"Answer Phone" by Tom Odell explores themes of loneliness, escapism, and yearning for connection. The lyrics depict the narrator's repetitive cycle of wasting time, engaging in self-destructive behaviors, and feeling disconnected from others.

In the first verse, the narrator acknowledges their tendency to waste their days away and notes how some things never seem to change. This reflects a sense of stagnation and a desire for something different. The reference to being twenty-seven years old suggests a feeling of frustration with their current stage in life. They describe their mind spinning like a satellite, indicating a lack of clarity and focus.

The chorus delves into the narrator's intoxicated and messy state, as if they are trying to escape their reality. Dressing up like it's Halloween implies a desire to be someone different or mask their true emotions. Dancing alone to "Billie Jean" suggests a longing for connection and intimacy, as it is a song associated with romantic connotations. They pray that somebody will take them home, emphasizing their hope for companionship and not having to sleep alone, symbolizing their fear of loneliness.

In the second verse, the narrator expresses their dissatisfaction with their spending habits, particularly on cheap cocaine, further highlighting their attempts to numb their emotions or find temporary distractions. They admit to lacking appetite, possibly indicating a loss of interest or pleasure in life. The line about not wanting to behave tonight suggests a desire to let loose and break free from societal expectations.

Overall, "Answer Phone" conveys a sense of longing for human connection and the struggles of navigating loneliness and escapism. The repeated phrase "Smile, even if you're feeling sad" in the outro serves as a reminder to put on a facade of happiness, even in difficult times, suggesting a theme of masking one's emotions.