Song Meaning

Nicole Scherzinger’s rendition of "There's Been A Call / It Took Her Three Days" is a masterclass in portraying delusion and desperate clinging to a fading dream. Through Norma Desmond's lines, we see a woman so deeply entrenched in her past glory that she cannot perceive the reality of her present. The initial excitement of "There's been a call" quickly turns to arrogance and self-importance. Her insistence that only Cecil B. DeMille himself is worthy of contacting her reveals a fragile ego desperately seeking validation. This isn't just about a comeback; it's about maintaining a carefully constructed fantasy where she remains a star. The lyrics drip with a sense of entitlement divorced from any current achievement. Joe's interjections provide a stark counterpoint to Norma's grandiosity. His suggestion that she "at least call back" highlights her stubborn refusal to engage with the practicalities of the situation. He sees the potential opportunity slipping away, while she's consumed by the need to control the narrative. The spoken word elements add a layer of theatricality, emphasizing the performative nature of Norma's existence. She's not simply waiting for a call; she's playing a role, reinforcing her own myth. The shift in perspective to Joe's sung narration in "It Took Her Three Days" is crucial. The almost sarcastic tone as he describes her elaborate preparations – consulting astrologers, dressing as a pharaoh, applying excessive makeup – exposes the tragic absurdity of her actions. The "sacrificed a chicken" line adds a touch of dark humor, underscoring the desperation and almost ritualistic nature of her attempts to resurrect her career. The final lines, "Poor Norma, so happy, Re-entering her kingdom," are laced with pity and a sense of impending doom. She's not re-entering a kingdom; she's stepping back into a self-made illusion, destined for a rude awakening. The song, therefore, isn't just about a washed-up star; it's a commentary on the corrosive power of fame and the dangers of living in the past.