"853-5937" is a song by English rock band Squeeze released on the band's 1987 album Babylon and On. Released as the fourth UK single and the second US single from the album, "853-5937" was a moderate chart hit in both nations, reaching number 91 in the UK[1] and climbing to number 32 on the US Hot 100 chart and number 38 on the US Cash Box chart.

"853-5937"
Single by Squeeze
from the album Babylon and On
ReleasedDecember 1987 (US) January 1988 (UK)
Length3:21
LabelA&M
Songwriter(s)Glenn Tilbrook, Chris Difford
Producer(s)Eric "ET" Thorngren, Glenn Tilbrook
Squeeze singles chronology
"The Waiting Game"
(1987)
"853-5937"
(1987)
"Footprints"
(1988)

Background

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"853-5937" was written by Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford. The song began life as an answering machine jingle that Tilbrook used, with 853-5937 being Tilbrook's phone number at the time.[2] Despite the song's commercial success, both Tilbrook and Difford have commented on their dislike for the song and have blocked the song from appearing on compilation albums.[3] Difford recalled, "It's a very lame song. I liked it at the time, but you change your mind about how you feel about certain songs."[2]

Music Video

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The music video shows many black and white clips, as well as the band performing in what appears to be the inside of a telephone, as they are surrounded by oversized electronics and circuitry. Bassist Keith Wilkinson can be seen playing an Ormston fretless bass.[4]

Track listing

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  1. "853-5937" (3:21)
  2. "Tough Love" (3:06)
  1. "853-5937" (3:21)
  2. "Tough Love" (3:06)
  3. "853-5937 (Bonus Buff mix)" (3:26)

7" (North American release)

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  1. "853-5937" (3:21)
  2. "Take Me I'm Yours (live)" (4:03)

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "SQUEEZE | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". Official Charts Company.
  2. ^ a b Wiser, Carl. "Squeeze: Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford". Songfacts. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
  3. ^ "853-5937". Songfacts. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
  4. ^ 853-5937 – SQUEEZE