Pink Floyd's Young Lust telephone signalling explained

Pink Floyd's "Young Lust," featured on their 1979 album "The Wall," includes a unique segment where a collect call is made from the U.S. to England. This part of the song has intrigued listeners for decades due to its incorporation of authentic telephone sounds from a transitional period in telecommunications. The call was placed by Chief Engineer James Guthrie from a Los Angeles studio to his London apartment, with his neighbor answering. The operator, unaware she was being recorded, participated in two calls, with the second providing more suitable dialogue. The song captures the multi-frequency signaling used in long-distance calls during a time when the telephone system was shifting from electromechanical to electronic and digital technologies. The sounds heard in the song reflect the complexities of the analog network, including tones that signaled the start and end of calls, as well as the billing process. The analysis of the song reveals specific frequencies and sequences that correspond to the call setup, showcasing the intricate relationship between music and technology. This segment not only serves as a creative element in the song but also as a historical snapshot of the telecommunications landscape of the late 1970s.

- "Young Lust" features a real collect call between the U.S. and England.

- The recording captures the transition in telephone technology from analog to digital.

- The operator was unaware she was being recorded during the call.

- The song includes specific multi-frequency tones used in long-distance calling.

- The analysis highlights the complexity of the telecommunications system in 1979.