Exploring 'Western Union' by The Five Americans

About the Song

While the music landscape of the 1960s was bursting with innovation and experimentation, some songs found success by capturing a more relatable experience. “Western Union” by The Five Americans, released in 1967, falls squarely in this category. This catchy tune, which reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, continues to resonate with listeners today due to its relatable themes and infectious energy.
“Western Union” is a song about the anticipation – and potential disappointment – associated with receiving a telegram, a once-ubiquitous form of communication. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the protagonist waking up to find “bad news in his head,” a feeling amplified by the arrival of a telegram – a message that could bring either good or bad tidings, often for a hefty price (50 cents at the time).

The song’s brilliance lies in its simplicity. The driving beat and catchy melody are instantly memorable, while the lyrics, delivered with a touch of playful anxiety by The Five Americans, perfectly capture the emotions surrounding that yellow envelope. Whether it’s news from a loved one, a job offer, or simply the mundane realities of life, “Western Union” taps into the universal human experience of waiting for important information.
Beyond its relatable theme, “Western Union” is a prime example of the tight harmonies and vocal prowess that defined The Five Americans. Their smooth blend and energetic delivery add another layer of appeal to the song, making it both catchy and emotionally resonant.

Although telegrams have faded from everyday use, the song’s message remains timeless. In today’s digital age, “Western Union” serves as a reminder of a bygone era of communication, while still capturing the anticipation and anxiety associated with waiting for important news, whether it arrives by text, email, or social media.

Video

Lyrics: Western Union

[Intro]
*telegraph*
[Verse 1]
Things went wrong today
Bad news came my way
I woke up to find
Oh, I had blew my mind
[Verse 2]
Western Union man
Bad news in his hand
Knocking at my door
Selling me the score
[Verse 3]
Fifteen cents a word to read
A telegram I didn’t need
Says she doesn’t care no more
Think I’ll throw it on the floor
[Bridge]
Got your cable just today
Killed my groove I’ve got to say-ay-ay
[Chorus]
Western Union
(Ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta, ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta
Ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta, ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta
Ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta, ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta
Ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta, ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta)
[Verse 3]
Now, you’ve gone away, and
How it’s sad to say you’ve gone
(Ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta, ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta
Ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta, ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta)
I remember what they said
Now, I’m going out of my head
(Ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta, ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta
Ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta, ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta)
[Bridge]
Telegram just had to say
You’ve learned your lesson all the way-ay
[Organ Solo]
[Bridge]
Telegram just had to say
You’ve learned your lesson all the way-ay-ay
[Chorus]
Western Union
(Ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta, ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta
Ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta, ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta
Ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta, ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta
Ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta, ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta)
[Verse 4]
I’ll be on my way ’cause
There’s another girl for me
(Ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta, ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta
Ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta, ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta)
I’ll be sure of her, and
Things will be as they were
(Ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta, ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta
Ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta, ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta)
[Outro]
(Ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta, ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta)
Western Union
(Ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta, ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta)
Oh, Western Union
(Ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta, ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta)
Western Union
(Ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta, ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta)

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