The Inspiration for “Hello It’s Me”
Given the emotional depth of “Hello It’s Me,” it’s not surprising to learn that this song was born out of Todd Rundgren’s own experiences. In an interview with NPR, Rundgren revealed that he wrote this song when he was about 19 or 20 years old, at a time when he was struggling with a broken heart.
Furthermore, in an interview with Rolling Stone, Todd Rundgren revealed that the song was initially a ballad, but it underwent a significant transformation to become the song we know today. He said that he was inspired by “I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher, and he decided to add a more upbeat and catchy melody to make the song more engaging.
The Legacy of “Hello It’s Me”
Despite being over 40 years old, “Hello It’s Me” is still a beloved classic that has touched the hearts of countless fans across different generations. The song has remained a pop culture fixture, appearing in films, TV shows, commercials, and even a line of greeting cards.
But beyond its pop culture status, “Hello It’s Me” holds a special place in music history. It marks the moment when Todd Rundgren transcended from a relatively unknown songwriter to a music legend, showcasing his talent for crafting unforgettable melodies and poignant lyrics.
Furthermore, the song has been covered by various artists, including The Isley Brothers, who brought the track back to the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1974, and Adele, who performed a soulful cover of the song during her 2015 tour.
Closing Thoughts
“Hello It’s Me” by Todd Rundgren is a song that continues to resonate with people of all ages and cultures, touching the hearts of those who have experienced unrequited love and heartbreak. With its poignant lyrics, catchy melodies, and unforgettable chorus, it’s no wonder that this song has become a timeless classic that will continue to connect with audiences for years to come.
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